Coastal Haiti Mission
March 2025
– FORGIVENESS-UNFORGIVENESS –
Unforgiveness will not serve you well. If you have a grudge against someone and refuse to forgive, you have chosen to traverse a dark road. It can, over time, change who you are into someone you don’t want to be, someone hard-hearted, hateful, and bitter. It can affect your family and friends and can alter the course of your life. The cost of unforgiveness is immense. You don’t want to pay the price, and neither do I.
And now, Forgiveness.
I began this Message with the idea that I knew what I was talking about. As I continued my attempt to “get it right,” I began to realize I was in over my head regarding the subject of Forgiveness. The further I went in my study the more questions arose. Questions that questioned some of the premises upon which I had based some conclusions. I do believe that Forgiveness is multifaceted and somewhat complicated, and absolutely necessary to be offered to another when required by the Holy Word of God. It, too (forgiveness), will cost you: your chance at retaliation, revenge, and the temporary satisfaction of just plain getting “even.” But the rewards are beyond cost.
I would like to share a story (albeit a fictional story) with you. In a book (Weigh Anchor) written by my late husband, Clint Goddard, Kitty Butterworth, one of the main characters in the story had to deal with her husband’s infidelity. Dirk had run away from his wife, two children, high-paying job, and his high-cost home in Virginia, and faked his own death in Haiti. No body had been found. While in the Turks and Caicos Islands he met and fell in love with a young woman (Paulette) with a scandalous background. When the two were expecting a child together, Dirk shared with her the true story of why he was in the Turks and Caicos Islands, and told her he planned to go back to Virginia to the family he had left behind. The two had embraced the Christian faith by now, and both agreed it would be the right thing for Dirk to do. He would stay until the baby was born and then support the child from afar.
One night shortly after their daughter, Ashley, was born, while dining out together before Dirk left for Virginia, Paulette was shot and killed by a former lover. Dirk was totally devastated as he endured his grief and cared for his young daughter.
Meanwhile, his son up north insisted he go to Haiti to look for his father. Kitty hired a private investigator to go with Brett rather than him going alone. She would pay for the expedition.
Some serious investigation led Brett and his detective to the Turks and Caicos Islands. On the day they arrived Brett saw a photograph in a local newspaper, and was astonished at how much the man in the photo resembled his dad, except for the man’s longer hair and full beard. Brett read the story of Paulette’s death that accompanied the photo and learned that the young woman’s funeral would be held the next day. It was decided that the detective and Brett would attend.
Well, you’ve got it. Tears were shed as father and son embraced. Brett notified his mother that her husband had been found and told her about Ashely and about Paulette’s death. Kitty told Brett that he, his father, and the baby should come home immediately.
But it didn’t all end there. As hard as she tried over the next several months, and as hard as she wanted to, she just couldn’t find forgiveness for the pain her husband had caused her. But, although Kitty took over all care of Baby Ashley, she still distanced herself from the child emotionally. Eventually, Dirk, convinced that Kitty would never forgive him, decided to take Ashley and return to their beach house in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Time passed and things changed. Kitty was alone. Dirk and Kitty’s daughter, Kim, upon completing her education had joined the U.S. Army and, after training, had became a helicopter pilot. During a mission in Afghanistan her Chinook helicopter had been hit by a rocket-propelled grenade and all aboard were killed. Brett had moved to Haiti to do missionary work with his fiancé and her family.
Kim was gone, Brett was living in Haiti, and Dirk was in Turks and Caicos with his daughter. Even Kitty’s mother and stepfather, Ed and Gwen, were on a trip overseas and wouldn’t be coming around for awhile. The lovely home in Virginia had become more of a “house,” than a home.
It has been given to some at some point in their lives to “step aside,” and view the past events, actions, reactions, and attitudes that have brought them to where they are at the present time. Such as when the prodigal son was said to have “come to his senses,” and the Prophet Haggai was told by God to “Consider your ways.” (I think we are all given this opportunity during our lifetime, but I suspect we are often not listening when the Lord speaks to us.)
Alone now in her home Kitty began to examine her past, and in particular, her attitude toward Dirk and their marriage. She recounted how she’d forced Dirk to forego a career in Marine Biology and put all the energies he had into climbing the ladder at Ryan Corporation (the reciprocate of numerous profitable government projects) where he’d been promoted to Executive Vice President. Kitty liked the prestige his fat pay check provided each month. She liked having her own BMW, and she’d liked the pride that had come with sending their children to Ivy League schools.
OK, but that was “yesterday.” What about tomorrow? Kitty knew that Dirk would most likely marry again some day. Some angelic help and a series of dreams she had convinced her that if she continued to spurn his every move toward reconciliation, she would lose the man she still loved — forever. And not only him, but the little girl who wanted to call her “Mama.” Unforgiveness would take everything she had, if allowed. But Kitty would not allow it, she would not have it!
With trembling hands and solid resolve, she called her travel agent and requested a one-way ticket to the Turks and Caicos Islands.
—————————————————————————————————-
Forgiveness had redirected Kitty’s life. Maybe you have unforgiveness toward someone close to you. Maybe they have apologized and asked forgiveness from you, but pride has prevented you from giving in. Is your stand-off worth it? Have you ever imagined that the person you refuse to forgive, if forgiven could become one of your most cherished friends? Forgiving your trespasser does not mean that you were wrong, and they were right. Relations in this world will undoubtably suffer offenses from time to time. Hence, the need for forgiveness. Marriage, friendship, and life-in-general can’t work without it.
Oh, and by the way – you know that “beam” in your eye? The one Jesus spoke of in the seventh chapter of Matthew? If you have one You might want to take it out when dealing with forgiveness. It will give you a clearer picture from a higher perspective
“For if you forgive people their trespasses – that is, their reckless and
willful sins, leaving them, letting them go and giving up resentment —
your heavenly father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive
others their trespasses – their reckless and willful sins, leaving them,
letting them go and giving up resentment – neither will your Father
forgive you your trespasses. (Matt. 6:14-15 TAB)
Walking this Way with you,
Connie
The School Lunch Program
Pastor Coty Writes:
In today’s world, schools in Haiti are almost unrecognizable compared to what we knew growing up. Some say it’s because teachers are not doing their jobs well, while others believe students simply don’t study anymore. No one knows the exact reason, but one thing is certain: the quality of education has declined significantly.
Here’s what I understand about the situation. It reflects the truth of a French proverb: “A hungry stomach has no ears.”
If the teacher is hungry and the student is hungry, it’s clear that learning won’t happen. And that is exactly what’s happening in Haitian schools. Perhaps one of the secrets to the success of our school is that we have something many schools do not have: a school lunch program.
We have come to realize that schools are failing not because they lack books, not because teachers are unqualified, not because students don’t want to study, but—believe it or not—because they don’t have food. In a country where misery is written on everyone’s face, where hunger is almost everyone’s identity, school has lost its meaning.
But when a school is blessed by God, when He speaks to the hearts of others to help provide daily meals, it makes a huge, incredible difference. This is the reality of the Cahess Good News institution. The best news the students receive every day is seeing smoke rising from the school kitchen.
We have had three graduating classes take the national exams, and all students have passed successfully—something other schools struggle to achieve. This success is because both students and teachers receive food every day.
Thank you, God, and thank you to everyone who supports us!
Pastor Coty Joseph
Kitchen staff preparing lunch
Ready for lunch
So glad to fill my tummy
Ready to learn again
The Food for the Needy Program
Pastor Coty Writes:
The Bible tells us that those who choose to help those in need will not labor in vain. The food we provide to those in need in the Village of Cahess is a testament to this, as some people completely rely on the support of other people to survive.
One of the most faithful church members to come to every service was Sister Fifine. She had poor eyesight for a long time, but always found someone to guide her to church, while she used her walking stick.
Today, for over a year, she has been unable to go out at all—she no longer has the strength. As a widow, our frequent visits are what keep her going. The food we bring is what she eats. Every day, Sister Fifine says, “If it weren’t for you, what would I eat?” Her eyes may be weak, but her ears are always alert—when she hears our voices, she immediately knows we have brought something for her.
In her current condition, Sister Fifine could be considered a burden to her family because she is a widow. However, in reality, she has become a source of provision for her household, as the food given to her also benefits the others at home.
There are many people in the same situation as Sister Fifine, with no one to help them, but thanks to this program, they are not left to suffer from hunger and misery.
May God continue to bless all those who contribute to this mission.
Pastor Coty Joseph
The Lord our God is pleased with every person who was involved in getting this bag of rice to Sister Fifine
The Drought Resistant Garden Program
There are some exciting things to share this month concerning the Solidarity Gardeners and the work being done by Jeff and Yamoutch. It is all very exciting.
On March 21st, Jeff and Yamoutch taught a class to the older students at the school about planting corn. The parents of many of these students belong to the Solidarity Gardeners Group. I love that these young people are learning along with their parents.
We have also begun the corn experiment. I have asked Jeff and Yamoutch to create an experiment where they have one plot of corn planted in the traditional Haitian way and another plot of the same exact size planted the way that New Englanders traditionally plant their corn. They are to maintain each plot exactly the same. At harvest time we will measure yields and quality of the corn. This experiment is to test Haitian methods of corn planting against other methods for best yield and quality. I will keep you posted.
The gardens are also doing very well and there is a robust crop of Roma tomatoes ready to ripen.
The fruit trees are also doing very well. Several people are seeing blossoms and this Lemon tree already has an abundance of fruit. Right after this picture some of those baby Lemons were removed so the tree can bear good size mature fruit.
Thank you for your prayers and support.
Dasiee Kangas, Project Leader
Haiti Today
Pastor Coty Writes:
There is only one word that defines social life in Haiti right now: it is insecurity. This is a country where gangs dictate where people can and cannot go. Even if you have an urgent need, if a gang says you cannot pass, you have no choice but to stay where you are.
For several years now, the government has acknowledged that certain areas of the capital are “lost territories,” meaning even the state has no control over them. And with time, gangs have only expanded their grip.
Today, despite the presence of a foreign security force in the country, gang activity continues to grow. They have taken over more and more areas, and now, almost the entire capital city of Port-au-Prince is under their control.
Just a week ago, gangs seized Mirbalis, a major city in the Central Department (a central section of the country). They destroyed the prison, freed all the inmates, and forced the residents to flee to the countryside. The police are powerless against these heavily armed criminals.
Starting from the West and Artibonite departments, gangs have now reached the Central Department. People in the North, especially in the city of Cap-Haitien, are already trembling with fear, knowing they could be the next target. This region is strategically important for any uprising, as it borders both the Artibonite and Central Departments. As a result, people in Cap-Haitien have been living in constant fear for days.
In this situation, I rely on your prayers for Haiti. May the Lord intervene, because the insecurity has reached an unbearable level.
Pastor Coty Joseph
Some sections of Cap Haitien are pleasant to visit.
Whoever is generous to the poor, lends to the Lord
and he will repay him for his deed.
Proverbs 19:17
A prayer for you from the scripture:
Numbers 6: 24 to 26 NLT
24.‘May the Lord bless you
and keep you
25. May the Lord smile on you
And be gracious unto you
26.May the Lord show you his favor
And give you peace’
Thank you, Family and Friends of Coastal Haiti Mission, for all that you do to help the people in Cahess, Haiti. You are making a huge difference for these people.
Please remember, that CHM must continue to send our monthly commitment of $1100 to carry on the ongoing CHM ministry in Cahess. This is in addition to the cost of the School Lunch Program.
If you desire to help, please send your tax-deductible check to our address and tell us how you want us to use your donation:
Coastal Haiti Mission
C/O Constance Goddard
3048 Spring Fancy Lane
Indian Trail, NC 28079
Or For tax deductible “online donations”, please use our PayPal service. Also please designate how you want us to use your donation.
May the Lord our God, who knows your heart and sees your actions, grant you great joy as you serve Him. Connie, Esther, Pastor Coty, Carl, Dan, and Ken are very grateful for your sacrifice. Ken Johansson CHM Newsletter Editor