July 2025

Dear Friends,
I recently received an email from Daniel that included the following thoughts:
I can’t help but think about the challenges ahead. I guess it’s difficult for someone who is not living the situation to understand the importance of this matter. The risk factor increases by the day when the government proves to be weaker than the outlaws. Most people who still live in Haiti do so because they have no other place to go. In my case, I have a calling to fulfill. There are some opportunities for me elsewhere, but I always said if things got tougher I would not run away. I am sticking to that as long as I can because I still believe God wants to use me in Haiti.
Daniel has now been the director of Starfish Ministries, Haiti for fourteen years.  God has used him to lead this ministry through times that we never would have imagined would exist.  Daniel’s leadership during these times has been strong and faithful.  And while so many schools in Haiti have closed due to lack of security, Starfish Ministries’ schools have made it through another school term.  Daniel shared the following a couple of weeks ago:
As the school year comes to an end, we express our gratitude to our God who never fails. Bandits rule all the areas where our schools are located. When we reopened in October of last year, we were very concerned about the safety of the students and the staff. We didn’t know if we would be able to stay open even for a month. Yet, nine months later the students are about to take their final exams. We thank God and all of you who have contributed one way or another to make this school year a success. 
Just yesterday I received another report from Daniel:
Against all odds, the students in the elementary school in Tricotte took their last tests today. What a big Hooray! God’s mighty hands have carried them through even though the bandits never ceased to come through the village during the entire school year. They never attacked us directly, but it was a very scary situation. We commend the courage of the parents who trusted us enough to send their children to school. Children need their education, and we’re committed to do that as long as it’s possible. We started the school year with 129 students, but 17 of them left due to the insecurity situation in their village. Given the circumstances, to make it to the end the year with 112 is a very good score.
 
 
Our other eight schools have similar results.  In total, we began the school year with 1495 students and ended with 1298.  Many families have left their villages for security reasons and moved to larger cities like Gonieves.  Most parents who left the villages could not afford the tuition in the city schools.  Finding food is another challenge for these families – they were used to growing what they could in their own garden.  As chaotic as the situation is, it is also an opportunity to alleviate some of the suffering by helping with food, shelter, and tuition.  Your help made a big difference.
Thank you for your partnership with us.  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.  Over 1300 children and adults are fed through the cafeteria ministry 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