This ministry currently serves about 86 elderly or disabled people ages 15-100 monthly with rice, beans, oil and magi in more than 10 villages.
In losing their physical wellness, people often lose their capability to support themselves, and with it, unfortunately, their value in many Haitian communities.
Philius is the director of our elderly ministry. He is passionate about taking care of the needs of the elderly and handicapped in very remote villages in the Tricotte area. Philius has chosen community workers from each village to assist in finding the most needy and determining the best ways to help.
Weekly meal kits are available, and family and neighbors are encouraged to deliver and cook the meals for those who cannot make the journey themselves.
A committee meets with the needy three times a week to share the Gospel and evaluate additional needs. 17 people have accepted Jesus and many more are open to hearing the Word proclaimed!
Love works!
Many recipients of the ministry testify that the support brings joy in their life and improves their condition. In the past, they would spend days without eating anything, but now they get smiles on their faces and food to eat. According to their testimony, the leaders of Starfish Ministries have a different, touching heart for needy people; the Haitian government does not think of the handicap people in far out provinces, but you are such a blessing and make a big difference. Thank you so much for the precious provision. They ask God to bless you more and more.
Magre has a problem in her feet that has caused her to be crippled since she was born. She has four children, two girls, and two boys, but not married. The father of her children passed away about ten years ago. Their kids are farmers.
The leaders in the Elderly Program always share the gospel with her when they go to see the beneficiaries in the program, by their advice, Magre responded to Jesus in her life and become a Christian on March 9, 2023. Later three of their children also responded to the gospel. “It is a blessing especially for me and the four children.” Magre says thank you to all of you guys for bringing new life to such a remote area.
Magre Tissaint
Virginie Andre is a widow in the village of Belair. Virginie is legally blind and since she lost her husband a couple of years ago, she has had no means of support. One of her neighbors who also is part of the assembly in Belair, serves Virginie by receiving the food from the program for her and cooking it. So, this ministry is not only helping Virginie, but also giving opportunity for her Christian neighbor to be involved in ministry as well. Philius reports that others in the village now are willing to help Virginie since she is no longer a burden as she used to be. Most of the people in these villages barely have enough to feed their own family. Now with the food donated through this ministry it opens the door for more of the community to be involved in a blind widow’s life.
Virginie Andre
Seldieu Sera has been a widow for over 20 years. She is a member of our assembly of believers in the village of Biscaille. Seldieu has a small plot of land and has tried to support herself by selling the produce from her garden. However, a couple of years ago, Seldieu came down with typhoid fever and has never fully recovered. She is now unable to work her garden and even has trouble walking. Seldieu does have two sons, both who live in Dominican Republic. They have very little contact with their mom and give her no support.
Now the Starfish Ministries’ elderly ministry is Seldieu’s only support. We are grateful for this opportunity to serve. She is very expressive about her gratefulness for the help she receives. And Seldieu really appreciates the encouragement she receives from Philius and his staff as they continue to be involved in her life, caring for her spiritual needs as well as the physical.
Seldieu Sera
Noticing the Unnoticed
Several years ago, Daniel encountered a blind man, dressed in rags, begging for food on the streets. Daniel came back to the guesthouse in Tricotte and exclaimed, “This is not acceptable.” Daniel gathered some food and clothing, went back to the man, and told him he wanted to help him. The blind man wept and told Daniel that he had never heard those words before. While others saw an old, poor blind man, Daniel saw himself in him.
Daniel continued to minister to him over the next couple of years with the help of FMSC (Feed My Starving Children) and Starfish Ministries. He made sure he had food every day and built a small two room house for him. Daniel goes on to explain, “He not only became a friend to me, but he also became a brother in Christ. He’d never experienced God’s love in his life before. Other people didn’t see the value in him; they didn’t see him. He felt forgotten by the world and in turn, by God.” The kindness that Daniel showed to him changed all that. He came to love the Lord and before he passed away, he had the full assurance he was on his way to his heavenly home.
Daniel shared, “Truthfully, I helped do these things for him not just because of my own experiences; I did it because of Jesus. What Jesus did for me! What Jesus did for all of us! What Jesus calls us to do for others in return! The need here is great. There are so many people who need to see a vision for a better life for themselves. I believe God has called me to help give them that vision.” Daniel ended this communication with, “God brought me out of poverty, and He gave me the mission to do the same for others. So, until that work is done, I will serve my people in the same way the Lord has served me.”