March

So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and for giving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the
Lord forgave you, so also should you. Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity.
Colossians 3:12-14

 Dear Friends in Christ,

In a time when things seem to be falling apart in Haiti, we must still place our hope and rest in Jesus Christ. He alone can right the wrongs of any situation. We personally hold little or no power, except to pray. Prayer is our “go-to” as God’s children when things are much bigger than we are. With that in mind, we ask again that you would please hold up Haiti, our schoolteachers, and our children in your prayers. When we don’t know what to do in our walk with Christ, we do not turn to the right or to the left, but rather focus on Jesus Christ who can rescue us and change any problems we face.

Unfortunately, for part of this month, all airports in Haiti were closed because of the gang’s strong presence in and around the airports. They remained closed for some time, however, now the airports in Cap Haitian and Pignon, which is in north Haiti, have reopened. This has put quite a strain on many mission organizations not being able to receive needed supplies from the states. Currently, our staff outside of Port-au-Prince, located in Petionville, cannot travel far from their homes. Today as I write this newsletter, we learned that in the past few days there have been over 20 people killed by the gangs in that area.

Praise the Lord, even through all of this violence, we have been able to keep the supplies and food going to the school through Nady, our administrator. Nady is purchasing food and school supplies in Mirebalais, then paying a tap-tap to transport them to the school. We are so grateful that so far, this is working well!
Having motorcycles available for the teachers to travel on has helped tremendously in getting them around roadblocks and problems in Mirebalais. We cannot imagine this way of life, having to find safe routes to get to a job! There have been times that the gangs blocked the roads with burning tires and used violence against people in vehicles going through Mirebalais, which made it challenging for the teachers to travel to the school. Motorcycles are more versatile to get around problems when they unexpectedly encounter trouble. We are grateful for the provision of these (now more than ever needed) modes of transportation for our teachers!

Only God’s protection and pro-vision has allowed the school to continue to operate through this evil and dark time in Haiti. These precious children having a safe place to go to school, to hear God’s Word, and to receive a nourishing meal each day is amazing. For many of these precious children, this is the only food they will receive in the day. Not only do the children have these daily gifts, but our teachers and cooks have jobs and also receive a meal each day. This is 800 meals each week, or 3,200 meals a month! For the families in this small and poor village, to see God’s provision in this way, is a reminder to look above to the One who cares for their needs and “Praise God from Whom all blessings flow!”

Last month we mentioned that Pastor Santos needs a milking machine for his goats and cows. We thank the Lord that the funds were provided through you and thank you for your quick response to this need! This will be a big help for him as he continues to provide work for needy families who help milk the cows and goats, make cheese and sell it, and provide milk to local people and stores. This is a blessing for many people in the Nava area.

Children from the colonias around Nava love to visit the Ranch of Faith with Pastor Santos and Sister Fini. They enjoy helping with the work, playing games, having large bonfires and having a meal together as they hear Pastor Santos teaching them from God’s Word. The ranch has been a way for young boys and girls to get out of the depressed, gang and drug-filled colonias and have somewhere safe to go learn skills and hear about Jesus! Santos and Fini have now used the ranch to minister to and reach hundreds of children for over 20 years now! It has been an excellent tool to reach many families in practical ways. Praise the Lord for His faithfulness!

Some of you have asked about our son Kenny and his wife Laissa. They and their 3 boys are living beside us and plan to stay in Texas for now. They deeply enjoy living here, are involved in Bible studies and Laissa helps lead worship at our church. Laissa’s family, her Dad (Lussade) and Mom Yanick, her 2 brothers, Richecarde and Aly, along with her younger sister, Rinchelle are now here living by us too. They have been able to obtain driver’s licenses, and are working 2 jobs each, with Rinchelle finishing up high school. They are very happy to be in the United States and so close to Laissa and their grandsons. Of course the 3 boys love having 2 sets of Grandparents next door for plenty of fun snacks, hugs and kisses!

In spite of much darkness in our world, we are amazed at God’s goodness, love, protection and encouragement through you each day! He alone is worthy of our honor and praise. We are humbled and blessed that He continues to use us and OSM to minister in Haiti and Mexico. Thank you so much for your prayers and financial support which provides for so many needs! May each of you feel and see the love of Christ in your lives and your families as well.

Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me.
John 14:1

Serving our Savior with you,
Ken & Debbi