The one year anniversary of the earthquake was marked with many memorial services throughout Haiti. We were privileged to be a small part of a very special, joyful event entitled: "Celebration of Life" The event took place across the street from the ruins of the National Palace and was hosted by a large group of Haitian Churches in partnership with numerous American organizations including "Churches Helping Churches," "YWAM," and long time Haiti veteran missionaries Joel and Yvonne Trimble of "Haiti for Christ." The day began at 6AM with many Haitian pastors, choirs and several international speakers who encouraged the people to continue to trust the Lord and grow in their faith and expectation of God's plan to bring all Haitians into relationship with Him through Christ. Late morning, the popular Haitian Christian Worship Band "Alabanza" (top two pictures) led by Carly Joseph took the stage to lead the people in many well known praise and worship songs. By noon, when the 6 hour event ended, there were an estimated 100,000 people in attendance (bottom picture looking back from near the front of the stage.) Also, at the end of the event, the gospel was preached and people were assisted by Christians in attendance to learn how they could be saved by faith in Jesus Christ.

We participated with about a half dozen of our ministry partners in setting up and tearing down some of the platforms both at the morning outreach as well as a late afternoon presentation that took place in Leogoane, the epicenter of the 2010 earthquake that claimed the lives of more than 250,000 people. It was a great day of remembrance and opportunities to preach the gospel. Many of our missionary friends attending other outreach events also told us stories of many people coming to accept the Lord! Please pray for the new believers that came into God's kingdom on January 12, 2011.