Back to School

It’s “back to school” time here in Haiti! However, although our own three schools are now officially open, the students are returning at a snail’s pace. Our school in Sainte-Philomène boasted of 9 students this morning, even though it has an enrollment of over 100. Why? Because, on the average, Haitian families have to dig deep for anything beyond what constitutes their “daily bread.” Unfortunately, at times, even the daily bread isn’t daily. Tuition, uniforms and books put more than a pinch on their pocketbooks. A common prayer offered up during this time of the year is, “Lord, please help us send our kid(s) to school.” All over Haiti, schools have opened a month late due to the hardships that families bear.

A few of our faculty.

Haitians put a great value on education. Our students love school. They know it’s a privilege to sit in a classroom when so many others miss out. From day one, their parents drill into their heads the privilege of learning. It’s not unlikely that, next semester, the money may not be available for them. I’m guessing by this photo that some of the children’s uniforms are not ready. Normally, they don’t come to school without their uniforms on.

Feeding Program

Rehoboth Ministries strives to lighten the load of these parents who love their children as much as we do. As many of you know, we have been providing two hot meals every week for the last two years in all three of our schools. With the help of generous supporters, we have been able to put a smile on a child’s face and subdue the gnawing hunger in their bellies, even if only temporarily. Our students come to school with high hopes they’ll find a hot meal waiting for them. Parents share that hope, knowing that, a meal at school removes a burden from off those at home.

We are still raising funds for this project that is so dear to our hearts. Would you like to help? Roughly $40 feeds a child two meals a week for the entire school year. We will have distributed approximately 93,600 meals this year alone for over 1,300 students, staff, and workers!

I (Dana) received this beautiful note from a friend in North Carolina that has pledged to help. I was so touched that I wanted you to read it too.

Tina says:

God gave me a job this past Thursday and just laid it in my lap. I did not even have an appointment for a job interview! I am working, so I need a way to get some money to you every month for the school feeding program.

Would you like to join Tina in helping to lighten our load? We can’t do this alone, but we can do it together!

“Do you want to sell sugared water for the rest of your life? Or do you want to come with me and change the world?”

What a question! Steve Jobs, CEO and owner of Apple Computer put this question bluntly to John Sculley, at the time the President of the Pepsi company. Never one for mincing words, Jobs got right to the point. His question was brilliant and got to the heart of the matter–either represent something superficial or be part of something that’s not only great, but will leave a legacy. Jobs’ point was well taken and Sculley came aboard with Apple, making his job with Pepsi a thing of the past.

Apple has gone on to become the avant-garde company of the computer world. Who today hasn’t heard of the iPhone, iPad, or iPod? Apple products are considered by many to be the best information technology products in the world. I’m in that crowd. I’m typing this post on my Mac. Even though Steve Jobs has now departed this earth, I still admire his high standard of excellence in everything he did. I’m not sure if he had any peer who was his equal.

I also love this story for a different reason, however. Jobs’ statement went to the core of what he believed in. He wanted to leave his mark on this world. However, there is a much higher purpose to life than being remembered as a world changer in the computer arena, or any other for that matter. Have you considered God’s purpose? What is it that moves the very heart of God? What is the very pulse and heartthrob of the Gospel? It is found in the Gospel of Mark.

“And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” Mark 16:15

Jesus’ last instructions before his ascension were to invade the world with the Gospel message. His eyes are on the harvest of souls to be brought in so that every tongue and tribe will worship before his throne. He eagerly waits for there to be a witness of the Kingdom message in all the earth in order for him to return.

What drives you? Are you aligned with God’s purpose for world missions? Does your passion lie where His does? If so, come help us change the world for Christ!

In just 10 days, Enon Chapel (Jacksonville, North Carolina) will turn 141 years old! Yet, in spite of being along in years, it is nowhere near slowing down. Prit and I had the privilege of sharing with the Enon folks a couple of Sundays ago about the work in Haiti and were very warmly received. My first description of Enon would be that of joy. Sunday morning worship is lively and there’s a rejoicing that takes place every time this tight knit community comes together. Even though the congregation must have had at least 200 people present when we were there, a family atmosphere still prevailed. Enon church members love the Lord, their pastors, and their church. They are excited about the Lord’s work and are as strong as ever.

Pastor James and Becky Kelley have been at the helm of Enon since June 3, 1986, and are doing a phenomenal job of keeping the church balanced and running on all cylinders. Enon is busy serving the community in multiple ways. Whether visiting nursing homes, assisting local agencies by providing food and doing home repair, or rummaging up school supplies for the local schools, Enon is buzzing with activity. In addition to their own ministries, they help support other outreaches such as the Onslow Pregnancy Center, Second Chance and Kairos Prison Ministry. They are striving to touch every facet of life with vital contact.

As if they didn’t have their hands full, Enon Chapel serves as a bulwark to the families of Marines that leave home to protect our country. Jacksonville is home to the Marine Corp Base at Camp Lejeune. It is the world’s largest amphibious training base as well as home to the 2nd Marine Division. There are approximately 150,000 Marines and Civilian workers that work on Camp Lejeune. Pastor Kelly and the church family gather around the precious families of the men serving abroad and provide them with moral strength as they wait for their loved ones to return home safely.

Fortunately, for us and other missionaries serving on the foreign field, Enon looks beyond the world just outside their door. They are presently supporting several missionaries who are laboring to advance God’s Kingdom in the earth. We are so thankful Enon Chapel is partnering with Rehoboth Ministries to fulfill the Great Commission in Haiti.

I encourage you to visit Enon’s website. You will see that the dust doesn’t have time to gather on this church’s pews. Also, it’s the only way you can discover the strange connection between Enon Chapel and pink flamingos. 🙂

It’s that time again, folks! School will be open again before we know it and we hope to be able to provide many hot meals for our students when they come. We are asking everyone who is able to join in and help us raise the needed funds for our children’s feeding program. Just $40 will feed a child two hot meals per week for an entire school year. It can’t get any easier than that.

One pastor told us “As long as you have a feeding program, our church will help support it.” Check out the update concerning Jennifer Steimel who will donate half her proceeds from selling jewelry to help us feed hungry kids. All we need are some ladies that will host a jewelry party. (see link: For Ladies Only!) Jennifer wrote me recently to say, “I’m ready to feed some kids!” Perhaps you know of a restaurant, school or another organization that would be willing to have a drive or a fundraiser to help us meet our goal?

This is my absolute, all-time favorite picture of our kids during mealtime. Even though the picture’s a little fuzzy, it still speaks a thousand words. The little girl with the braided hair looks like one of the characters from The Little Rascals. (Now, I’m revealing my age). Justin, Pastor Lefort’s son, (to her right) always knows how to look right into the camera. He is as adorable as he looks. The little boy beside him is too busy enjoying his meal to even care. Priceless!

We have a long way to go. Can you help?

Goal: $53,000
Amount Raised: $6,555.95
Cost per month: $5,300
Feeds: 1,300 students, teachers, cooks and workers, twice a week

Pastor Lefort and his helpers in the church have been busy! He’s been rounding up as many kids as he can from the neighborhood in Sainte-Philomène for Bible study, activities, singing and games. Some of these kids are already in the church, but he has worked hard to draw others that are outside in to hear the Gospel story. That’s the work of making disciples! (fè disip).

Sometimes the kids receive a little treat or some kind of toy if they’re available. Keep up the good work, Pastor Lefort!

Impact Church

A special thanks goes to Pastor Nelson and Vicky Hopkins for a wonderful service at Impact Church Sunday in Morehead City, NC. Nelson and Vicky are special friends that go way back. They’ve both faced great struggles of their own that included bouts with cancer and they have a deep faith walk because of it. If you’re ever in the area, drop by and visit. Don’t forget to ask Pastor Nelson to tell you his “monkey story.”

Covenant of Grace Bible Institute 

Last Sunday, Prit and I had a great time at Gateway Christian Center in Middlesex, North Carolina. Pastor Gerald Wiggs and his wife, Geraline, are some of our most trusted and respected friends in the Gospel. Our friendship extends back over a span of 24 years. During some of our darkest days, we have picked up the phone and called these two prayer warriors and urged them to intercede for us. Their faith to believe for miracles is in a realm of its own and they have seen quite a few miracles in their own lives. We are so grateful for their support and prayers.