goodbye's

Bright and Paul at graduation, 2009

Friday was a day of goodbyes, one for just a week (Matt), and one for an indefinite amount of time (Brightner).

Many of you know Brightner as the joyful young man who perhaps translated for you, preached in a church you attended, whom you perhaps supported to begin his masters at Wesley Biblical Seminary in Jackson, Mississippi, who perhaps helped you fall in love with Haiti and its people.

For three years now he has been on staff at Emmaus Biblical Seminary, teaching and translating, and last year, joined with Matt, Luke and Paul to begin their continued education with Wesley. He also plays a leadership role at the Vaudreil church, and, well, just seems to be involved in much of life here in Northern Haiti.

Paul, Bright, Luke and Matt as newly accepted master's students to Wesley Biblical Seminary

Last month, however, he obtained a residency visa to the US, requiring that he not leave the States for one year, and then spends more time in the US than anywhere else for several years to come. This means that Tuesday, Brightner (along with his sisters and soon, mother) will be moving to New York. This summer, he plans to marry his fiance Rachel, who lives in Ohio.

This Friday, his last day at EBS, we had a staff send-off party, and each took turns talking about the impact Bright has had on our lives. Bright always carries a jovial and joyful ("bright", actually) spirit, and it was rather sobering for all of us to think about life and ministry without Brightner encouraging us on!

Staff members Belony, Matt and I, Elizay, Paul, Bright and Luke at Bright's farewell party Friday

"I have always prayed that God would 'expand my territory' as the prayer of Jabez says," Brightner said Friday, "and I think that this is a part of that. I think the United States will be a difficult mission field. Please pray for me."

Meanwhile, Matt left at 5:00 am this morning for a five day missions conference in Waco, Texas, hoping to begin relationships between the church and some Emmaus men and women, and to meet new friends and catch up with several other OMS missionaries from headquarters and around the globe. I just spoke to him, and his final flight just landed in Dallas, and he is now trying to rent a car for the final 2.5 hour drive.

He is scheduled to speak three times tomorrow, and then another 3-4 times throughout the week. Please be praying for him while he is traveling, building relationships, sharing what God is doing here in Haiti, and also trying to catch up on his master's and work here on the field! He plans to return Friday evening.

Meanwhile, Lily and I are hanging tough (as you can see here. Lily will go along with ANYTHING Josephine thinks is hilarious :) and getting ready for a big week.

A new visiting professor and his wife joins the two already here on Monday, and we cannot wait to have him! Paul is the pastor of one of our main partnering churches in Bear, DE, and a good friend! Pam Simpson is finishing off her time here (she's been teaching since January!) and Glenn Wells of Hamilton finishes off his Ephesians course on Tuesday.

Pastor Paul, when he came to visit us two years ago...

One more big good-bye is on the horizon...the Hubele's annual 5 months in Haiti is rapidly drawing to a close. They have been such beloved neighbors, helpers, family, encouragers and friends, that I just don't know what we're going to do without them! Lily will be so crushed to find the house next door empty again, as will we! They plan to head back to the farm for spring planting around the 29th...

Thankful for the God that is steady through the changes, faithful through loneliness, strong through weaknesses...Best made strong through the weaknesses!