Alex Veillard – PaulThompsonBlog

What Man Intended for Harm…

Posted on October 18, 2018Leave a comment

The story of how I met this kind brother began in days of great uncertainty fueled by inaccurate and untruthful reporting from global media outlets.

While many, including Christians, wanted to blame and criticize 10 Americans who were arrested in the early days following the 2010 earthquake in Haiti and their churches for slowing down aid and halting adoption processes, God had plans for good.

In times of darkness one begins to see the sovereign rule of God in all circumstances. When separated from family and church family we had to completely rely upon God for everything. When we needed family and church and they could not meet our needs God already had a messenger of hope prepared.

None of us could ever have seen the outcome of those days to be what they are today. For this, let us rejoice in the the Lord.

By the grace of God I will have the opportunity to introduce my family and church family to Alex Veillard, a godly man who visited us every day while in a Haitian jail. A man of simple means commissioned by God to care for the needs of 10 Americans when few others would or could.

“…God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result…”

Today, by the grace of God, Eastside Baptist is partnered together with Alex in providing housing, nutrition, education, medical care, and most importantly, biblical/spiritual instruction to 68 girls in Port-au-Prince, Haiti.

Join me on October 28 and November 4 when God’s people at Eastside Baptist Church in Twin Falls, Idaho welcome Alex and his wife Johanne. Alex will be preaching on November 4 at 10:30 a.m.

Today, Your Freedom Has Come

Posted on February 17, 2018Leave a comment

Journal entry from February 17, 2010 – Port-au-Prince, Haiti
___________________________________________________________
I’m guarding my heart and mind against disappointment, yet I believe we will go home today.
Alex came by today with a note saying he is sure we will go home this week. He seems to think even today for most of us, maybe. We hear that the prosecutor has recommended that we not be released until further investigation can be done on Laura and Charisa. The day unfolds very slowly. Much like every day, only much slower. Even lunch came later than usual. Usually it comes in no later than 2PM, but today it came around 3PM. The fact that it came at all begins to establish that disappointment I am at war with.
Around 1:30PM the US Embassy showed up to begin talking to us about our return home in the event we are released. Silas and I visited with Cathy and about five other people about possible travel plans. They want to know what our plans are to get home. As encouraging as this visit was, I have no idea what kind of travel plans I have to get home. We no longer have texting ability with our families, so I don’t know what to do here but to do what God has clearly been teaching me to do, trust in Him. The visit was encouraging in that it seems more likely we are to be released soon.
Close to 4:15PM, the lawyers begin to show up and gather in the hallway. Then I noticed Alex. I don’t know how he does it? Then I saw Junior in the hallway.
Alex looked to me and gives me his patented smile and hard blinks of his eyes, then gives me a thumbs up. I know that this is good. I praise God for this breakthrough and then Alex just walked into the jailer’s office and up to the barred window we have spoken through many times and says “Today, your freedom has come!” He is then immediately ushered out by the police as they grab him by the arms. But not without several glances back to make sure that we heard him. Then in the hallway; Junior, with a grin from ear to ear, points to heaven and mouths the words “Praise to God.”

From this point we are cleared to go, all charges dropped on eight to be released today. We are then told that the people from the Oprah show want us to seek refuge at their place. We quickly say we would rather go the the US Embassy. Aviol has wanted us to go with Oprah from the first day we met him, adding to my unrest with him.
The US Embassy met with us at the jail about the possibility of getting on a military flight tonight to Miami. We are all in agreement that this is best. The military is still flying emergency flights and they have eight empty seats, a provision from God.
We are to leave Haiti tonight at 8PM on a US Air Force cargo flight. I can’t shake the faces of the men in the cell we have just spent three weeks with. They all make eye contact and give firm hand shakes. Even though we have had our things stolen from time to time when we go to court, we have become very close. God please bring freedom to these men soon.
We make several attempts to allow Charisa to be released so she can get medical assistance in the States by letting one of us stay in her place. This was very hard to be refused to do so. Any one of the eight being released were willing to stay in her place.

The walk through the media zoo was as if it were in slow motion. Alex, true to form comes from the midst of the crowd, then Junior and Florance with a hug and a kiss on my cheek.
What has caused this kind of brotherly and sisterly affection? We are virtually strangers. It can only be the blood of the Lamb. We make our way into the US Embassy van and are escourted to the entrance to the Port-au-Prince airport, just less than 1/2 mile from where we have been for the past 19 days. We have heard these planes coming and going every day for the past three weeks. This time we are to be on one.
The media gets nothing from us and Oprah gets even less.
While at the airport we all get phones to call family. We put the battery back into the phone that NBC gave us to use as well.

This is unexplainable at the moment. How at all did I speak to my love without being in shock of hearing that voice? I will see her face and touch her embrace soon, if God will so allow.
I was able to speak to David for a moment and Renee’s dad. I will look forward to my call to my parents when I arrive in Miami.
The flight was packed with brave men and women of the US military causing me to think a lot about David. There are many civilians with the look of despair and joy. The flight was uncomfortable, but most pleasant! I will strive for the remainder of my life to never complain of this flight, ever!
“Today, your freedom has come!”

Better to Love God

Posted on August 3, 2015Leave a comment

I was recently in Haiti to visit the New Horizon Home of Eastside Baptist Church. While there we made plans to take the girls (all 43 of them) to a Baptist church in the community where we have moved. I visited the church on a previous visit and met the pastor but this was the first visit with the girls.

I already knew I was in a special place because on the front wall, behind the preacher, was this statement from 2 Timothy 3:1-5

But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come. For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, unloving, irreconcilable, malicious gossips, without self-control, brutal, haters of good, treacherous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, holding to a form of godliness, although they have denied its power; Avoid such men as these.

I was very pleased to discover the girls have a very good church in their neighborhood that will boldly preach the bible. It will seem strange to many, that in a place like Haiti, there is a great mixture of a worldly message of prosperity attached to the preaching of the Bible. It is tragic that what is considered “successful” in an American church is imitated by anyone wanting to be rich rather than obedient.

As we walked into the church house we expected that we may have a hard time finding a place for all 43 of the girls and 9 Americans to sit together. After finding no place on the main floor we made our way to the balcony, there we were able to get all the girls together.

My dear brother, Alex, sat next to me and translated the sermon for me. The sermon on July 12 was from a visiting preacher and his text was Acts 28:1-5. I only have short bits of the sermon written down, but very convicting and encouraging that the church our girls will attend will preach the bible. This is a top priority for me.

Title: A Bite but A Blessing

Some come preaching: ‘come to God and be blessed’, but at this church we preach, ‘come to God and suffer.’
Paul did not think when he was in jail that something bad had happened to him.
When he was shipwrecked on the island of Malta he did not think that God had abandoned him because of the hardship.
When he was bit by a snake while getting wood for the fire, he did not assume he was being punished by God.
Paul was in the work of God; if you want to serve God you must be prepared to suffer.
There are two things we learn from Acts 28:1-5
- Better to love and obey God than to just be busy in the work of God
- First love and obey God – then – take pleasure in the work of God. If this is not understood you will think that you deserve blessings from God because you are busy in the work of God and deserve prosperity.
- If you do not first love and obey God you will not be prepared to suffer.
- It is better to love God and obey Him than to love the work of God without loving Him.
When Paul was in jail, he continued the work of God because he loved God and loved being with God
When you come to church, come to church to be with God and give glory to God because you love him.
- If anyone wants to follow Christ he must pick up His cross (and suffer)
- When you come to follow Christ, expect that you will face hard times.
When you are in a hard situation;
- ask, is this the discipline of God?
- ask, is this the result of following God?
If all things are going good you may want to ask God if everything is alright.
If all things are difficult, and you a sure it is not the discipline of God, you will want to bless the Lord for your suffering. He has asked of you to display his glory in your humility.

Acts 28:1-6 (NASB)
When they had been brought safely through, then we found out that the island was called Malta. The natives showed us extraordinary kindness; for because of the rain that had set in and because of the cold, they kindled a fire and received us all. But when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and laid them on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat and fastened itself on his hand. When the natives saw the creature hanging from his hand, they began saying to one another, “Undoubtedly this man is a murderer, and though he has been saved from the sea, justice has not allowed him to live.” However he shook the creature off into the fire and suffered no harm. But they were expecting that he was about to swell up or suddenly fall down dead. But after they had waited a long time and had seen nothing unusual happen to him, they changed their minds and began to say that he was a god.

This would be a good sermon for all.

Springs of Salvation

Posted on July 15, 2015Leave a comment

You will joyfully draw water from the springs of salvation, and on that day you will say: “Give thanks to Yahweh; proclaim His name! Celebrate His works among the peoples. Declare that His name is exalted. Sing to Yahweh, for He has done glorious things. Let this be known throughout the earth. Cry out and sing, citizen of Zion , for the Holy One of Israel is among you in His greatness.”

I’ve just returned from a trip to New Horizon Home in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. The visit is always filled with anticipation of seeing family in Christ and time at New Horizon Home.

I’ll post some photos and a bit of explanation of all we were able to participate in; but first, let me introduce you to Foundation College ministry of Boise State University and the College of Western Idaho. Utah/Idaho Southern Baptist have a humble director of ministry to college students from across the state convention, under the direction of Phillip Grant. Phillip traveled with me and a group from my church last January to explore the possibility of bringing students back this summer.

Last week Phillip and his wife, Casey, brought 6 students from Boise State and the College of Western Idaho to our girls home. I was very pleased with the partnership of all who visited the ministry this past week. (Phillip and Casey Grant, Cody and Whitney Thornton, Jacob Ewing, Logan McDonald, Micah Liston, Jaxson Fanta)

The most important thing we do at New Horizon Home is build a home for at risk girls (orphaned, abandoned, rescued) in Port-au-prince where the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ is the center piece of everything attempted. This is a faith-based ministry, meaning, we are committed to asking God to provide for everything and we wait until God provides before we do anything. If God doesn’t provide it one way we look and wait for His answer another way. This causes us to be a praying people, a patient people, a risk taking people, a humbling people, a weeping people and a joyful people.

Here is a collect of pictures from the past week of the work being accomplished on the well at New Horizon Home.

Water, one of the most important physical needs of any people any where is no easy work at New Horizon Home. Over the past two years the water has been supplied by generous

Micah, drawing water from a neighbors cistern.

neighbors and hard work of faithful workers at NHH.

Water for the bathrooms is hauled in, by hand, in 5 gallon buckets to each bathroom to use for bathing and flushing.

Recently, the complicated work on digging a well of our own began. Work on the well was not completed during the recent trip due to some complications with the pump. But very soon, there will be running water to the house.

Where water is critical. And make no mistake it is. The springs of salvation are of utmost importance. May all who live at New Horizon Home soon drink from the springs of salvation.

“Give thanks to Yahweh; proclaim His name! Celebrate His works among the peoples. Declare that His name is exalted. Sing to Yahweh, for He has done glorious things. Let this be known throughout the earth. Cry out and sing, citizen of Zion , for the Holy One of Israel is among you in His greatness.”

I will let the pictures tell you the story of the struggle for water.

IMG_20150713_152511 — yes, they really dug the well by hand.

IMG_20150713_104226 — fitting the pump and piping

An Update About New Horizon Home

Posted on June 25, 2015Leave a comment

It is past time for an update on the ministry of Eastside Baptist Church in Port-au-Prince, Haiti at our girls home. A lot of things have been happening. Let me give a brief update with short testimony and a few pictures.

The faithful at Eastside Baptist Church continue steadfastly praying for all the needs to be met. We don’t put out pleas for help from others (we don’t oppose those who do). We take all of our request to God and trust Him to provide as He moves His people. We never turn down an opportunity to share about the work with those who ask and we don’t shy away from informing organization offering support upon requests nor from sharing with our church family how God answers our plea.

Here are some recent ways God answers those prayers:

First of all: Meet Jean Alexander Veillard, born Tuesday morning to Alex and Johanne Veillard. Alex is the director of New Horizon Home in Port-au-Prince, Haiti.
There is not a week that goes by that God does not prompt someone to give to the ongoing ministry work of New Horizon International. Faithful giving of people every week at Eastside Baptist Church. Faithful giving of strangers we’ve never met. Faithful giving of churches from around the country. Faithful giving of children collecting pocket change. Faithful giving of widows on fixed income. Faithful giving of businessmen, labor workers, work-from-home moms, etc. The mail man has little idea of the kind of blessings from God he delivers regularly. May the Lord bless His people at the following churches… Second Baptist Church, Amarillo, TX. The Church at Quail Creek, Amarillo, TX. Bear River Valley Baptist Church, Tremonton, UT. Eastside Baptist Church, Twin Falls, ID. Berean Baptist Church, Wendell, ID. Magic Valley Baptist Association. Treasure Valley Baptist Association. The River, Twin Falls, ID.
In a few weeks a group of 8 college students from Boise State University will travel with me to do some bed construction (funds for the beds are provided by The Church at Quail Creek in Amarillo, TX), general care to the home, ministry in a local hospital, English school, and local Baptist Church. Work on our own water well has been going on since my last visit back in January. Until now we did not have our own water source. By the grace of God, we are nearing completion of our water well at New Horizon Home. Alex, our director at the home, is very careful with all money and understands that we can only buy and pay the workers with what God gives us. New Horizon Home continues to receive high inspection marks and Alex is told by officials that New Horizon Home is unlike most homes in the city; clean, efficient, happy. We count this a blessing from God.
We have received word that we now have about 10 acres of agriculture land to begin using. I don’t know how we received it, who gave it to us, or anything about it. On my upcoming trip I will discover all these details and bring report back to the Lord’s people at Eastside. Wow.
About one year ago I was asked to preach in Tremonton, UT at Bear River Valley Baptist Church on a Sunday morning. By the kindness of Eastside Baptist Church, Renee and I left early one hot July Sunday morning and drove to Tremonton to gather with the Lord’s people. We shared at the Lord’s Table together, sang and opened the word of God together. Through conversation with Nancy Nicholas after the service and later at lunch with Jim and Annette Williams I was able to share some of our gospel work God has called Eastside Baptist to in Haiti, they asked if they could begin collecting school supplies for our school.
Yesterday, I received a phone call from Jim, an elder at Bear River Valley Baptist Church, asking if they could bring me the supplies they have for our upcoming trip. Of course I said “sure, thank you.”

Here is a picture of Jim, his wife Annette, and a deacon Jerry today (June 25, 2015). Jim called me at about 11:30am this morning asking if we could meet them at the airport for lunch. I picked Renee up for lunch and to get the supplies. May the Lord bless His kind people at Bear River Valley Baptist Church.

Annette, Jim, Jerry

An Open Letter to Everyone Who Gave to New Horizon Home Last Year

Posted on January 15, 20151 Comment

Dear generous friends,

I have just returned from a visit at New Horizon Home in Port-au-Prince, Haiti and I wanted to express appreciation to each of you who are so kind to give toward the ministry of Eastside Baptist Church and one of her international ministry outposts.

Your one time or ongoing contributions are carefully distributed and gratefully appreciated by Eastside Baptist Church and 33 girls at New Horizon Home in Port-au-Prince, Haiti.

You have been kind to give, you have been quick to respond, you are partners in an eternal weight of gospel work among these beautiful girls. For this I say “thank you.”

Enjoy some pictures of the new home, the faithful workers and the life-long impact you are making on these 33 girls. Thank you and may the Lord be blessed as you respond to his call upon your life.

For the Glory to God Alone!

DSCN2095 — On the way to the medical clinic for check ups

NHH — New Horizon Home: 33 girls, 3 boys, 5 workers, and 7 recent visitors

NHH1 — Recent ministry team with Alex and wife Johanne

Today, at New Horizon Home

Posted on November 24, 2014Leave a comment

I always enjoy a picture message from Alex at New Horizon Home in Port-au-Prince. I thought I would share it with you today.

Today at New Horizon Home

Posted on October 7, 2014Leave a comment

Today, because God moved His people to kindness, the girls at New Horizon Home are well fed with nutritious food. The girls are growing stronger every day. They are cared for by loving women who work hard. The home is directed by the good administration of Alex Veilliard. May the news of God’s care reach far and wide. May the Lord’s church be encouraged. May His name be declared great among the nations.

New Horizon Home; the First Year

Posted on May 5, 2014Leave a comment

It was just twelve months ago that Eastside Baptist Church began the early steps of the establishment of New Horizon Home. Over the next few days, I’ll share some of the early stories and pictures.

I’ll start here with our visit this time last year.

DSCF0124 — Left to Right: Steve, Mr. Wilson Touze, Paul

When Steve McMullin and I arrived in Port-au-Prince, Haiti we met the landlord of the home we would soon begin renting from, Mr. Touze. Mr. Touze met us at the airport with Alex, our director. We quickly discovered the willingness of Mr. Touze to help us.

His driver, Ronnie, would escort us through the city to buy beds and food. Mr. Touze’s friend met us one night to build a kitchen table for the girls. Mr. Touze was willing to let us use his internet connection and computer to Skype Alex regularly in those early establishing days.

Soon after the starting of the home would be the start of our school, New Horizon School. Then eventually the first worship gathering of New Horizon Baptist Church.

We will always bless the Lord for the friendship and kindness of Mr. Touze.

Now Unto Him Who is Able

Posted on May 2, 2014Leave a comment

Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen. (Ephesians 3:20-21 NASB)

Dear Alex my dearly beloved brother in Christ,

We (Eastside Baptist Church in Twin Falls, Idaho) greet you this evening in the powerful name of Jesus the Christ! Please greet your wife and children, please give my love to your father and mother. I want for you to speak to the sisters who faithfully tend to the work of the Lord at New Horizon Home. Please, make sure they know that Renee and I love them. Please inform them that Eastside Baptist Church is pleased with their labor as though they are caring for our own daughters.

It is with joy in the Lord, that I inform you that God has answered our need and has made the way for you to begin moving the girls, the beautiful girls, to their new house.

As you know, we are only able to do what God provides. His word declares He is able. It declares that not only is He able, but He is able to do. It declares that not only is He able to do, but that He is able to do far more. It not only declares that He is able to do far more, but it declares that He is able to do far more abundantly. It not only declares that He is able to do far more abundantly, but He is able to do fare more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, and that, according to the power that works within us. Yes! to Him only be the glory in the church today and in Christ Jesus to all generations and nations of the world. May we declare His mighty name.

Tonight (May 2, 2014) a people belonging to God, who associate themselves together for the glory of the Lord and the advancement of His gospel, known as Southern Baptist; churches of the Magic Valley Baptist Association have generously obeyed their Lord, Jesus the Christ, and have given $5,000.00 US dollars for the first year lease for the new home for our girls.

Please tell the girls of the mighty hand of God. Please tell them of His provision for them for His glory. May the favor of the Lord rest upon their souls. May we all delight in God.

Be sure when you pay for the first year lease that you inform the owner of the Lord’s kindness today. Make sure that all praise is given to our Lord! Jesus the Christ, the son of the Living God!

I greet you in the name of the Lord, Jesus the Christ! The name of the Lord is a strong tower and those who run to Him will be saved. Run! run to the Lord. Amen!

Paul Thompson
Eastside Baptist Church, Twin Falls, Idaho

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