The Path MEGAzine had an amazing timeworking with Helping Hands to Haiti on this mission trip to Haiti.  The experience gave me a new perspective and understanding on what’s really happening.  Our production company Parallel Path Entertainment videotaped the entire journey, and it was exciting to look at the footage when we got back in town.  We’ll have video documentation available soon, but I wanted to give everyone an update on the state of Haiti as I saw it.

When we arrived at Port Labadee, the Haitian officers informed us that things could go badly if we delivered the goods our self.  Just last weeka group of Haitians blocked the roads and jumped supply trucks and stole everything off of them in a ruthless and violent manner.  Getting into the city was one thing, but getting out was another.  We were to leave the Port of Labadee, and enter the city of Cap Haitian, which is about an hour away from the severely devastated Port of Prince.  The 12 of us were the only ones allowed out of the Royal Caribbean owned Port Labadee.

Few out of our group were detoured by the warnings.  We all had the danger in the back of our minds, but we were determined to at least make one stop to the orphanage.  Father Duken owned the orphanage.  The task was left up to Father Duken to pick us up in his Ford F-150 and take the twelve of us 30 minutes into the city of Cap Haitian.  We journeyed on rough terrain and un-paved roads, piled up in the back of a truck with mission shirts of the same baby blue color.  Y’all I was scared.  We looked like tourists, and to make matters worse we quickly realized that the locals weren’t exactly happy to see us. 

They were bitter, distraught, and yelled things in their French-Haitian dialect that wasn’t conducive of someone who was glad to receive aid.   Our Haitian translator Roger, rode in the back of the truck and calmed the many Haitians inquiring about our visit down.  Roger spared us many of the translations, but I do know we were being called white and pigs.  That was odd to me considering that all of us who went were African Americans.  Mass inquiries even prompted Roger to tell one of the locals we were Haitian-Americans coming back to help.  If you saw how this guy came up on our truck you might have said the same thing!  Many locals didn’t want to be photographed, even slapping the hands of one of us, screaming “No Photo.”   The ride was slow, often crawling through thousands of people who blocked the streets.  Many of the Haitians rode scooters for transportation. Some had cars, but most people walked.  While walking, the local women would balance unbelievable amounts of laundry and fruits on there head.  Father Duken our driver and orphanage owner stated, “90% of the people had no jobs.”  Before the earthquake the city of Cap Haitian held 800,000 people.  Now people were pouring in from the badly hit Port of Prince raising their population to an estimated 1.5 million.  The city simply couldn’t hold it.  People slept on the streets at night, and walked the streets during the day.  I saw several men urinating out in the open, because there was simply nowhere else to go. 

When we arrived at the orphanage, workers locked the 20-foot Iron Gate behind us, and we heard a touching sound.  The children from the Orphanage were singing to us in French.  They emphatically sung, “Welcome home, you are home.”  We toured the orphanage and we were elated that our money and two of the pallets of supplies were going to this particular orphanage.  Father Duken was doing a wonderful job with the children. Most of them were brought to the orphanage after their parents were killed in the earthquake.  We took pictures and hopped back in the truck, trying to hurry back before the ship left us and before it started raining again.  But there was one little problem.  It seemed that we broke the tailgate on the truck.  So we spent about 10 minutes trying to fix it to no avail.  So two of the men had to hold the tailgate up and/or ride on it while holding themselves down on the incredibly bumpy ride. 

As soon as we made it out on the street a United Nations UN truck pulled in front of us.  I rode inside the truck, and reminded some of the passengers that if we didn’t spend that 10 minutes working on the tailgate, we would have never been behind this UN truck which was definitely providing security for our ride back.  God was working this thing!  The UN truck must have known we took a risk, and followed us all the way through the city.  We were safe. 

About 5 minutes from the cruise ship we see this huge truck coming at us on a one-way street.  We had to stop and back up, while guards hopped out the truck and motioned us to move aside.  The truck pulled up next to us.  And it was our goods on the truck!  Labels saying, “Haitian Relief – Helping Hands to Haiti” covered the goods being brought into the city.  Everyone started cheering, and I rushed to turn on my camera to document the achievement.  Our mission was complete.  And for Pastor Gregg Patrick, a dream realized.

We continued into the Port, relieved and satisfied that we made it safely.  We said our goodbyes to Father Duken, and all I could think about were the faces of those little kids.  I felt like a hero.  I felt a little guilty returning back to the luxurious cruise ship also.  I realized how fortunate we are.  This was an experience that will definitely make me count my blessings and reassess my needs.  The Apostle Paul said in Philippians 4:11

No matter if I have a lot or a little, I know God will cover the basics.  And the basics to us is more fortune than some people receive in a lifetime.  Through it all I will never forget Haiti.  The majority of the people were curious, kind, and thankful.  Their motivation for survival beamed through their facial expressions.  I’m just glad I got the opportunity to make someone’s day better. 

If you would like to give to the Haiti relief effort, please contact 1-888-92-HAITI or visit www.helpinghandstohaiti.org.  They will make sure your contribution gets into the hands of the Haitian people.

See all the pictures from our Haiti trip on our Facebook page! 
CLICK HERE

The PathMEGAzine will be going to Haiti with the humanitarian group Helping Hands to Haiti.  The group has collected tons of supplies needed to aid the Haitian people.  We will be videotaping the trip as it relates to the efforts of Helping Hands to Haiti.  We hope to report the progress the Haitian community has made since the devastating earthquake ravished their community.  One thing’s for sure, Haiti needs our help now more than ever as government corruption and greed threatens to stall relief efforts put forth by thousands of donators. 

The Lord is Making a Way!

Helping Hands to Haiti has broken new ground in the efforts to get aid directly into the hands of the Haitian people.  The organization has partnered with the Royal Caribbean Cruise Line to ship the materials to Haiti.  Once in Haiti various political connections and direct contacts will ensure the delivery of these materials pass the ports.  Helping Hands to Haiti is the vision of The Bridge, Southwest Community Christian Center of Houston, Texas. Through the vision of its Pastor Dr. Gregg Patrick, the group has received great favor in securing the delivery of the supplies.  Pastor Gregg Patrick says, “This is 1 of 3 initial trips that Helping Hands to Haiti will make to render aid.” 



We Need You!

Donations can be made by credit card at 1-888-92-HAITI
Send Checks to Helping Hands to Haiti, 14880 Bellaire Blvd. Houston, Texas 77083.  Materials can also be dropped off at this location.  For a list of supplies needed most CLICK HERE to visit the website www.HelpingHandsToHaiti.org 

ABOUT HELPING HANDS TO HAITI

Helping Hands To Haiti (HHH) is the vision of The Bridge, Southwest Community Christian Center of Houston, Texas.  Through the leadership of its, Pastor, Dr. Gregg J. Patrick, the church has begun a monumental effort to get humanitarian aid directly to the hands of the Haitian people; where it is so desperately needed.

The 20 year old church, has established and supported many charitable events over the years, and distributing over 98% of the funds directly to the agencies involved.

During the Hurricane Katrina disaster, Pastor Patrick and The Bridge were one of the first (and only) churches that consistently came to the aid of the displaced Americans who had to flee to The Astrodome in Houston.  Pastor Patrick worked tirelessly with the Red Cross and other agencies to help and insure physical comfort and spiritual aid to thousands that were there; many of whom have remained in Houston, as members of the church.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Ike, The Bridge (a registered Red Cross disaster agency), again opened its doors to help and relieve the suffering of the homeless and needy, through the giving of many concerned citizens.

Pastor Patrick, a major gospel artist, had a top-ten CD “Crossover” in 2009 (Billboard).  Through his gospel industry contacts, HHH will soon produce a major gospel concert to support these efforts.


Contact Information
www.HelpingHandsToHaiti.org
Email: Pastor Gregg Patrick of Helping Hands to Haiti – Pastor@swcbc.net
Phone: 1-888-92-HAITI
Address: 14880 Bellaire Blvd. Houston, TX 77083

“The Bible declares that the mind of person given over to homosexuality becomes depraved or spiritually worthless. This was on full display when pop star Elton John declared, ‘I think Jesus was a compassionate, super-intelligent gay man who understood human problems.’ This is an outrage and the height of blasphemy and an offence to all those who are Christians,” said Dr. Gary Cass of the Christian Anti-Defamation Commission.

“Sodomy is a pernicious sin and to assert Jesus was a homosexual is to allege he engaged in a most wicked and perverted activity. It denies the Christian doctrine of the sinless life of Christ who died as an innocent man on behalf of the guilty human race. If Jesus was a sodomite then there is no atonement or forgiveness of sin,” said Cass.

“To assert that Jesus was a homosexual only serves to confirm the twisted and depraved mind of Elton John,” Cass continues. “This is an obvious case of someone projecting their own corrupt lifestyle onto Christ in an effort to justify their own unrepentant buggery. Elton John owes all Christians an apology.”

Helping Hands To Haiti (HHH), is the vision of The Bridge, Southwest Community Christian Center of Houston, Texas.  Thorough the leadership of its, Pastor, Dr. Gregg J. Patrick, the church has begun a monumental effort to get humanitarian aid directly to the hands of the Haitian people; where it is so desperately needed.
The 20 year old church, has established and supported many charitable events over the years, and distributing over 98% of the funds directly to the agencies involved.
During the Hurricane Katrina disaster, Pastor Patrick and The Bridge were one of the first (and only) churches that consistently came to the aid of the displaced Americans who had to flee to The Astrodome in Houston.  Pastor Patrick worked tirelessly with the Red Cross and other agencies to help and insure physical comfort and spiritual aid to thousands that were there; many of whom have remained in Houston, as members of the church.
Pastor Patrick, a major gospel artist, had a top-ten CD “Crossover” in 2009 (Billboard).  Through his gospel industry contacts, HHH will produce a major gospel concert to support these efforts.

HHH Divisions of Relief:
    1.    Humanitarian – support and provide relief to the people i.e., food, water, staples, clothing.
    2.    Community – fundraisers stateside to secure local support to assist in all efforts.
    3.    Missionary – to travel to Haiti to help rebuild, restore and minister to the people.

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Verity Gospel Music Group artist Marvin Sapp‘s latest single “The Best In Me” has just set a new Billboard record by jumping from #78 to #14 on the Hot R&B/Hot Songs Chart. This meteoric, one week jump is the largest position jump by a gospel track since the chart began using Nielsen SoundScan data 18 years ago. In addition, this is also the largest jump in four years among all genres. “The Best In Me” is the lead single from Sapp’s forthcoming live album Here I Am, which hits stores on March 16, 2010.

Best Gospel Performance

For solo, duo, group as collaborative performances. Singles or tracks with vocal containing Gospel lyrics. All genres of Gospel music are eligible.

Free To Be Me

Francesca Battistelli [Fervent Records/ Word Entertainment]

Jesus Is Love

Heather Headley Featuring Smokie Norful Track from: Audience Of One [EMI Gospel]

I Believe

Jonny Lang With Fisk Jubilee Singers Track from: Oh Happy Day [Vector Recordings/EMI Gospel]

Wait On The Lord

Donnie McClurkin Featuring Karen Clark Sheard Track from: We All Are One (Live In Detroit) [Verity]

Born Again

Third Day, Featuring Lacey Moseley Track from: Revelation [Essential Records] 

Best Gospel Song

A Songwriter(s) Award. For Song Eligibility Guidelines see the Song Of The Year award. (Artist names appear in parentheses.) Singles or Tracks only.

Born Again

Tai Anderson, David Carr, Mark Lee & Mac Powell, songwriters (Third Day, Featuring Lacey Moseley) Track from: Revelation [Essential Records; Publisher: Consuming Fire Music.]

City On Our Knees

Cary Barlowe, Toby McKeehan & Jamie Moore, songwriters (TobyMac) [Forefront Records; Publishers: Achtober Songs, Emack Music, Jamnu Music, Castle Bound, Bummerman Music.]

Every Prayer

Dayna Caddell, Israel Houghton, Aaron Lindsey & Ricardo Sanchez, songwriters (Israel Houghton & Mary Mary) Track from: The Power Of One [Integrity Music; Publishers: Warner-Tamerlane Publishing, Aaron Lindsey Publishing, Integrity’s Praise! Music, Sound of the New Breed, gnidybab music, Ricardo Music Dot Com.]

God In Me

Erica Campbell, Tina Campbell & Warryn Campbell, songwriters (Mary Mary Featuring Kierra "KiKi" Sheard) Track from: The Sound [Columbia Records; Publishers: EMI April Music, Wet Ink Red Music, That’s Plum Song, It’s Tea Tyme.]

The Motions

Jason Houser, Sam Mizell & Matthew West, songwriters (Matthew West) Track from: Something To Say [Sparrow Records; Publishers: Word Music/Songs For Lulu/Simple Tense Songs/Wyzell Music/Songs of Extreme/Cedar Sides.] 

Best Rock Or Rap Gospel Album

For albums containing 51% or more playing time of VOCAL tracks.

The Big Picture

Da’ T.R.U.T.H. [Cross Movement Records]

Crash

Decyfer Down [INO Records]

Innocence & Instinct

Red [Essential Records]

Live Revelations

Third Day [Essential Records]

The Dash

John Wells-The Tonic [Cross Movement Records] 

Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album

For albums containing 51% or more playing time of VOCAL tracks.

Speaking Louder Than Before

Jeremy Camp [BEC Recordings]

The Power Of One

Israel Houghton [Integrity Music]

The Long Fall Back To Earth

Jars Of Clay [Gray Matters/Essential Records]

Love Is On The Move

Leeland [Essential Records]

Freedom

Mandisa [Sparrow Records] 

Best Southern/Country/Bluegrass Gospel Album

For albums containing 51% or more playing time of VOCAL tracks.

Jason Crabb

Jason Crabb [Spring Hill Music Group]

Dream On

Ernie Haase & Signature Sound [Gaither Music Group]

The Rock

Tracy Lawrence [Rocky Comfort Records/Artist2Market Distribution]

In God’s Time

Barry Scott & Second Wind [Rebel Records]

Everyday

Triumphant Quartet [Daywind Records] 

Best Traditional Gospel Album

For albums containing 51% or more playing time of VOCAL tracks.

God Don’t Never Change

Ashley Cleveland [E1 Music]

The Law Of Confession, Part I

Donald Lawrence & Co. [Quiet Water/Verity]

Oh Happy Day

(Various Artists) Bill Hearn, Ken Levitan, Ken Pennell, Jack Rovner & Cedric Thompson, producers [EMI Gospel/Vector Recordings]

The Journey Continues

The Williams Brothers [Blackberry Records]

How I Got Over

Vickie Winans [Destiny Joy Records] 

Best Contemporary R&B Gospel Album

For albums containing 51% or more playing time of VOCAL tracks.

Audience Of One

Heather Headley [EMI Gospel]

Renewed

Sheri Jones-Moffett [EMI Gospel]

Just James

J Moss [GospoCentric/ Verity]

Smokie Norful: Live

Smokie Norful [EMI Gospel]

Bold Right Life

Kierra Sheard [EMI Gospel]

Andrae Crouch, Yolanda Adams, Kirk Franklin, Shirley Ceasar, Donnie McClurkin, Clark Sisters, Marvin Sapp, Dottie Peoples, Cece Winans, Byron Cage and many other music legends & today’s hitmakers part of GMC’s Black History Month line-up in February

Gospel Music Channel (GMC) will celebrate Black History Month this February with music and artists that have inspired the world.

In addition to major premiere programming and specials, GMC will also present special vignettes throughout the month featuring artists including Marvin Sapp, Byron Cage, Canton Jones, Ricky Dillard, Beverly Crawford, The Murrills and Angella Christie reflecting on the events and historical figures in the Black Community that have shaped their lives personally and professionally.

Other highlights of GMC’s Black History Month Celebration include:
— The basic cable television premiere of the 25th Anniversary of The Stellar Awards, the premier Gospel event that recognizes and honors Gospel artists, on Sunday, Feb 28 at 8:00 p.m. ET. Vickie Winans, Kirk Franklin and Donnie McClurkin co-host this memorable evening. Legendary vocalists Tremaine Hawkins, Shirley Caesar and Dottie Peoples appear on stage together as do Donnie McClurkin, Marvin Sapp and Byron Cage. The show also features piano collaborations from Smokie Norful and Richard Smallwood, Hezekiah Walker with his Love Fellowship Choir and Ricky Dillard and New G with a Choir Collaboration. Other performers include BeBe & CeCe Winans, Kirk Franklin singing a medley of hits, Crystal Aikin, Vanessa Bell Armstrong, Israel Houghton performing with Mary Mary, and Donald Lawrence with the Verizon Wireless “How Sweet the Sound” winners, the Atlanta West Pentecostal Church Choir.

The world premiere of the 2010 BMI Trailblazers Awards Tribute to Donnie McClurkin & Andraé Crouch (Sunday, Feb. 21 at 8:00 p.m ET.) The all-star special — recorded Jan. 15 in Nashville as part of The 2010 Stellar Awards festivities — includes appearances and inspired live performances from a selection of contemporary stars and gospel powerhouses. Byron Cage hosts the tribute to McClurkin, which features inspired live performances by Latice Crawford, Micah Stampley, Pastor Marvin Winans, and Yolanda Adams, who is joined by McClurkin for a rousing rendition of “We Fall Down.” Adams then hosts the musical homage to Crouch. Spine-tingling performances are delivered by stars including Adams, BeBe Winans, CeCe Winans, TaTa Vega, Mary Mary, Pastor Marvin Winans, and Dorinda Clark Cole.

GMC world premieres A Love Song for Haiti: The Making of ‘Are You Listening’ (Feb. 21 at 9:30pm) an exclusive special that goes behind-the-scenes of the gospel community’s answer to “We Are the World.” Kirk Franklin wrote and produced the song to benefit Haiti and assembled a who’s who of gospel greats for the recording.

For a complete schedule of GMC’s BHM programming, go to www.gospelmusicchannel.com/schedule. GMC can be seen in 46 million homes on various cable systems around the country, on DIRECTV on channel 338 and on Verizon FiOS on channel 224.