What One (local) Man Can Do! (for Earthquake victims)
Denton pastor Billy Johnson had just arrived in Haiti when the earthquake struck. For days his family and friends anquished over his survival. Thankfully, he's back on the Mid Shore - but not for long. He is leading an emergency relief effort to get food and supplies to a small town outside of Port au Prince, where help has NOT arrived. Join me as we show our community and our children what love, faith and determination can do! Here is his story:
I was there. by Billy Johnson 
Approximately 3 miles from the epicenter of the 7.0 earthquake that struck Haiti last week. I was working with local churches and preachers through Christianville, a mission located between Gressier and Leogone.
Worldwide support for Haiti is pouring into the airport at Port au Prince. Everyone is noticing. And for that I am thankful.
But, as with any effort, there are hitches. Most of the support is getting bottle-necked in Port au Prince, and not reaching many of the outlying areas, including Christianville.
What I am trying to do is get some food DIRECTLY to Christianville for them to distribute to the local Haitians through the area churches. This is a 2 step process:
We secure an airplane. This is the HUGE expense. We are currently working with Sky Limo out of Ft. Lauderdale, FL, who can send a load of 3,000 pounds. But it will cost approximately $5,000.
Second, we buy bulk beans and rice. This is what the missionaries at Christianville requested. The cost is still not confirmed, but we are guessing another $1,000.
This will be flown into the airport at Port au Prince, where representatives from Christianville will be waiting to take materials back to the mission. From there they will distribute the food through the Haitian preachers.
As of this moment, all funds are being processed through Discovery Christian Church in Easton, MD.(10441 Hiners Lane, Easton, MD 21601, Memo Line: Christianville) We are working on online giving options and a dedicated account. If this seems thrown together quickly, it is! But time is a luxury the people of the Gressier/Leogone area do not have.
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Find Billy Johnson on Facebook to follow his efforts: http://www.facebook.com/reqs.php#/billyjohnsonlive?ref=nf As of 10am today (Thursday) he had already raised almost $3000. Please join in a LOCAL relief effort!!
My Brain Went on Vacation and all I got was this Filthy T-Shirt!
by Cyndi Paxton Johnson
I can count the number of actual vacations I've taken in my lifetime on one hand. Recent years the count goes down to one finger! It seems "Vacation" has become synomonous with visiting relatives, or working around the house. Now that we're self-employed "weekends" have virtually disappeared, as well. We're always trying to do more, and there's ALWAYS more to do. A vacation seems as realistic as a self-cleaning refrigerator and self-emptying trashcan. (and if you find one of these treasures - LET ME KNOW!)
Turns out - it doesn't matter how much WE want to WORK! Our wonderful, complex bodies know what they need - and are in a position to get it! This past week, for example, my brain went on vacation - without me. It did NOT request vacation leave - nor leave a contact number! I hope it's having a wonderful time, exploring new worlds and new civilizations. Yeah - since I'm stuck here - brainless - I've been filling the hours with Star Trek re-runs. Luckily, I had to wait around anyway - for the Sear's repairman. Our BRAND NEW hi-tech washing machine is broken.
So I sit here, waiting for the repair-man in my crumpled, slightly stinky shirt. I'd like to write something catchy, inspirational and memorable. Uh........nope. I've got nothin'. Hopefully, my brain will return soon - refreshed and ready to take on the world!
And I hope it brings me CHOCOLATE!!!
Events, articles and coupons!
Beans and Rice for Christianville
Submitted by Guest on Thu, 01/21/2010 - 11:40am.A suggestion, that I am sure has already been thought of...contact various suppliers of these food items to see if you can get donations or a matching contributions...or at the very least getting the items at cost. I can put you in contact with someone at Sysco here in Pocomoke..just let me know. You can find me on twitter at Carolynaaustin.
Awesome Thought!
Submitted by Guest on Thu, 01/21/2010 - 6:13pm.Carolyn,
Great suggestion. We purchased from a supplier in Florida close to the plane! Sounds like more supplies are getting into the area for more cost effective methods the middle of next week. Which I am grateful for. But we did what was necessary to provide support and relief NOW.
Billy