Hugues Bastien, the founder and executive director of our ministry organization, had a very serious motorcycle accident last Thursday. He is now back in Ouanaminthe, after three days in Santiago with his brother Jacques (thank the Lord, Jacques happened to be visiting from NY to work on the hotel he is building), Jaccin (one of our administrators), Cindy Foraker (nurse from the Iannetta missionary team), a visiting doctor, Dr. Lamah (our main doctor from our medical clinic) and me. 

Please be praying for his recovery. He MUST stay down for 1 1/2 more weeks. Pray he will heed these instructions and that God will minister to him in a very special way during this time. Additionally, are specific prayer requests in the email content below.

Here is the content of an email sent from Pastor Dave yesterday: 

Dear Friends of Univers,

Hugues returned to Ouanaminthe on Saturday.  He looked like a survivor of a street fight, but it surely was good to see him.

This morning (Sunday), he was present in church.  As he gingerly walked to the mike, a stillness fell on the congregation.  When he spoke, it was clear that the people were relieved to see this man in their presence again, albeit in battered form.  Hugues gave a brief testimony thanking God for his life, and concluded by singing a worship song which totally fit his situation – Si jodi-a m vivan, se gras a ou (If today I’m living, it’s thanks to you).  The congregation joined in, hands uplifted, cheeks tear-streaked.  To listen to a recording of this worship song on YouTube, click here.  Or type the following in your address box --http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1GJAkpRvcqA. 

Thanks for praying.  Please continue the prayer support -- for Hugues to avoid infection around the stitches in his scalp and his arm to remain immobile for the clavicle to knit together well.

Thank you, Lord!

Dave Mann

Thank you, everyone, for your prayers.

 photo taken in 2011