The blog on this page contains messages from Sam. Check back often to get the latest on his ministry in Haiti.
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To all of you who sent special gifts and prayers for the hurricaine victims down here many, many thanks!
The people are in awe of your generosity and gesture of Christian solidarity!
They of course delegated me to send this message of THANKS to you all.
One outstanding gift was a large container sent by ship from Cayman that had a huge amount of clothing, food and other
items much needed and greatly appreciated. Many thanks to Pastor Louis Sully and Thomas Myles who came from Grand Cayman
to get the Customs to give us the stuff. Its sad to say but the Customs employees pilfered some of the objects.
Now the Church Committee of Dariol Church will decide how best to distribute everything.
Just in case you heard about the school building that collapsed killing a number of children in PAP, it was not
one of mine. I'm very far from there. I had preached on Martin Luther and the Reform of the church last Sunday
and was going to do so again today, but this accident needed to be talked about.
I used Luke 13:1-5 as it addressed questions that arise when something bad happens. I focused mainly on the kids
sitting in front of me and talked about the necessity of inviting Jesus into our hearts while we are able. When I finished
I invited any child who wanted to ask Jesus into their heart to come forward. About 20 did so. I had them repeat a simple
prayer after me--it was wonderful!
How are things here after 4 hurricaines hit us? Its only now that the roads are repaired and traffic has resumed.
Prices are still very high causing ucertainty among the poor. But God is providing and no one is starving. If
the weather holds, there should be a good harvest here in Dariol. Unfortunately the higher elevations got hit harder
by the winds and many of their crops got destroyed.
Alot of food aid has arrived in the area so that will help for awhile. The Radio Station and clinic are fine and
none of the schools I helped were damaged--Praise God!
You are looking at a miracle. Im doing this blog entry while Im sitting in front of my laptop in Dariol!
Im the only person for miles who is on the internet. Its been a long time in trying to organize it. The weather,
the roads, the fact that I had to get a technician from all the way from Port-au-Prince and had to get a 6 Ft. dish ...boy,
what a hassle, but its worth it!!! My email address is samrice@gospelgrowers.org-- drop me a line. I may sometimes have problems with my electricity as I use a solar panel--cloudy days. But
Im checking on a small generator to supplement.
Well, after a wonderful and noneventful flight from Pittsburgh to Miami, and then to Port-au-Prince, my first problem
was that the flight I had intended to take from PAP to Cayes had been cancelled . I had to wait 8 hours until they had
another flight at 4 pm. This flight was also almost cancelled as there were only 4 passengers, me included. As
it turned out this was God's grace as Monday there was a general strike over hunger issues and nothing was opened and nothing
moved. There were flaming barricades in Cayes. Tuesday seemed quiet so we quickly went into town to do urgent
business. By God"s grace again, as soon as we got back to the house things got ugly in Cayes again-- UN troops and Police
restored order. I was hoping to make a run to Dariol around noon when we got word that Hurricaine Gustav was bearing
down on the S. coast near Dariol. We decided to wait things out in Cayes. Good thing we did! The hurricaine
smashed into Haiti uprooting and breaking trees, washing away fields of crops and damaging huts (not to mention my porch which
flew away like Dorothy's house in the Wizard of Oz). So far we hear of 25 deaths in the area of Cote de Fer--could be
more. The town of Cote de Fer which sits by a river on the coast was inundated and in a number of places the road
to Dariol was washed out--the only way in is by foot. There are going to be even more people hungry now as the crops
they were hoping for nolonger exist. If ANYONE could help we would appreciate some help with food relief which in a
short time will be needed. So, for the moment I sit cooling my heels in Caye--all we got here was a ton of rain,
but no damage. The government can hardly do anything in the face of such a catastrophe. I believe the Lord will
provide for the Haitians and I want to do what I can also.
Well, this time it looks to be the right time,this time. I'm scheduled to depart for Haiti Sunday morning.
The flight is an early one so I'll be overnighting in Miami. I hope to get in between the storms. At this time
of year you have to dodge hurricaines. It will be good to see everyone there again. I have had a wonderful stay
and its hard to leave my Mom, but she understands. Keep us in your hearts and prayers. You will be in ours.
blessings sam
"All things work together for good,..." Romans 8:28
WELL, as usual my trip back to Haiti has met a snag- Hurricaine FAY. It does seem to have become routine now that
each time I am sceduled to return this happens. Oh well, when you are walking the path of life by faith and
not by sight, Romans 8:28 becomes one of your favorite verses. This world is so uncertain, its good to know our Lord
has all things in His hands and that He is doing things with a plan in mind... so sit back and leave the driving to Him!
Well, by God's grace its been a wonderful time of visiting, sharing and renewing contacts, but the time has arrived
for me to return to my post in Haiti. For the last few weeks I've been getting calls and email msgs from down there
inquiring as to WHEN I was going to get back. All the reports I have received have been positive. The Radio Station
is broadcasting and getting ready to celebrate another year of service to the people of south Haiti. The clinic is at
work although we lost the sevices of the practical nurse as her husband was transferred but the registered nurse is
doing fine. The schools are gearing up to start a new school year which starts in September. The Pastors Bible
seminars continue to aid the Church leaders of the Cote de Fer area. The new churches recently started are growing in
maturity. Praise God for what he is doing in Haiti through Gospel Growers. Many Thanks to you all who make this
possible by your generosity and prayers in our behalf.
Today I am on my way to Texas to visit a few churches that support my ministry. On May 14 I will be at Jones Creek
Presbyterian Church.
Saturday morning at 9 am will find me visiting with the faithful group of ladies who named themselves "Sam's club".
Sunday May 18 I will be worshipping the Lord at Churchill Baptist Church and attending evening service at Trinity Baptist
in Smithville. Then on 21 May I will pay a visit to Rosanky Baptist. Sunday May 25 will be spent at First
Baptist of Smithville. From 27 May to June 1 I will be visiting with my sister and her family at Southlake, Texas.
There won't be much time at home as I will be flying to Grand Cayman and fellowshipping with the people of Elmslie United
Memorial Church. I will be there from 4 June to 12 June.
The weekend after that I will be at Lanes Mills United Methodist Church near Brockway, PA.
The weekend after that 22 June I hope to be with Larry and Phyllis Norman in Heltonville, IN. While there I will
attend Fairview Community Church.
As you can see the next weeks will be very busy for me but there will be much joy getting together again with faithful
friends and supporters of Gospel Growers. Please pray that the LORD will bless these trips and grant us traveling mercies
as we go.
Businessmen/women are always searching for that one stock tip that will yield them enormous profits. Great sums
are made buy brokerage houses because people wish to "make a killing" from the stock market. However, frequently these
attempts to get rich quick prove to be disappointing. I am offering an unbelievable opportunity to make an investment
that can 't go wrong--an investment that will yield incalculable spiritual riches --investing in the life of a child!
The Bible tells us that a soul is priceless. Helping to educate children and leading them to Christ will yield the sponsor
a spiritual bonanza both in this life and the life to come.
At present Gospel Growers assists 11 Christian schools through its child sponsorship program. I have a waiting
list of schools desperately needing assistance to remain open so that they can continue to help poor Haitian children to realise
their lifes potential . Because these schools are Christian there is the most important advantage in that these kids
can also be led to Christ. I need sponsors for 100 children so that this Fall of 2008 at least 5 schools will be able
to educate/evangelise a new generation of potential Christian leaders for Haiti, the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere.
Won 't you consider becoming an Investor? I have photos of these kids and am needing sponsors--contact me through
my email address samrice@gospelgrowers.org and may GOD BLESS YOU!!
On April 21st I was invited to a meeting of Mizpah a ladies group who meets every third Monday at Greenstone United Methodist
Church. After a meeting and a snack I was allowed to share about current events in Haiti and give a ministry update.
Thanks to the ladies of Greenstone for the warm welcome and encouragement!
Yesterday I attended Sunday Service at Mt. Zion Baptist Church to worship and adore our Lord with the wonderful brothers
and sisters of that dynamic fellowship. The message was given by Pastor Kevin Lee who is an assistant Pastor of a Baptist
church in Rochester, PA. Afterwards there was a dinner provided by the deaconesses and deacons of the church. What a wonderful
time of fellowship and renewing contacts with Christian friends!
Time marches on! Tomorrow I will celebrate my 55th Birthday!
President Preval has replaced the former Prime Minister of Haiti with an economist named Ericq Pierre. Hopefully
the severe economic problems that Haiti is suffering from will be addressed. Acoording to my friends down there there
are nolonger food riots going on and a calm has been restored for the present.
On April 12 I was able to visit with George and Joyce Rodgers in Harmony,PA. They took me to a Gospel music concert
in Meadville, PA on Saturday night. The group which sang was the Booth Brothers. They were fantastic! Ronnie Booth
from the group donated 5 of their CDs to our Christian Radio Station in Haiti. If you havent ever heard them I encourage
you to do so--you will be gratly blessed. Pray for the Booth Brothers as they are frequently on the road doing concerts.
On Sunday morning I was able to visit Harmony/Zelienople United Methodist Church. I shared news about Haiti at
both morning services and also spoke during Sunday School. Thanks to Pastor Rich and the wonderful Christians at HZUMC
for their warm welcome!
Apparently the food riots in Haiti have stopped for the moment. The President is apparently going to dismiss the
Prime minister. Pray that the Haitian leaders will do something to help Haiti get through this difficult moment.
While in Pittsburgh I will be worshipping at Greenstone UMC. Hopefully I can arrange to visit other churhes during
my stay.
Well, after a year and a half being in Haiti I finally touched down on US soil as of April 1. Anyone wishing to
contact me here in the states can call 412-766-9162 or continue to send email msgs to samrice@gospelgrowers.org. I will be making the rounds visiting different churches and supporters during my stay.
Things in Haiti were grim as I was leaving. Food prices have doubled since last year at this time. Last Friday 4 people
were killed in hunger riots in Cayes. Please pray for God to intervene.
On the spiritual front great things are happening. We are in the process of planting 3 new churches in areas to
the east of Dariol where there are few Protestant churches. There is a greater interest in hearing God's word.
Please let me hear from you while Im here. Blessings SAM
I want to thank the Lord always, for leading certain people along my life's path. Among those who have had a large impact on my life and Ministry are
Bob and Angie Braman. It's hard to separate them and talk of one and not the other! They go together like salt
and pepper shakers.
Whenever Bob and Angie came with a work team to see me at a project site, it was always a
time of spiritual refreshment and encouragement. In 2002, Bob and Angie got Gospel Growers Inc up and running and many
Haitians have benefited as a result.
Now it seems the Lord has seen fit to take one of the members of that incredible
duo. Considering the physical problems and alternatives, it seems that the Lord in his wisdom knew best. It will
be a huge hole to fill in the Ministry and only the Lord knows what will happen. But it's right to celebrate and be
thankful for Bob's life and fruitful service for God's kingdom. We must pray that Angie will find peace and courage
to continue the work as God gives her strength. (Philippians 4:13)
Thank you Bob and Angie for your sacrifices and
support for the Gospel Growers Ministry. Thank you, Lord, for the blessed friendship and partnership that I have had
with Bob over the years. What a happy day it will be when we all meet together again in heaven.
October 19-26 we were happy to receive a mission team from Fairview Community Church which is located near Bedford, Indiana.
The mission team was headed up by Mr. and Mrs. Larry Norman and consisted of 4 men and 4 women. The team was housed
in the Hozana Guest House
in Charpentier, Cayes.
Team meets with church committee.
Their objective was to build some tables and chairs for the kids at Carlos' orphanage. They also brought assorted
gifts, clothes and other items which were joyfully accepted. Under the able supervision of Emma Hamilton the 4 men (Larry
Norman, Garry Norman, Dick Cameron and Dean Davidson) built the tables and chairs according to designs drawn up by Emma.
Ladies examine table made for orphans.
Communion table and lectern made for church.
Benches and tables made by workteam.
Vicki Norman, a registered nurse, examined the kids physical conditions. As a result, 5 of them were taken to a
clinic and treated for various complaints.
Mrs. Larry Norman (Phyllis) and Mrs. Garry Norman were also involved in
all the team's activities.
The week also included attendance at Sunday services and Thursday night service with the
church which meets in my rented house. The team met with the church committee and discussed the great need of the church.
Land to build a place to meet. Prayers for the Lord's intervention were said. The team also presented a communion
table and lectern, which they made, to the church which was very grateful.
All in the week went very well. We
encourage other churches to send mission teams to share their faith and talents with the good people of
Haiti. Should you wish to do so, please contact me.
Orphans imprint hands with paint for a banner.
Kids receive gifts.
Kids coloring while using tables and benches made by the team.
These photos show some kids and adults who benefited from the clothes sewn and sent by the Ladies of First Baptist Church
of Smithville, Tx. They were distributed to the people of Sauvage Church.
These two young men are the one's who the police falsely arrested while they were on their way to Cayes on July 9.
They are church members and baptised believers in Jesus Christ. Chilet (with the beard) is a great help to me in performing
tasks important for the mission. Judy Bucher of Monclona, OH, helped pay for him to learn his trade-iron mongery.
The other young man, Eriel, helps in our child sponsorship program. His brother, Jean Robert, who accompanied them was shot
4 times by the police. Not wanting to be punished for killing an innocent person, the police manufactured lots of false evidence
to put them in the right.
The boys were beaten and abused.
Gospel Growers helped to secure legal representation
for the boys. For the 17 days of their captivity, they were in three different jails.
But God had the last word in
this affair! Acts 12:5- everyone I could think to contact was asked to pray! Miracle - 17 days later the boys were loosed.
No compensation was given and money they had on them at the time of arrest was not returned.
Continue to pray as the
body of Eriel's brother is still being held.
These recent pictures were at the anniversary celebration for Radio Semence, the Christian Radio Station we founded. It is
now 5 years since Semence has been broadcasting the Gospel of Jesus Christ through preaching and Christian music.
Radio Semence emits from its new building from Corail Lerisson in the mountains near Cote de Fer.
The station is powered by a diesel generator.
Our staff is volunteer as no funds are yet available to compensate these wonderful young men for their time and talent.
Please pray that we will secure funding to help us function more efficiently and to provide better service.
These recent pictures are of the damage to the school at Cavalier where we sponsor about 20 kids. Hurricane Dean passed
through 19 August causing damage to buildings, trees and crops. We hope to have repairs done so the school can open
in September. Please pray for the people of the Caribbean affected by this storm.
This is a picture of the new addition to the school buildings at Dariol finally finished after a long period. It was sponsored by Mr. and Mrs. Tony See of Mt. Holly,
New Jersey and will help the school to accommodate more students.
These 4 pictures were taken at a leadership seminar recently held and sponsored by " Youth in Action" a group which Gospel
Growers encourages and supports.
Everyone was pleased to have been invited and to have participated.
This picture shows the youth President David Exane starting the seminar.
Here are the pastors and the youth leaders who participated in the seminar.
This is the executive committee of Youth in Action.
Here is the festive table prepared for the Agape meal which closed the 2 day seminar.
for leading certain people along my life's path. Among those who have had a large impact on my life and Ministry are
Bob and Angie Braman. It's hard to separate them and talk of one and not the other! They go together like salt
and pepper shakers.
Orphans imprint hands with paint for a banner.
Kids coloring while using tables and benches made by the team.
They are church members and baptised believers in Jesus Christ. Chilet (with the beard) is a great help to me in performing
tasks important for the mission. Judy Bucher of Monclona, OH, helped pay for him to learn his trade-iron mongery.
The other young man, Eriel, helps in our child sponsorship program. His brother, Jean Robert, who accompanied them was shot
4 times by the police. Not wanting to be punished for killing an innocent person, the police manufactured lots of false evidence
to put them in the right. 
These recent pictures were at the anniversary celebration for Radio Semence, the Christian Radio Station we founded. It is
now 5 years since Semence has been broadcasting the Gospel of Jesus Christ through preaching and Christian music.
The station is powered by a diesel generator. 
Our staff is volunteer as no funds are yet available to compensate these wonderful young men for their time and talent.
Please pray that we will secure funding to help us function more efficiently and to provide better service.
This picture shows the youth President David Exane starting the seminar.
Here are the pastors and the youth leaders who participated in the seminar.
This is the executive committee of Youth in Action.
Here is the festive table prepared for the Agape meal which closed the 2 day seminar. 
