September, 2007 Newsletter

1 ½ months have passed since we last wrote a newsletter and updated our blog. Part of this is because we were home for a little vacation. While it felt so good to go home and be with family and friends for awhile, it’s always a blessing to return to our friends and family here in Haiti.

For several months now we have been faced with many challenges and uncertainties and we are carrying burdens we’ve never had to carry before. We have come through turbulent times politically and security within the country is improving. But now we are faced with new problems and issues that surround how missionaries and their field ministries are supported. With the changes that have been made, we are finding ourselves questioning what our future in Haiti holds because of lack of funding. We are short in commitments towards our support, our country shares and the ministry of the Dessalines hospital. We are leaning on God and trusting His faithfulness as never before.

Gail and I have lived in Haiti and ministered to the Haitian people for a total of 17 ½ years and during this time the need for finances has never been an issue. You have been so faithful to partner with us in ministry all this time and we have been blessed and encouraged by your prayers and support - in the good times and through the many difficult ones.

The new funding system is confusing and is difficult for all of us to understand. But while everyone is trying to figure out whether or not they are going to accept it and support it, we on the field are struggling with the consequences of what will happen if the necessary funds do not come in. The ones we have been called to minister to will be the ones to suffer as a result of these shortfalls and we are already feeling the stress and strain of being under funded.

So, what are we, as your missionaries, to do? Our calling is to wait upon God (though in our humanness this is very difficult to do). Only God alone knows what He can do for those who wait. We will continue in loving intercession for all of you as well as for His people throughout the world – especially His people in Haiti. We will wait patiently on God in faith and continue offering ourselves as a living sacrifice to Him and to those He has sent us to minister to. And we will believe that the God who owns the cattle on a thousand hills will meet our financial needs and exceed all our expectations because He is able to do “immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine.”

And, what are you, as our supporters, to do? We on the field are trying very hard not to get discouraged and give up. We encourage you to pray and consider the “least of these brothers and sisters” and give according to the privilege that is ours in Christ Jesus. As you give, experience in a fresh, new way, the joy and power that achieving great things for God can do.

PRAYER REQUESTS

1. Successful financial commitments towards the work in Haiti and our current deficit.
2. Pray for the continued ministry of the Dessalines Hospital. Pray for Castel Joseph, our administrator, and all of the hospital staff.
3. Pray for wisdom for our conference superintendents as they address tough issues with some of our church pastors.
4. The need for more missionaries in Haiti.
5. Mondale Oscar as he continues to oversee the child sponsorship program.