August 2025

Dear Friends,
83-year-old, Patricia Occius, is one of the recipients of our Elderly Ministry.  Just before her husband died four years ago, he told her he trusted that Daniel and Starfish Ministries would help her survive when he was gone.  Patricia lives in Tricotte, is a believer, and Daniel has done just as Patricia’s husband said he would.  Patricia receives help each month and expresses her heartfelt gratitude as she has no other means of support. 
Patricia is one of almost 100 elderly people in our ministry area who are helped with food and other basic needs each month.  The elderly and handicapped are forgotten people in Haiti and we have the privilege of helping to make their last years less difficult.  In addition to the struggles of old age or handicaps, these elderly are often neglected by family, so our Elderly Ministry team reaches out to them monthly in order to ensure that they are cared for. 
91-year-old Anne Lavia has been bedridden for eight years.  Her husband died seven years ago, and Anne has been living with a daughter ever since.  The daughter doesn’t have enough to take care of her two kids, so our Elderly Ministry provides for Anne and her family.  Anne is a Christian and is ready to meet the Savior.  She is likely near the end of her life and due to the Elderly Ministry, her remaining time here on earth will not be a “misery prison,” as Daniel describes the lives of so many elderly Haitians.
On a sad note, 62-year-old Claudia Parelien, from Belair, became a victim of gang violence in June.  Armed bandits stormed her house and killed her along with other family members.  There is no indication of why she and her family were targeted.  In a country that is overrun with gangs, murderers, rapists, and bandits, life is very fragile.  Claudia was a member of our church body in Belair, and she was also part of the Elderly Ministry. 
So we pray and do what we can as we minister to the very needy of Haiti.  The ultimate goal is to present the gospel of Jesus Christ to a lost and hurting population.  Our Pendu assembly of believers is one of nine churches that we have planted and continue to support.  When we began our outreach to Pendu just a few years ago, there were very few Christians in this very remote village.  And now there is a spiritually thriving body of believers who reach out to their lost neighbors, and God is at work.  Peoples’ hearts have been softened, and over the past two months ten people have responded to the gospel message in Pendu.  Life is tough in Haiti but oh, how we rejoice when a lost sinner is found. 
 
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 of almost 100 previously-forgotten people, including Patricia, Anne, and Claudia.  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