"And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19 (ESV)
Dear Ministry Partners,
We are forever grateful for your faithful prayers and ongoing financial support which enable us to serve the people of Haiti. These last several months, the ESMI/MERH churches focused on providing food for the many fleeing Port-au-Prince and surrounding cities due to the gang violence. You prayed with us. You mourned with us. And you gave generously to ease the suffering of the people. Thank you for standing in the gap with the pastors at such a time as this.
UPDATE: UN Kenyan-led Force and Transitional Government
Absence of Political Leadership: While there is some security around the international airport in Port-au-Prince, the economic hardship and humanitarian crises continue. There is still a void of strong political leadership.
Gangs: Gangs remain a violent force in several large cities even with the UN Kenyan team on the ground. Their control of what goes in and out of the capital, makes it extremely difficult for the basic necessities of food, water, and medical resources to reach the rest of the country.
The Church's Response: BUT there are signs of resilience and hope as local churches and organizations remain determined to serve the communities. Thank you for your partnership that enables ESMI, by God's grace, to be one of those organizations!
TRANSFORMING LIVES THROUGH EVANGELISM:
Church Planting: Since our last update in May, God has graciously provided funding for three new church plants in the South, in Gonaives and in the Jeremie area. Each church is not just a place of worship but a center for community development, education and support. God is using the church to be a beacon of hope amidst the surrounding chaos.
And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock, I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it." Matthew 16:18
Photos: Grand Ravine Church in the South - the congregation and the building.
Leadership Training Prevails Amid Gang Violence
Church planting and leadership development is not just a mission for ESMI, it is a fervent passion that has been nurtured over the past 30 years, thanks to you—our dedicated ministry partners.
In early August, several of these leaders met in Les Cayes to plan and strategize for the next 5 years. As the Lord permits, and with your support, this training is done monthly. Leaders come from four departments, taking back roads to avoid gang territories and traveling long hours to arrive at a secure location for the training. Time is spent in fervent prayers as well as preparing teachings and sermons that will be executed throughout the presbyteries in the coming months. Thankful to the Lord for these servant-leaders and for your donations that make it possible for them to attend!
Photo: August 2024 Leadership Meeting in Les Cayes
Leadership Training in the Dominican Republic
Over the summer, the Christian Reformed Churches of the Republic of Dominica (ICRERD) invited ESMI to participate in their annual convention. Their denomintation is over 30 years old and made up of 200 Haitian churches, ministering in both Spanish and Haitian-Creole. With approximately 800,000 Haitians in the DR, ICRERD is very interested in partnering with ESMI/MERH to reach our Haitian community with the Gospel. Pray for wisdom as we seek to move forward in this collaborative effort.
Photo: ICRERD Annual Convention in Santo Domigo, DR - July 26-27, 2024
TRANSFORMING LIVES THROUGH MEDICAL MISSIONS
Thanks to our friends in Chicago, ESMI received the much needed medication. Since May, medical clinics have been conducted in four cities: Cavaillon in the South, Fayeton in Gonaives, Jeremie in Grand Anse, and Mirebalais. These clinics have seen about 5,000 people.
Photo: Clinic at Cavaillon, South Haiti
Lydia's Story
Lydia, a resident of Fayeton, Gonaives, visited the clinic after struggling for weeks with unexplained pain and fatigue. The medical team quickly diagnosed that her health was deteriorating due to an untreated illness. Because of your generous donations, the team provided Lydia with the necessary medication and health education. Weeks later, Lydia returned to express her gratitude to the clinic staff. Thanks for making this possible!
At all clinic sites, patients enter through one door to get their triage done but before heading to the pharmacy to receive their medication, a church leader or pastor is there to pray with them and present the Gospel. Such was the case at the recent clinic in Fayeton, Gonaives, on Saturday, August 24, 2024 where 10 people came to know the Lord. To God be the glory!
Photo: Medical Clinic in Fayeton, Gonaives, on August 24, 2024
Medical Equipment for Jeremie Clinic
Praise God with us for a very generaous donation received for the clinic in Jeremie:
- An EKG Machine
- An Ultrsound Machine
- A Portable X-ray Unit
These are incredible, life changing gifts! The medical staff is excited! No longer will patients have to travel long distances to other cities for critical tests and evaluations. To God be the glory!
Very thankful for all our ministry partners who have helped to revitalize the operation of the medical clinics in Cavaillon, Fayeton and Jeremie.
Celebrating Our Medical Students in Santiago de Cuba
Photo: Lunch with Med Students and Their Friends-May 2024
TRANSFORMING THE LIVES OF OUR CHILDREN & YOUTH
Partnering with Youth For Christ-Haiti
Photo: Youth For Christ Youth Day on the Mirebalais Campus - August 2024
Providing Nutrious Meals Matching Fund:
TRANSFORMING LIVES IN FLORIDA
In case you missed the video link of the ministry in Florida with our PCA denomination, Missions to North America, please click on El Shaddai: From Haiti to Florida.
We count on your prayers and support as we also serve with MNA.
PRAISE & PRAYER REQUESTS:
*Leadership Development: Praise God for the new leadership team that has emerged. Pray for wisdom, discernment and unity in their decision-making.
*Church Planting: Praise God for provision in planting and constructing 9 new churches so far. Our goal each year is 12 church plants. God is using church planting as a great evangelistic tool. Pray for His provision for 3 more church plants in 2024 and 12 church plants in 2025.
*Spiritual Growth: Pray for the spiritual growth of the children and families we serve.
*Haiti Elections and Gang Violence: Pray for peace and protection as Haiti prepares for future elections. Pray for wisdom for the UN Kenyan-led Police Force and for the necessary support needed to restore safety.
*Unity Among Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO) and Local Churches in Haiti: The needs in Haiti are constant and overwhelming. Much can be accomplished if we worked more together. Pray that God will raise up a leadership team who can unite us in our efforts in expanding His Kingdom and serving the communities more effectively.
*Hurricane Season: We are now in the peak of the hurricane season. Pray that God will spare Haiti.
*Orphan Graduates: We have 10 high school graduates who are qualified to go on to unviversity. They each need $1,500 per year for four years. Pray that God will provide sponsors to invest in their future.
*University of Jeremie Expansion: Pray for the development of new campuses in Cayes and Gonaives for the University of Jeremie. May God give wisdom and favor to the administration to expand educational opportunties for our youth.
*New Roof for Versaiiles Church: The roof of the Versailles church in Jeremie was destroyed by a no-name storm. Pray that God will provide the $18,000 needed.
Thank you once again for your fervent prayers and overwhelming generosity. God has used you to encourage our pastors who are on the frontlines. We still need your help. Please continue to support this effort by clicking the button below.
Transforming Haiti
One City at a Time!
Serving the Haitian communities in Haiti, North America, and the Dominican Republic through leadership development and church planting!
WAYS TO GIVE
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OR
Send a check to:
El Shaddai Ministries Int'l, Inc.
c/o The Keyes Company
2121 SW 3rd Avenue, Suite 100
Miami, FL 33129
Please note new suite number, 100, when mailing checks.
(See the full newsletter here)