God is Working!

We have news from Haiti quite often. We just received great news. During the Fasting and Prayer, plus some days after that many people have been saved in our villages.

For instance, in Cavalier 15 people were saved. In Marche Kabrit, 8 people were baptized yesterday morning. This is our most difficult village, and a small one. So this is great news from that village! In Mayette, there have been 20+ people who have given their lives to the Lord.

Following is a great story: Jean, the Snake (as he is called) is well know in many villages, as he is a truck driver. He attended one of the services in Mayette. He told them he cannot yet commit his life for the Lord as his "house is too dirty".

So he left for Port au Prince, and took all the images that he had in his house used in Voodoo. Then he went back to the village, not stopping in Mayette, but on to Meteye (his home village) and also took the images in his house there. He returned to Mayette with the villages and made a bonfire, bitterly crying for his sins. He confessed in the church that he had made a contract with demons.

He gave his heart and life to the Lord that day. Some days later, Pstr. Gary had a meeting with the new believers, and Jean took a motorcycle from Port au Prince so he would not miss the meeting. Now he is no longer Jean, the Snake, but Jean a child of God!!

Please pray for Jean and all the other new believers.

We continue to have pain, thank you for your continued prayers on our behalf.

Pray for Patrick as he preaches tomorrow morning.

We are so encouraged by your notes, love and prayers. Know this, we pray for you too.

Remembering

Today we remember how Haiti was, and how it isn't anymore

Today we remember those who have lost so much. We remember those who are now sleeping in tents, under a sheet in their yard. We remember those who have 30 people living in their house because they have no place to go. We remember those who have no clothes because "looters" took things before they could claim their belongings. We remember families who now have little food in the villages because so many from the city have now moved in.

We remember God has put us in a position to pray, heal and learn. We know God has called us to a greater work still.

We remember that we are unable to do this work in our own strength. We remember God is our strength and through Him all things are possible.

We remember those who do not know Jesus yet. We remember that God loves them. We need to share His love with them. This is our Great Commission: to go into all the world to teach all nations...

Are you ready to join us in this great commission?

Pray for those who are suffering so much in Haiti.

We pray God blesses each of you.

In the Night Watch

Psalm 63:6-8 "When I remember thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the night watches. Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice. My soul followeth hard after thee: thy right hand upholdeth me. Tonight sleep eludes me once again. The sweet music of my husband's snores means one thing, his pain has subsided enough that he can rest and sleep. I praise God for that. Although my pain is still throbbing, I have the promise that I can and will rejoice because my help is in the shadow of His wings and His right hand upholds me. Oh how sweet is my God! His hand and the shadow of His wing carried me out of the rubble, onto the hospital parking lot and on to the plane and hospital. How many times have I decided to leave the protection of the shadow of His wing! I trust this recent experience has taught me never to forget the preciousness of His protecting wing and the comfort of His hands. Let us not waste our pain. I want to learn from it. We have prayed often for God to heal us from the pain, but He has chosen to let us experience it yet. Isaiah 40:31 "But they that wait UPON THE LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." I trust your night was sweet with sleep and rest. God bless you. Pray for Patrick for strength as he is scheduled to preach the next several Sundays.Pray for Pat and Nate as they travel here to visit Rachel and us. They should arrive on Sunday.

Concert

THERE WILL BE A BENEFIT CONCERT FOR BARB & PATRICK LATAILLADE, SUNDAY, MARCH 28, 6:00 PM...BAYSHORE MENNONITE (near Jungle Gardens off US 41) DAWN MCCLENDON, RANDY ESTELLE, JOHN SKORSKI, NANCY KENNEY, AMY TURON, AND A HOST OF OTHER GREAT WORSHIPPER/MUSICIANS...A NIGHT OF PRAISE/WORSHIP AND MORE

We get daily calls from Haitian friends. A town before Mayette is almost deserted now. Most houses are either collapsed or cracked beyond safety. A pastor friend of ours in that town lost his house. We have contacted a friend in Haiti who may be able to get tents from the military for that area.

There are still tremors/quakes. Yesterday there was a stronger one again. Seems there is no end to the after shocks. People are afraid. We know there are many people praying on behalf of Haiti. Some days we hardly know how to pray.

We hope to see those who are local at the concert.

Continue to pray for relief from the phantom pain. Cold damp weather makes it worse. Pray for those in Haiti who are amputees and have phantom pain and do not understand it at all.

Pray for those who are hungry and homeless in Haiti.

Thank you for your continued love and prayers. May God bless you each one

Praise the Lord

Psalm 147:1 , 5 "Praise ye the Lord; for it is good to sing praises unto our God; for it is pleasant; and praise is comely. Great is our Lord, and of great power; his understanding is infinite."

I woke up this morning with "Praise the Lord", and thinking it strange since the night was quite painful. But not to worry, His understanding is infinite. So is there reason for this pain? Perhaps. We constantly remember the thousands of amputees now in Haiti, and having no explanation for the phantom pain. Being the superstitious people that they are, we can only imagine what they are believing about their new unexplained pain.

We are excited for the day. Our very dear friends from Haiti, Eris and Miriam Labady, are coming to visit us. It will be so good to hear stories from someone who also was in Haiti at the time of the quake. They have been able to serve, comfort and help others who suffered through the quake.

We pray you each will have a wonderful day with Jesus today!

Sunday Message

We are so thankful the Lord gave us strength to attend Eastgate Fellowship yesterday. You may find the message Patrick preached on the following site: http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/4904037

Thank you Kaeli! You are so special. Kaeli is a 3 year old beautiful girl, we met yesterday in church. She had an envelope, one for Patrick and one for me. Her mother told us that everyone was ready to go to church when Kaeli ran back to her room and returned with the envelopes. They had some coins from her piggy bank. She prays for us every day. If her parents forget to pray, she reminds them. God has His little angels among us.

We are so blessed to have Joan and Kaye to help us in our time of need. Joan is sharing her home with us while we heal. She spoils us immensely. Kaye is on the spot when we need a hand, a vehicle for appointments. She is a "backbone" for Rachel and Agape. Rachel and Agape also pitch in to help. We are so blessed.

It is a bit difficult to "stay still" when we hear of the great needs in Haiti. We are so thankful for the many others who are in Haiti helping in this critical situation. We may not be able to help physically, but we can pray.

Have a great day with Jesus!!

After Shocks

Yes, Haiti is still having physical aftershocks, but there are spiritual "after shocks" happening as well. Last week there was a 3 day national fasting and prayer. On day 3, the President announced that he will go 5 days. So the village of Mayette, where we had the first church plant, also went 5 days. On day 5, 20 young people gave their life to the Lord. What great news!! So there wasn't only an earthquake, but now there are "heart quakes".

Phantom pain hangs on. It is so interesting that God has designed such an intricate network of the nervous system that until now, doctors haven't found a cure for phantom pain. Prayer, change positions, heat pads, diversion (playing games), anything that can divert attention from the pain. Right now, it is spending time with a long time friend from NY who flew in yesterday to visit. Patrick was his mentor/teacher for many years in Haiti.

It took this visit for him to believe that we really are ok. Many haitians here in the states had first heard that Patrick had died in the quake and I was critically injured. He was prepared to cry at our "pitiful" condition, but had no reason to cry, he found us the friends he knew, only missing a couple limbs.

Pray for the new young Christians to grow in the Lord, and learn to be warriors on the spiritual battlefront.

Pray for Patrick as he preaches tomorrow.

`

May God bless you. We pray for you.

Comparing our sufferings

Romans 8:18 "For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us."

Every day there is pain. Jeremiah suffered immensely in his life, yet he saw God's compassion and faithfulness new every morning. We, too, make a choice. We can choose to complain or to be thankful. We remember that our suffering is nothing compared to eternal Glory spent with our Father!

Patrick remembers asking God to take his life when he was in the "hole". The pain was unbearable, yet he sang "God is so good". In ICU, several times, we thought we are losing him, yet God chose to spare his life.

So now we must move ahead, we must press on. We are thankful that Patrick is able to preach again. I, Barb, am sharing in Ladies' groups. Preach, rest, preach, rest, doctors appointments, rest.

There is a haitian proverb that says "piti, piti zwazo fè nich" "Little by little the bird makes its nest". That's us, bit by bit we will be healed and well and back on our feet again.

Is it Worth it?

The Quake? The pain? People lost their lives? The country lies in ruins? Surgeries, doctor visits, one leg gone, one arm missing? Is this worth it?

Yesterday 20 young people in Mayette alone gave their lives to the Lord. Their parents are angry about this, but it doesn't matter to them. We have not had news from other villages, but this is great news!!

If it takes a quake to shake the nation to turn towards God, then yes it is worth it!

Souls for eternity!!

The nation of Haiti had a 3 day national Fasting and Prayer, but President Preval continued the fast for 5 days!! We trust people will turn their hearts toward God and continue to serve Him.

We continue to have doctors visits, and have had our first visit with the Orthotics doctor. Within a month, Patrick will be ready to start the process for a prosthetic arm. I will need a bit more healing time. We are excited to see the progress. We are still experiencing a lot of pain, but know time will heal.

Without each of you, giving us encouragement and your prayers this recovery time would be more difficult. Thank you and may you each know how very much God loves you.

Current Address

People are still inquiring for an address where to send mail. Please send mail to the following address until further notice:

Patrick & Barb Lataillade

% Joan Breault

295 North Hickory Street

Monticello, Florida 32344

For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:20.

What is my purpose for getting out of bed this morning? I am God's workmanship, He has prepared me beforehand that I should walk in Him, even with one leg. What a privilege to serve a God that loves me so much that He has already gone the path I will be "hopping" today.

Yesterday was a big day. Two very long appointments. One was the orthodic doctor and we talked about prosthesis. He was such an encouragement. He is a christian and has a prosthesis himself. While there, we met a young man who is a double amputee, but is getting around great on his prosthetic legs. It was great to meet him. The doctor is sure that once I have my prosthesis I will hardly be considered handicapped. I can drive!! Watch out!! :)) I am not quite ready for the prosthesis yet, more healing to be done.

Patrick is ready to start his prosthesis, but it will be a bit more difficult to learn to use. But learn, he will. While he is learning, he will use the time to preach wherever he is invited to share the Word.

We love you all. Thank you for your prayers.

New Every Morning

Today we were blessed with internet service again. We regret we have been unable to be in touch with you.

We will begin to write daily posts as often as possible.

We have relocated from Miami to Tallahassee, and are busy with doctors appointments and "mirror therapy".

Praise God Patrick was able to share a message on Sunday.

He spoke out of the book of Lamentations and of Jeremiah.

Lamentations, a book of funeral songs, written after the destruction of Israel, parallels how we feel when looking at the destruction of Haiti.

In the middle of his description of suffering, devastation and pain, Jeremiah says that God's mercies are new every morning. He proclaims the goodness and faithfulness of God within suffering.

How blessed would we be if we could do the same. As Patrick said on Sunday, " God never promised that we would get to heaven with all four limbs!" God never said life would be easy... But He does say that His compassion is new EVERY morning.

Let the church endeavor to become a people that would stand (whether on one leg or two :)!!

... in the trials that life may bring and say "God is so good".

Earthquakes happen...Walls fall...Buildings crumble...Life changes.

BUT... the goodness of God always, always stays the same!

Take-off day

Today is for resting to prepare for traveling this afternoon. Rachel and Kaye left this morning for the 8 hour drive to Tallahassee. They should be there by the time we arrive by plane. We are trusting God for His power and restful spirit during this transition.

The healing process is going so well. Monday we have our first doctor's appointment in Tally. There will be many to follow.

Please pray for our travels. Pray the pain would be less intense.

We want you to know that we may miss a few days on the blog, we may not have internet access until Monday.

See you then!

We love you all.

Barb and Patrick's new address at the home of their friend Joan will be...

295 North Hickory Street

Monticello, Florida

32344

As Barb and Patrick will be very engaged with doctor visits, physical therapy,etc. we ask that you would please call

Rachel at 315-335-3891 or Kaye at 850-510-8233 before planning a visit.

Thank you for all the cards, notes, etc. They have been a great encouragement as well as a wonderful testimony to the hospital staff at Jackson where they were taped all over the wall! God Bless You!

A New Name

The other day when I (Barb) was at the doctor's for my follow up visit, I mentioned "Stumpy" to the doctor and he thought I should be more creative for a name. So yesterday a very dear friend of ours gave me the perfect name! Instead of the masculine "Stumpy"her new name is now Peggy Eileen.

We are so happy this matter is settled :)!

My verse for today was Acts 20:24 "But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy... "

The phrase that spoke to my heart is "none of these things move me".

What is it that will move me?...move me away from God.?

Life is just too tough...no job, wayward children, abusive spouse or an earthquake, etc can threaten to make me move from God?

But Praise God ...HE DOES NOT MOVE!

I didn't know that we would be strong enough for an earthquake, and we weren't ...but God was.

In the moment of our greatest need, God showed Himself our Strength, our Protector, our dearest Friend indeed.

His arms of love were around us the whole time...in the hole, on the hospital parking lot, on the plane, in Intensive care, and surgery. He has faithfully provided for every need we have had for every moment, most of all His presence.

Pray for our trip to Tallahassee tomorrow.

Pray we can joyfully endure the phantom limb pain until God takes it away.

Praise God that Agape arrived home safely, and his boss gave him today to rest.

Praise God that every day we see an improvement in our healing process.

Praise God, He is the Great I AM!!

Released!

Oh, that sounds like a prison term. Not really, it is the word Patrick heard the doctor say. That is the news we were waiting for, and now we will be on our way to Tallahassee in a few days.

Patrick and I enjoyed reading Lamentations 3 today. I encourage you to read it for yourself. Verses 22 & 23 "It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is they faithfulness."

In order to realize the impact of these verses, you need to read the rest of the chapter to see Jeremiah's situation.

May we always claim the greatness of God, no matter how hard we think our situation is. We are in God's Hand. His purpose is always what is best for us. I'm not saying what I think is best, but what HE knows is best for me.

Proclaim His Name

The Lataillade Family

Pray the phantom pain will lessen each day. Pray for Agape, he is driving back to Tallahassee. Pray we get proper rest for the trip to Tallahassee.

Another Milestone

It is late in the afternoon, and no blog yet. :(( But not to frown for long...today was another milestone in the recovery process. We left for our check-ups this morning. Patrick needs to return tomorrow morning as his team of doctors were not available. Barb on the other hand sat and waited for several hours. The surgeon removed the stitches. He did think that "Stumpy" ought to have a more creative name. She is released to go on to Tallahassee. Plans are to leave yet this week, if Patrick also gets the ok from his doctor tomorrow.

I continue to remember the message I heard on the internet..."My Time is in His Hands" by Allistar Begg. Had I heard that message 6 weeks ago, it probably wouldn't have had the same impact on me. Isn't it strange that we think we are in control of our lives, and we can't even have ONE heart beat without God commanding it.

Thank you again for continued prayers. Pray that Patrick will have a good report from Patrick tomorrow. Pray that God will heal the phantom pain. We both suffer it.

We love you all.

The Lataillade Family

As I arose from bed this morning, I thought of the days when I had 2 feet. I wanted to make the bed, find my clothes, make my own breakfast and just do the routine things. But God had other plans for my life.

Last night before I slept, I was reading Joni Eareckson's book "Diamonds in the Dust". Isaiah 43:18-19,21 "Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland...for the people I formed for myself that they may proclaim my praise." This verse so touched me, knowing that God has a purpose for the future, for our future. We can look ahead even during our recovery time. He may not do "things" as He did before, but we know God is equipped to create new things, do things fresh and better than ever before.

We also rejoice and praise God for bringing Agape home to us again. He had a good trip, saw his home and his remark was when he saw the one part of our house "it's as if the pieces were in a blender and then poured on the ground. He met with the pastors from the village which was so good for us to have news from them.

Continue to pray for both of us, as we both are dealing with phantom pain. This too shall pass, but we need your prayers to help us be joyful as we go through the pain.

We love you all, thank the Lord every day for each of you. We pray God will fill your lives with Grace, Peace and Joy.

Adjustments

We are settled in the home where we are, and working on adjustments. Sleep doesn't come easy for Patrick. Then there is pain diversion, trying to find an activity that would busy our minds away from the pain. We are working on weaning from all the drugs, pain killers, etc.

One of the diversions is "SkipBo", a card game for those of you who may not know. It can be played any time of day or night.

Today Stumpy and I celebrated my birthday together. Stumpy had her 1st shower!! She did quite well, with very little pain afterwards. This shows me that even though the stitches aren't out yet, the incision is closed.

We continue to rejoice in God's goodness and faithfulness every day!

Please continue to pray for Patrick for the pain to decrease. We are both off the harsh pain killers.

Pray for strength for us. We tire easily. It takes a lot of effort to make a trip to the bathroom, or to take a shower, or come to the table. But every day will get easier.

We love you all.

Surprise

Wonder of Wonders!! The doctor came to our room yesterday afternoon, told Patrick he is ready to go home. Release? Are you kidding? But yes, is white count was down, and he wants him out before he catches bacteria.

Patrick looked at me, and told the doctor he didn't want to leave me in the hospital. My doctor came in and then agreed to release me too. Yesterday morning Patrick could hardly walk to the bathroom, now he is walking very well. Patrick still has extreme pain and is adjusting to the "outside world" after being in ICU over 2 weeks.

So last night we left the hospital, and are now settled in with a couple who opened their home to us until we have our doctor appointments next week, and can move on to Tallahassee.

It is so good to be able to sit with Patrick. We can finally share our stories. We didn't know the experience each of us had in the quake. It is so good to be able to grieve together.

We count this step another miracle. Your prayers, love, and encouragement are so integral to our healing process. Continue praying for strength and total healing.

The Lataillade Family

Keep on Keeping on...

So now that mom and dad are on the up side, both in the same room, life has become even more hectic.

Nurses, doctors and physical therapists flow out and in of the room. Last night at midnight dad had the first of a few breakfasts and devotions with our good friend Kaye. (his nights and days are messed up due to the ICU)

Days are long now. Dad and mom are doing amazingly, but still aren't being discharged as of yet.

They are ready to get out of the hospital and on to outside life.

It's interesting to see how previous experience will help them cope with their challenges today. For dad, his experience in martial arts will help him with his balance and equilibrium. For mom, her hip surgery four years ago has strengthened her upper body so she can use her walker with ease until she is ready for the prosthesis. God Knew!!

God's grace covers them. :) Everyday, we experience a chance to share their testimony with someone who crosses our path.

Continue to pray for Patrick and Barb's progressive healing, protection from infection,...also Agape as he returns from Haiti soon.

Keep Haiti in your prayers as well.

We appreciate everyone who has lifted up the support team in prayer.

Thank you so much

God is great, and greatly to be praised!

PS. First message to all of you from Patrick ...

" By God's Grace I am BACK! ... Thank You to everyone for your support and prayers,

Praise the Lord!"

Moving Night

At 1:30 am Dad was moved from ICU into a double room in mom's wing. At 6:30 this morning, Mom joined him in the room and after a total of 23 nights apart, tonight they will finally share a room once again!

The doctor's assure us that dad has no limitations, and as his strength increases, he will be able to fully recover.

Mom's doctors are also pleased with the look of Stumpy and feel like by the end of this week, she should be nearly recovered.

Who knows what God has in store?! Maybe they will both be released together and be able to start therapy and personal healing as they continue to pray and grieve for Haiti. In the meantime, students, nurses, doctors and staff stop by to hear their story, see the smiles and feel the love and grace of God radiating from them both.

Cards are taped around the room, a testimony of everyone's love and support. We've caught dad up with the times and he is blown away at the amount of love and quality of care he and our family have received.

Although they are both in recovery, we are still trying to keep visitors to the very minimum so they can both rest and continue to maximize their healing. Thank you for understanding and please keep praying, calling and leaving messages!

Also keep Agape in your prayers, pray for his safety and success in his trip to Haiti.

Thank you all again and join us as we praise our Gracious Heavenly Father for the blessings we have received.

All our Love,

Rachel

ps. Dad's snoring as he sleeps on his stomach for the first time in weeks is music to our ears! :)

God is so Good

Today Patrick was able to recall his experience "in the hole". He said that as much as possible, he sang "God is so good". "When I couldn't sing in English anymore, I sang it in Creole," he says, tears flowing down his face. He even started to sing it again, as we wept with him. He recalls wondering if he would ever get out, and felt life leaving his body. Today, his body strongly proclaims of the grace and glory of God. Even His nurses and doctors seem changed as they witness his strength, courage and love for all those around him. They go over and above their call of duty everyday.

Barb's visits to see Patrick get longer (and cuter). Their smiles and excitement to see one another is a curiosity and encouragement to all those around them.

Patrick and Barb continue to be burdened and grieved for Haiti and their people. When a nurse questioned him about returning to Haiti, he smiled and said, "why not?!"

The nurse said, " You don't have a house or any belongings! You can't go back!"

Patrick looked at her, still smiling, and responded, " God will provide. The work is not complete. Of course I'll go back."

Please continue to pray for Patrick and Barb, and their healing. Also pray for Agape, as he journeys to Haiti for a few days.

Thank you again for your prayers and support!