Dear Friends,
In 1995, Sheryl and I were in Tricotte together for the first time. Since there was no guesthouse in Tricotte yet, Norius and Linda Petit-Frere invited us to stay with them in their small primitive house. They gave up their bed for us while rolling out a mat on the floor for themselves. Linda served us so well – she made sure we were comfortable. Before we left, a week later, Norius and Linda asked us to pray for them. They had been married for a couple years, and Linda had not gotten pregnant and they were concerned. So we prayed together that day. A year later when we were back, they proudly had us hold and pray for little Handel. Since then they had three more boys.
Those of you who have traveled to Haiti with us on short-term mission trips will remember Linda. She used her gift of hospitality to serve the teams at the guesthouse. From early in the mornings until late at night, Linda was there – making sure that our stay was pleasant. She coordinated the sleeping arrangements and our meals. Since I am somewhat of a picky eater, Linda soon noticed that I didn’t eat the “goat” meat that was part of the meal. From that time on, when goat was served, Linda prepared beef for me. And since it looks the same, she always kept it separate for me to make sure I was satisfied. Now I am not proud of my picky eating habits but share this to demonstrate Linda’s servant heart. She truly desired the teams to be well taken care of.
In January of this year, Linda suffered a stroke. This was shortly after the bandit gangs had terrorized the village of Tricotte. The doctors in Gonieves suggested that the stroke was likely due to stress. The result was paralysis on her left side, and her speech was significantly impaired. Yesterday I received this update from Daniel:
I went to visit Linda yesterday and witnessed how fast she recovered. Her mouth is back to normal. She talked to me with a smile and said God had a purpose for letting that happen to her. She walks a little slow but without crutches. She is able to clean and cook for her family again. What a mighty God we serve! Time and time again, we have seen prayers answered. We thank everyone who prayed for Linda.
On April 11, Pastor Patrick and Evangelist Herode took the bus to Gonieves. They experienced difficulties on the road and at one time had to wait four hours before the bandits decided to clear the roads. It had been three years since they had traveled this main road in Haiti from Port-au-Prince to Gonieves. They said they could not believe the destruction that had been done. Church buildings, schools and hospitals all sit empty and deteriorating with neglect all along the way. Some have been totally destroyed.
The purpose of the trip and the highlight was meeting with our church leaders. The warmth of brotherly love could be felt in the room. Patrick and Herode spent two days teaching, praying with and encouraging the leaders. They went back home renewed as they continue to face the daily challenges in ministry under very difficult circumstances.
Daniel also shared the following tragic story:
When One Can No Longer Bear the Burden of Life
Israel Devrais, one of the beneficiaries of the Elderly Ministry is no longer with us. He was half paralyzed on one side. Although we supported him every month, he had some unspoken frustration deep inside. His family mistreated and humiliated him, but we only found out after that fateful day of April 6th. Israel was left alone in the house. He waited for that moment. Out of frustration and anger, he pulled all the strength he had left and hung himself inside the house. He was 48 years old.
This is a wake-up call to look even deeper into the situation of those whom we are trying to help.
Please pray for our Elderly Ministry leaders. They are devastated by this tragic death. We trust that God will use this terrible event to draw many to Himself.
Thank you for your prayers and financial support! God is faithful and uses us together to accomplish His purposes in Haiti.
Serving the Lord together,
Bernie, Sheryl & Philip Bovenkamp
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