Greetings. This past Friday August 11, 2023, we left our house early to go to Villa Altagracia about 2.5 hours away. We had our retreat, and it was the most blessed one. Friday upon our arrival we all went to visit the land that our sister denomination here had just purchased. We planted many fruit trees.
The nights and days were all devoted to praying and following some teachings from a Canadian Pastor, Dr. Bill Dyck.
Villa Altagracia is a small village type of place, a refuge for many Haitian immigrants with no legal papers. Here they tell me that they have many Haitians who need Shepherds. People at the retreat think that God is answering their concerns.
The retreat place has a small one-bedroom apartment they would like to finish for us to move in. We are excited about moving to the countryside. Another part of our job will be to help develop the newly acquired land for a youth camp.
“Transiciones” De la herida a la Vida; del dolor al olor; de la prisa a la risa; del llanto al canto…. de los duelos… a los vuelos…”
“Transitions” a loose translation From wounding to Living; from pain to scent; from “I’m late”to laughter; from tears to singing…. from mourning… to flight…”
“You have turned my mourning into dancing;
you have loosed my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness,
that my glory may sing your praise and not be silent.
O LORD my God, I will give thanks to you forever!”
–Psalm 30: 11-12 ESV
Our first intensive training for the EXIT(Expressive Arts in Transition) Cuba pilot project finished two weeks ago in Matanza, Cuba, but the yearlong practice and supervision process is just beginning. 10 creative and committed leaders will be artfully accompanying various communities throughout Cuba as they implement early intervention practices to help deal with the impacts of trauma.
Due to ongoing trauma, we armor up to protect ourselves, get trapped in the past, and hold stress in our bodies. The arts help us to engage our senses to make sense of our stories, practice presence by staying in the here and now, and move forward in healthy ways as researchers of our own bodies. With a focus on salutogenesis, an approach to human health that examines the factors contributing to the promotion and maintenance of physical and mental well-being rather than disease and pathology, we are learning to ask ourselves, “Where is health
here? What do I need to do that will nurture well-being here?
While in Matanza, we held stories of struggle and strength, we processed grief and frustrations, we sat in silence and song, painted and played, used our imaginations to travel in time and danced out animal strengths that would help us face our daily challenges. Immersed in the beautiful surroundings of the seminary overlooking the sea and shaded by flamboyan trees, we rediscovered the resources around and within us that we already possess. With the accompaniment of the community, one participant was able to name and take steps towards healing a debilitating fear that had plagued them for years. Another embraced a new perspective on a negative bias held and saw the benefits of a “both and” approach. By stepping into the future with a resource from the past and surrounded by friends now, another saw themselves accomplishing a long held dream within the year. These are just a few of the glimpses of transformation that we witnessed together.
I am so grateful for the support of many folks who are making this pilot project a reality. Yim Locke’s name was drawn from the box of gift givers to receive the stained glass art that I made and Barb Shustek’s name was drawn to receive a collage made from the signatures and collaborative painting made by the participants. God works in communities to transform our mourning into dancing and our struggles into strengths.
There’s a woman, who I will refer to as “Jane,” who has been at the breakfast since I first started. When I first began serving, Jane was very standoffish and reserved. She would come to the breakfast, sit at a table, eat her breakfast and leave. She didn’t really say hello or look at anyone. Needless to say, connecting took a long time. A few months ago, Jane was asked to help us serve food. Over these last few months, Jane’s whole demeanor has changed. She comes in smiling, enthusiastic and engaging. It’s been incredible to see such a huge change compared to a year ago.
One of the most incredible things happened recently. Jane came up to me and told me she has been sober for a year now. And then…
Jane gave me a hug.
I couldn’t believe it. She broke the “touch barrier.” I can’t quite describe what the feeling was like, but I can tell you this much. For her to do so, was HUGE.
Here’s why:
The touch barrier is all about how people set boundaries and personal space when it comes to physical contact. It’s influenced by individual preferences, cultural norms, and social expectations. Some people are more comfortable with touch, while others prefer more personal space.
When we think about how homelessness and the touch barrier intersect, a few things come to mind. First, it’s important to recognize that homelessness can greatly affect how someone feels about their personal space and boundaries. Unstable living conditions and being constantly surrounded by crowded shelters or public spaces can make it difficult to maintain the physical distance people want.
People experiencing homelessness are often more vulnerable to physical contact. The power dynamics and increased risk of exploitation or harm on the streets or in shelters can make them more cautious about being touched. This heightened sensitivity to personal space is a way for people to protect themselves.
Society’s perceptions and stereotypes about homelessness can also contribute to the touch barrier. People experiencing homelessness often face stigma and dehumanization, which can lead to social isolation and fewer positive social interactions. Some people hold negative attitudes and misconceptions, viewing those experiencing homelessness as undesirable or untouchable.
To address the touch barrier and support people experiencing homelessness, it’s crucial to promote empathy, understanding, and respectful interactions. Those working with individuals experiencing homelessness, such as service providers, volunteers, and community members, should be mindful of personal boundaries and respect individual preferences regarding touch. Creating safe spaces that foster dignity, trust, and a sense of autonomy can gradually break down the touch barrier and build positive connections.
Thank you, First Baptist Church of Elgin, for partnering with Koinonia House Ministries (KHM) in blessing the families of the men incarcerated at Mississippi State Penitentiary (aka Parchman)! A little over a year ago, Superintendent Marc McClure faced a daunting task when he assumed responsibility for this 22,000-acre property, its 2,500 residents and approximately 800 staff. His wife Lee Ann has joined him in implementing changes to make his vision of bringing hope to Parchman a reality.
One such change is Visitation. In order to encourage more family visits, which have proven positive impact for everyone involved, Superintendent McClure re-opened the Visitation building (pictured above) near the main entrance and refreshed its two large rooms (see next page). Due to security issues, visitors are not allowed to bring anything into the prison, and those with infants are only allowed to bring four diapers, two bottles, one change of baby clothes, one pacifier and diaper wipes in a zip lock bag.
Last April, when KHM visited Parchman and inquired about specific ways in which we might enhance their work, Mrs. McClure shared their desire to refresh the items available to families for use during visits.
On very short notice, First Baptist Church of Elgin responded to this need! Pictured above are the many bags of books, puzzles, crayons, chalk, toy trucks – and more – they provided. KHM’s Manny and Barbara Mill were privileged to personally deliver these items to Parchman in early August.
Thank you, FBC, for helping to build bridges and restore hope for inmate families!
It feels like we have been away as much as we have been home in the last few months. In mid-April, Sam got the opportunity to travel to Chicagoland and share at the 50-year celebration for an organization that had a huge impact throughout her life. Outreach was the community center in Carol Stream where she spent much of her time in grade school, helped her go to camp where she met Jesus, walked with her through traumatic events in high school, and helped her be able to go to college. It was great to be able to be present for the event and for Sam to be able to talk about how this organization saved her life to people who are supporting this wonderful ministry.
Sam recording her story for future promo videos for Outreach
MFI booth – Moody Aviation’s Missions Week
At Missionary Flights, Haiti continues to be an on-going prayer request. Gang activity is on the rise and people are beginning to be fed up. This is leading to people acting out against the gangs and then the gang members retaliating. Please continue to pray for the people of Haiti, that this situation can be resolved, preferably without additional bloodshed. Please also pray for the missionaries to have safety and wisdom as they continue to serve the people of Haiti and point them to Jesus.
James sharing in a breakout session for Moody Aviation’s Missions Week
Sam sharing in a breakout session for Moody Aviation’s Missions Week
At the end of May, Sam and James got the opportunity to spend almost two weeks in Spokane to be able to visit with supporters. It was a wonderful time connecting and updating as we were able. God also orchestrated the trip dates to align with Moody Aviation’s Missions Week. We were able to connect with the Moody students and provide encouragement as they pursue mission aviation as well as share about Missionary Flights. We were blessed by all the opportunities to share while in Spokane and our only regret is that some people were overlooked in our notification that we were coming.
In the interest of improving on that front, we are in the process of finalizing our travel dates for fall. We are planning on being in the Midwest during September and hope to be able to visit with all of those desiring to catch up. Those who receive our newsletter via email, watch your inbox in Mid-August for dates when we will be in your area. We will include the finalized schedule in the September newsletter, but if you want to reach out early and get on the calendar, please let us know.
Thank you for your love, prayers, and support as we serve at MFI.
James and Sam Gabhart
Family News
May was a busy month for our family! Two weekends in a row, we had mud runs. The first was with the youth group kids at Teen Missions on Merritt Island. Their Tough Gator 5k was a huge success for our kids. Chris and Abby ran it this year while Sam and Jonny took pictures. In Sam’s words, she wasn’t going to “punish” her body two weekends in a row doing mud runs. The following weekend, Sam and Abby ran in an all-women’s mud run in Tampa with the Mud Girl. They had such a great time doing that this year that they have tickets to do it again next year. These events are such fun and truly show the progress everyone has been making with becoming stronger!
Chris and Abby at Tough Gator
Sam and Abby post run at Mud Girl
Summer is arriving at Growing Minds Academy, the name of our school. This summer brings us the joy of sharing that Jonny is officially moving on to high school work come fall! This feels huge to us, and truly is an achievement for him. For those unfamiliar with Jonny’s challenges, he battles reading disabilities, as well as learning delays, as a byproduct of his primary disorder, Neurofibromatosis type 1. Also, this next year we will officially have two middle school kids – Chris and Abby met their milestones of moving onto 7th and 6th grade work. As their parents, we are so excited about the next steps as we continue to meet them academically, persevere with them, and to challenge them too. We are so proud of them!
Jonny with his 8th grade completion certificate
Chris and Abby at Tough Gator
This summer also has a lot in store for our kids. First up is youth camp for our boys. The first full week in June, they are off to Student Life Camp with our youth group. Shortly after that will be our church’s High Power Sports Camp and then Vacation Bible School. Summer though won’t be all spent at church. We do want to check out some new beaches we haven’t been to yet, as well as focus on, as a family, finding what truly refreshes our souls so we can start the next school year off well.
Prayer Requests
Prayer for people to fill the open positions at Missionary Flights (Director of Development, Marketing, and Warehouse Assistant)
Prayer for opening of doors for us to share the ministry opportunity with new people
Prayer for the full summer schedule – the ability to participate in the activities as well as the margin to rest around them (in short, a balanced summer)
Prayer for Haiti and the continued turmoil, kidnappings, and hurting hearts and for wisdom and safety for the missionaries continuing to serve there
Prayer for God to bless our ministry partners in their consistency to support the work He is doing
Ministry Update
We are so thankful to all who are following God’s leading in supporting us. We are currently receiving $5,500 (93%) in monthly commitments. We need an additional $400 monthly to be fully supported.
More than one billion people have been affected by violence and disasters around the world. Every day, people affected by a crisis have to make decisions about how to use the skills and resources available to them to best meet their emotional, psychological and spiritual needs. Often there are not enough pastors, psychologists, doctors or counselors to meet the challenges of accompaniment. In addition, in many parts of the world, especially in Cuba, it is difficult to access services in a meaningful way due to distance, financial means and time available. More needs to be done to support and equip leaders who are already providing vital help in their own communities and cultures but lack the formation and practice in trauma-informed support. This July we are planning to launch a pilot project in Cuba, called Expressive Arts in Transition (EXIT) that will provide capacity, confidence and community support for over-extended care providers who come alongside others in situations of crisis.
Survivors of trauma are constantly looking for a sense of home and security outside of themselves. The EXIT program places attention on finding this sense of home internally in the physical body. Based on resilience and growth, the EXIT program started in Norway and is based on longitudinal studies with unaccompanied minors and war refugees from the Balkans. It is an early intervention model, using the expressive arts in trauma-informed ways to provide psychosocial and spiritual support in response to individual and community crisis and transition. My co-facilitator, Shabrae Jackson and I both received our EXIT training and certification from its founder, Dr. Melinda Ashley Meyer DeMott. We hope to train and certify Spanish speaking faith leaders, social service providers and peace builders in the EXIT model so that they can train others in their communities to provide accessible and needed psycho-social-spiritual support for trauma recovery. It will be the first time this internationally recognized program will be offered in Latin America.
Through play, movement and the arts, we will create a space where people can imagine new possibilities and community practices of connection and healing. We will focus on building hope for the future through practices of spontaneity, movement, imagination, commitment, connection, the here and now and both personal and collective responsibility. This project will offer access to practical, arts-based accompaniment skills for faith leaders, community organizers, peace builders, social service providers, health professionals, and university professors from every province of Cuba. The 6-day
intensive training will include community meals, daily group-building, sessions of experiential learning, artmaking, body-based grounding and flexibility exercises, and spiritual reflection as individuals and groups.It is our hope and vision to create a Latin American EXIT (Expressive Arts in Transition) team in the next two years of Latin American leaders who will become trainers of trainers, providing contextual formation for a cadre of expressive arts accompaniers. With learnings from this pilot project, we hope to expand this training to many other Spanish speaking countries.
Access to innovative educational opportunities like this program is beyond the financial capacity of most Cuban citizens where average monthly income does not exceed $150. I am praying and planning to secure funding to provide the week’s room and board ($240 per person) for all participants, making accessible a training opportunity that would not normally be financially feasible for the participants. I’ve already received gifts to cover 4 participants’ food and housing costs. We need 11 more now. Would you consider giving something to make this training possible? I created an original glass art piece measuring 8”X10” to be a reminder of the community effort to support this unique gathering. All gifts of $50+ given to the Cuba pilot project between June 1 – August 1, 2023, will be entered into a raffle to win the art. Until the project is posted on IM’s website, all donations can be made by checks to International Ministries, noting Mylinda Baits Specifics Cuba project or by calling Julie to process your card at donor services 610-768-2314.
A million thanks for caring for this creative as I strive to care for other carers. You make all of the difference.
We have returned to Illinois for our summer home assignment. We are so excited to be home, but nervous, too. Travel can be difficult. Please pray for us!
This is the end of our second 5-year term of service with International Ministries, so we will attend the Conference for Missionaries (known as CFM or “Sea-Foam”) in July. The conference gives us a time of renewal, and we look forward to the next five years in Hungary.
Thank you so much for making this possible!
We reflect with joy over the friendships we’ve made during our 10 years with International Ministries. Your prayers, ongoing support, and project donations have touched countless lives with the love of Jesus.
We are currently 77% of our personal support goal. This is the ongoing support that “keeps the lights on.” While one-time donations are vital to our ministries in the schools in Hungary and communities in Serbia, the ongoing support—pledged monthly, quarterly, or annually—is the key to our presence here in Central Europe.
If you’ve never partnered with us in ongoing support, could we ask you to join us now? Even small amounts given monthly sustain our ministry over the years. If you do give regularly, we would like to ask you to prayerfully consider an increase in your support.
Évzáró: School’s Out for Summer!
My friend and English teacher Csilla leads the 8th grade class into the graduation ceremony
We have completed our 9th school year in Hungary—time flies! I had the privilege of watching these students grow from children into young adults. Thank you for sending us to share God’s love and the English language with them.
One of my 1st-graders drew this—I think it’s pretty good!
Larry loves to visit his Serbian friends
Larry has made several trips to Serbia so far this year, taking firewood, Easter packets (food and hygiene supplies), and his love.
May God continue to richly bless us as we continue sharing his abundant life!
Thank to everyone who has already purchased something off of the Amazon list! The items are making a HUGE difference!
For those who didn’t see the “Call to Action” email I sent out, there are several items that people who are experiencing homelessness need. I’ve created an Amazon list of supplies and I’ve marked some items with priorities.
With Prime Day going on, some of the items are on sale. If you haven’t already purchased something, now is the perfect time! And if you have sent something already and want to send more, please do!
The items will be shipped to me, so I can make sure they get into the right hands.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read this!
Greeting. In 2019, we had a freshman student in the name of Daniel Florica. I had her in one of my classes. One evening she came to our house crying and wanted to quit school.
Why are crying and why do you want to quit studying?
My mother was kidnapped, savagely raped and killed in Port-au-Prince. It was a shock for all of us. We prayed and wrote to you all. Many of you responded positively to our cry for Florica. Today she has graduated with her bachelor’s degree in business Administration. (This was some months ago as the university is shut down)
Graduation in today Haiti in one thing but finding a job is another one.
Following you have Florica’s message of gratitude to each and every one of you for supporting her. Our loose translation follows her message.
Bonswa mommy, kijan nou ye? M ekri nou poum di nou mèsi, mèsi paske Bondye t mete nou sou wout mwen pou nou t ka edem, chemen an te difisil pou mwen, paske se t etap vim t efondre, m t pèdi moun ki t pi chè nan vim lan. Bondye pat kitem konsa, li fèm jwenn yon nouvo fanmi. Konsèy nou banm yo map aplike yo, e yon jou map priye pou Bondye metem nn pozisyon poum k ede lòt yo ki nan bezwen jan kem t ye an. Si se pat nou, madame Roseline tou, m pa konn kisam tap ye. Mwen di nou mèsi anpillllll, e map kontinye priye pou Bondye fè nou menm misyonè avèk tout sipòtè yo viv anpil ane paske travay nou an pa pou granmesi, nou sove vi anpil jèn fi . Nap toujou rete nan kèm, e nou se egzanp ke mwen ap swiv. Mèsi, m renmen nou
Good evening, Mommy Kihomi. How are you? I am writing to express my gratitude to you. God put you on my path to help me on my difficult journey. I lost some dear people in my life, but God did not abandon me. He gave me a new family. Your advice was invaluable to me, and someday I hope to be in a position to help others in need, just as you helped me. Without you and Mrs. Roseline,(Nzunga’s university assistant) I don’t know where I would be today. I thank you from the bottom of my heart and will continue to pray for God to bless you missionaries and all your supporters with life for many years to come. Your work is meaningful, and you save the lives of many young girls. You will forever be in my heart, and you are the example I will follow. Thank you, I love you.
Yours,
Nzunga & Kihomi
Dear Supporters,
You may remember Florica’s plight. She lost her mother, her financial support and her home in one violent night. Many of you jumped in to help and now you can see the outcome of your love. I’ve said this many times, supporting the work of Nzunga and Kihomi is not in vain but pays dividends many times over. Thank you.
In early March, after walking my living labyrinth planted with three kinds of bulbs, these words came to me:
Barefoot, cold penetrating the soles of my feet, I walk gingerly on the path formed by wooden rounds, circling slowly towards the center where I’ll sit for a minute or so. Each day, a new green sprout reaches upward, a bit too slowly for my taste. I want to see more progress, a bloom, and evidence of life. Yet, the slow growth grounds me in a way. I am held in patient pause, forced to look for the small, incremental shifts that escape my gaze when I’m in a hurry. With each step I notice the clutter of fallen leaves slowly decomposing, tree limbs tossed onto the path by winds of the night, footprints of deer passing through. I try not to be annoyed, the constant maintenance of the perfect path is wearying. I fight the urge to declutter, moving forward, noticing, naming, but refusing to stay stuck. Hugging the curves, tender green shoots of the bulbs I planted are emerging with the promise of more. I smile remembering how shriveled and dead looking they were in the Fall. Now they are changing, transformed by some miraculous organic process that I barely understand. I see the signs, glimpses of life, they draw me further in. I am captivated, caught, coerced to keep moving, slowly, one step at a time. The mystery of what is coming, the colors that will eventually emerge, the hope of beauty on the brink of bursting open. I can’t wait, but I must. There is a mix of bulbs planted. I arrive at the center, surrounded by daffodils, not yet blooming, but easy to imagine their yellow heads soon popping out from their green hoodies. The hyacinths are forming in the fractal way they do, to line the straight paths towards and away from the center. The surprises that await me most are the irises that line the edges of each concentric circle leading to the center. I found them on the side of the road, generously offered by a kind stranger. Ten bags overflowing with random rhizomes waiting to be planted, tended and then welcomed in all of their glory. I won’t know for a while what exactly they will look like. Until then, I’ll walk, I’ll wait, I’ll hope.
Now it’s April of 2023. As the rains continue to fall in between moments of sunshine and a warming wind, I see signs of life unfolding. This living labyrinth that I planted last October has survived the six month mole burrowing, deer munching challenges of its natural canvas. The wooden rounds are a bit wonky, but the path is still clear. The clover planted in the Fall is patchy and interspersed with volunteer unknown forest “weeds” that seem to grow unaided this time of year. I’ve decided to wait and see what comes as the sunshine and growth increase. This experiment of mine has taught me a few lessons about waiting and continues to spark my curiosity with each new contemplative wander. I wonder if I should plant more early bloomers in between the irises so there are flowers blooming around the path all season long or if it is enough to know that more blooms are coming, thus embracing the wait. I wonder if the deer will leave the iris flowers to bloom since they’ve already munched on the greens. I wonder if there will be enough for all of us. Enough nibbles and enough beauty for both? I know there are no guarantees, and yet I’ll choose to hope. I am learning to notice the small shifts both on and in the path and in me. I am learning to love what comes without trying to control the outcome. I am learning to appreciate the slow ripening of time, the shifting soundscape of migrating birdsong, and the surprising encouragement of uncertain survival. I can’t wait to see, smell and feel the glory in the round, in full blooming, brilliant color. Yet, I must. When it finally comes, I’ll be ready. I’d love you to come by for a wander and a welcome, but if you can’t, I’ll share some pics soon.
