We’re Home!
January 15, 2010 by shane
Filed under News from the Road, Shane
9 Comments
At last report, we were to potentially have a flight out of Haiti next Thursday, January 21st. All reports have suggested that next Monday or Tuesday is the earliest that any passenger planes would be leaving Haiti. The only planes going in or out at this point are for the ongoing relief effort. However, we had a sea of Believers calling up prayers on our behalf to get us back home. God is so faithful. He heard those prayers and made a way when it seemed so unlikely; almost impossible. We are now standing on American soil!
A calculated effort was put together by my wife Colleen and Neil Koelbl, who is a close friend of our Holt International representative; Kris Thompson. Kris was with us on this trip as well but had the same limited communications that I did. Through these connections and efforts we somehow ended up on one of Ted Turner’s planes sent for relief and evacuation.
Much to our surprise, late last night we received word that a plane was coming for us. It sounded too good to be true, but isn’t that just like God? We still had a tough decision to make. They don’t even allow the relief workers, police, and military to work during the night because of the inherent danger. Desperate people do desperate things as you’ve seen on the news channels. There has been looting, unrest, and many prisoners have escaped as a result of collapsed buildings there. We had to make the decision whether or not to risk driving at night to one of the more hectic areas; the airport.
After much discussion on our options, we decided to give it a try. Based upon all that we’d heard, we were certain that the airport was going to be quite restricted and we’d have a tough time getting through without so much as a ticket. We were also well aware of the mayhem at the airport there without a crisis; let alone one of this magnitude. We’d witnessed that first hand when we arrived. The normal route to the airport would route us across a bridge into town where the worst devastation is. However, it was out so we went around another way and avoided much of that area. We witnessed the destruction of many structures, walls, streets, etc, but made it to the airport. Much to our surprise it was calm there. There were hundreds sleeping in the parking lot area, waiting for the passenger planes, which still might be 5-6 more days away. As expected the guards would not let us in and said the pilot would have to come find us if we are to be evacuated on a private plane. We waited and several hours later, we found ourselves boarding a small aircraft. We witnessed tons of pallets of relief products and several planes there unloading.
How did we manage this? Many might say it was luck or being at the right place at the right time. Those can call it that if they want to, but I’ll call it what it is; favor of the Lord for the cries of the faithful. Thank you so much for the prayers.
As we flew away and looked over the devastated city, I could not help but have a huge burden in my heart for those left behind that are now forced to try and reassemble a life that was already so broken to start with. God help the people of Haiti. Let this tragedy be a catalyst that drives many to You!
For Haiti relief efforts you may donate at: www.holtinternational.org
Shane Bowers
January 15, 2010
GOD IS AN AWSOME GOD. ONLY BY THE LORD GOD ALMIGHTY ARE YOU ON AMERICAN SOIL.ISn”T IT GREAT TO SERVE THE GREAT I AM!
Shane,
We do serve an awsome God and he can do the most amazing things. We have been praying for you daily my heart aches for Haiti. My youngest daughter Abby (16) was scheduled to arrive in Haiti at the end of March and we have been preparing her and ourselves for her mission trip. Very thankful she wasn’t there during this time. However, her trip has been delayed until further notice. She still wants to go her heart is ready. Her quote she had Tuesday after hearing of the quake needs to be said……..Christians are like bouncy balls…..they come back and they bounce higher, faster, and with more power. Words to cherish. Keeping you in our prayers still….and waiting for you guys to come through OH again. KEep the blog going……I love reading what you have to say…..
May God bless you! and the other guys and your families.
Lori
Such a devastating disaster for all of you to be in the middle of. So glad that you guys came out ok and have made it home. I know that the testimony that you will give from this will affect many lives and draw more hearts to Him. The people in this country will continue to be in our prayers. We’ll be giving God glory & thanks for your safe return to your families!
LaDonna
I am a friend of Connie and Martha Bowers, and my husband until he died 20 years ago had a great interest in Hati. I regret to say since he died I haven’t kept up with the missions there. We helped build an childrens home and a clinic and were partly helpful in getting SBC to appoint missionaries. We supported many missionaries and mission groups. My husband was Associational Missionary for Hebron in Georgia. We also were at Cross Roads and got to send Connie and Martha to Africa. I am so glad to hear you all are ok and my prayers will still go out to Hati and those left behind.
Shane,
I had to look up the bands website after Shannon told Ceslie your group was in the mist of this disaster. I am sitting here in tears after reading your post. I am so glad to know you have made it back to the US safe as well as the others who were with you. Your post has made me stop and take a good look at my own life knowing it is time to wake up get back to serving God again rather than myself. Please know your family is in my prayers.
Your PTC Friends,
Leslie
Shane,
I have been praying for a safe return for the band. God is so Great! It’s amazing what he can do. Only God, could help you find a way home so quickly. Take care and don’t forget about visiting us in Hiram,Ga.
In God’s Love,
Sherry Warlick
Hi Shane,
We are watching “Hope for Haiti, Now” and we thank the Lord that you and those with you made it home safely. We prayed for all of you, for your safe return. Thank God that He protected all of you.
I have a friend, who I just received an email from, and while she and her sister moved here to the U.S. a few years ago from Haiti, most of their immediate family still lives in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Many of their family members in Haiti are alive from what they have heard, but are homeless with so many others in Port-au-Prince. Please keep them in your prayers as well. God help these people and the country of Haiti.
Again, we are glad to know that you are safe.
Your Friends,
Dawn and Speizio Stowers
Shane,
Thanks for the letter and kind words. Glad we could help you guys out and the greater Haiti cause with our Jet. We ran it around the clock carry supplies and people. We are fortunate to have a pilot like Tim Rehm who worked tirelessly flying back and forth for a greater cause. All the best….Harry Smith
hey guys. you guys were great at evangel tonight! jus so u know who i am, im the lil girl that asked you guys to sign my cup. ha. i didnt have any money with me so i jus went an grabbed a lil styrafome cup. but yeah u guys were soooooooo good!