July 2011 Ministry Team
We had a tremendous time in Haiti this summer! God put together a great team with hearts for service! Wilfrid led a team of local men to paint the building inside and out. What a task! But they worked long, hard days and with joyful spirits! It was exciting to see the completed building at the end of the week. The HOPE Library is completed as far as a work project. Now we are in the process of raising funds to outfit it with furniture and the materials needed for computer training and the library.
Rose, Crystal and Elisabeth led three days of Vacation Bible School for the children. Over 130 children attended! Rose was an exceptional story teller and led the children in many songs. We also played games, had a small craft and watched a special Jesus movie just for kids in their heart language of Creole. It was encouraging to see the children gain truth throughout the week and especially to see many of our sponsored children there.
In the evening, we used a variety of video presentations to outreach into the community. Over 200 attended each evening for showing of various Christian films and Creole Christian music videos. After viewing the Jesus Film in Creole, a number came forward to receive Jesus as their personal Savior.
Another highlight was visiting with our sponsored children and delivering gifts, cards and pictures to them. Many of our children wrote letters back to their sponsors! Elisabeth was able to take the opportunity to remind them of how God was providing for their needs and how much He loved them.
We are looking forward to returning to Haiti- potentially in December/January and next summer. We’d love for you to join us!
Construction Progress
Pastor Zacharie, one of our three project administrators, has reported that the doors and metal window guards have been constructed and installed in the HOPE Community building. This is an encouraging milestone as it allows us to secure the building. This past spring, the cement roof was poured, the rough work was completed for electricity and plumbing and the walls began to be prepared for painting. We are currently seeking $20,000 to move the building project to the final painting stage. This includes finishing the floor, plumbing, electric, bathrooms, steps/porch and plastering the walls. We are grateful that the building is in use every week, even though it is still a “work in progress”. Our goal is to continue to use the building for Biblical instruction as well as to provide library services for students and church leaders. The building will also house an internet lab and serve as our “home base” for other spiritual and educational outreaches. Eventually, our ministry teams will be housed within this building as well.
Child Sponsors Needed
HOPE currently has eight children being sponsored. We have six more extremely needed children in Pestel that need sponsors. For $20/month, you will be able to ensure that each child attends a local school and receives an education. Your monthly gift also provides school books, supplies and a school uniform. By relieving this burden, families are able to ensure that other daily needs are being met for their child. Our sponsored children attend local churches that we partner with, ensuring that each child is receiving spiritual instruction as well. Pictures and periodic updates will be made available to sponsors (when we are able to travel to Pestel). Sponsors also have the opportunity to travel to Pestel and meet their sponsored child personally!
Weekly Bible Study
Each week, between 30-50 people meet to study the Bible in our community building in Pestel, Haiti. Local pastors work in cooperation with one another as they share the responsibility of teaching and encouraging local believers. They are currently studying the Book of John. Through generous gifts, 100 French and Creole Bibles were provided and distributed through these pastors to community members and Bible Study participants. This Bible study grew out of the Community Revival services that were held in July. For eight evenings, over 250 people attended, sharing in worship and challenge from the Word. Many local churches were represented and each pastor worked together to challenge believers to be a light to their community.
HOPE Mission International 