April 2025

Dear Friends,
I received this letter from our Starfish Elderly/Handicap Ministry Leadership Team in Haiti and those who are being served through this outreach ministry.
We greet you in the name of Jesus-Christ. We thank you for your provision that gives us the opportunity to serve the most vulnerable among us during this difficult time. It’s hard enough for people who are able to work to provide for themselves and their families let alone for those handicapped who can only rely on the mercy of others. Had it not been for that program, some of us would have been dead already. Please know that we are very grateful to Starfish Ministries for that monthly support. Last year and early this year, four of us left this world. We know our turn will come eventually. We may not have much time to live, but we appreciate a meal whenever we can get one. 
 
Below is the story of one of us. 
 
Angeliste Thelusmond is a 70-year-old man from Biscaille, a village where Starfish Ministries has a church and a school. He is director Daniel’s cousin. He now lives in Tricotte. Angeliste was born 80 percent blind. He had a very difficult childhood as he grew more and more blind. His parents felt like he was a burden and wanted nothing to do with him. He’d been living with family members since. He didn’t know his parents although they’ve passed away a long time ago. 
 
Angeliste has no brother, no sister, no wife and no children. He used to take out the weeds from people’s gardens for food, but he can no longer do it due to his age and handicap. Angeliste recalls those times he fell while trying to go places as he has nobody to guide him. At times, he questions his existence, but he says that the program helps him make it through each day. Thankfully, he accepted the Lord as his personal savior and attends church regularly in Tricotte.
 
Director Daniel shares his appreciation to you, our partners in ministry.  He recalls this being a dream come true.  When Daniel’s father died a few years ago, Daniel recognized how much he suffered in his last few months and that began his vision to help the aged, mostly forgotten people.  The Elderly Ministry has made a big difference in so many lives.  We don’t ask questions about someone’s past before helping.  We will always do our best to serve with integrity, dignity and respect.  But whenever possible we share the gospel and encourage them toward genuine faith in Jesus Christ.
 
Madame Saint-Armand Petit-Frere is a 70-year-old widow living in Tricotte.  She supports herself by selling candy, cookies and crackers in her little open-air store, which is a table with an umbrella, situated along the main path of Tricotte.  Earlier last month she was kidnapped right from her business location and held for ransom for 15 days.  Her family and friends collected the demanded money of over $4000 US before she was released.  Madame Saint-Armand is now home but suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.  Besides the money support from family and friends, they sold all her merchandise inventory and other belongings. 
 
Thank you for your partnership with us to help Madame Saint-Armand and Angeliste and so many others as we navigate so many aspects of life as we serve God in Haiti.  God has given us the privilege to serve the people of the Tricotte area of Haiti from birth to the very oldest of the population.  Babies have been born safely in the medical clinic, and healthcare has been provided for people of all ages. Hopefully that will continue soon.  40 children, ages four through 17, are now cared for outside the orphanage setting.  Many more children from preschool all the way through trade school and university are educated and fed through the school ministry with the help of FMSC.  Children and adults alike are fed through the coffee and food program at the churches each Sunday morning.  Many of the poorest families in the region have received help through Food Relief, also with the help of FMSC. The elderly and handicapped ministry meets needs for 86 previously-forgotten people.  We are able to hold up our Haitian brothers and sisters in prayer as they go through various trials.  And through every means possible, we present the gospel of Jesus Christ, trusting in Him to meet their greatest need.
We really appreciate your prayers and financial support!
Serving together,
Bernie, Sheryl & Philip Bovenkamp
 
Board Spotlight
My name is Jonathan Bridges, I am Bernie and Sheryl’s grandson, and I recently joined the Starfish Ministries board.  I visited Haiti in 2004 and fell in love with the people there.  My wife Danielle and I have five kids, two of which we have adopted through the foster care system in California.  This heart for orphans is one that was cultivated by watching people like my grandparents sacrifice of their own time, talents and treasures, to meet the needs of people that are less fortunate.  I hope to now be able to support Starfish Ministries with the gifts God has given me, and to see this great ministry continue for many generations.