Forever Changing!

The mission is ever changing. “change” seems to be the theme activated by the living condition of the area in which we are. But then how do we break the cycle of poverty for good? We have started four new programs that could be part of the answer.

Through God's blessing and your assistance, we have accomplished a very impressive educational program. The last three years we have had from 400 to 500 students.  Several have graduated to high school, one has gone on to university.

An evangelistic and hygiene program was started in 2000 where villagers who are two to eight hours walk away were visited and taught the gospel.   Some came to us on their own.   Last week after a four hour walk and after having knocked on the 23rd door, Monique (who is the mission administrator) met an old lady who was crying.  She thought Monique was an angel.   After having cooked her a meal and taught her the gospel for several hours the lady desired to be baptized. Another village four hours further has over 200 meeting on Sundays.   That program is a tremendous success and will continue to be so with our Lord leading the way.

A fish raising venture was started last October, with great success.   We wanted to prove that it could be done.

On August 13th a sewing workshop was started with nine persons sewing school uniforms for our school children from three to seven years old.   The parent will absorb the cost of the uniform. Other villages are making inquiries.

We plan in the future to give a small goat to at least 100 children.   At the moment we have 27 female and two bucks.   The plan is to eventually raise many goat herds to generate money, and to teach animal husbandry.   We already have three baby goats and will have many more in a few months. These little goats are only lent to the child and always will belong to the mission.   They will have many rules to follow, if they want to keep their goat.

“Banker to the poor, or Micro-credit program” - This program started in Bangladesh in 1976.  One day Muhammad Yunus loaned $27 from his own pocket to forty two stool makers.  As a result of this very small loan, it became a successful business.   Today there are 7,000,000 persons from over 100 countries making a living as a result of this micro lending program.  Monique went to a training seminar a month ago and today 20 families are earning a living from their own small business.   They are loaned $100USD to give them a start.   Every Saturday they have to come and repay $1 back, and there is a penalty if they do not meet their commitment.   So far, none have missed a single payment.

Monique and four other ladies formed a small bank to get started and their goal is to have 100 families enrolled by the end of the year.   This is the most exciting program of all! Within a few years it is possible that our area most will be out of poverty.   You can find out more about the Micro-Credit concept here.

The reputation of the mission will continue to expand way beyond our area and it is exciting to see how the Lord will continue His word in our little world.

Our thanks and gratitude to all those who continue to support our mission.   May God return to you ten-fold what you have invested in Haiti.  Also, to those who pray for our mission every day - your prayers are essential, and so very appreciated!

However, there are those who have heard and know of our mission and who will read our news report, but then forget the need of this impoverished country.   You are really needed.   Please consider being our partner in the great things God is doing in Haiti.

Because of Him,