August 2026

Dear Friends,
It was so good to hear from many of you after son, Philip’s writing the July newsletter.  You encouraged us with your words of love and intentions to pray for us.  I must say that I have personally experienced more peace concerning Sheryl’s condition and the pathway ahead of us.  That is a result of your prayers — so a heartfelt THANK YOU to you all!!  We trust God and continue to press on with the knowledge that He will fulfill His purposes in the midst of trials.
Sherline Desulma is a 23-year-old student at Dr. Aristide Foundation University in Port-au-Prince.  Sherline came to the Starfish Ministries Orphanage in Tricotte when she was six years old, lived there until she turned 18, completed high school a couple of years ago, and has now completed her first year in the dental school.  Sherline shares:
During my studies, my goal is to excel in my training, acquire strong theoretical and practical skills, and participate in social activities to help those in need. I also wish to develop my sense of service, responsibility, and pursuit of excellence. After my studies, I intend to specialize in oral surgery or cosmetic dentistry to provide high-quality care, improve the oral health of my patients, and contribute to the development of my country’s healthcare system.
 
I am a Christian. Since accepting Jesus Christ as my Savior in March 2015, God has become the foundation of my life. His presence gives me the strength to move forward despite difficulties and to maintain hope in every situation. He has taught me to trust Him, to persevere, and to never give up on my dreams. Every day, I seek to grow in faith through prayer, reading God’s Word, and obeying His will. I am grateful for all the blessings He bestows upon me. I pray that He will guide me in my studies, my decisions, and all the plans He has for me. My desire is to serve Him faithfully, to love my neighbor, and to be a living testimony of His love wherever I am.
 
A few days ago, I received the following letter of gratitude from Sherline.
 
With this letter, I wish to express my sincere gratitude for the financial and moral support that Starfish Ministries has provided me throughout my studies. Thanks to your invaluable assistance, I was able to pursue my education under better conditions, despite the numerous difficulties faced by students in Haiti.
Your commitment to youth education is a true source of hope for me. The help you have given me is not only financial support, but also an encouragement to persevere, to work diligently, and to believe in a better future.  Throughout this academic year, I have done my best to remain diligent, responsible, and determined in my studies. The knowledge I have acquired and the progress I have made are the result of my efforts, but also of your trust and generosity.
I am deeply grateful to the entire Starfish Ministries team and to all the donors who make this program possible. Your solidarity truly changes the lives of many young people and allows them to pursue their dreams.
I pray that God will continue to abundantly bless your organization, your partners, and all those who contribute to this noble mission. May your work continue to bring hope to those who need it most.
 DESILMA Sherline-Former SFMOT child
 
We received several other letters of thanks from supported students in High School, Trade School, and University.  Sherline’s letter is representative of the others.  Very few Haitian young people have the opportunity to go to High School, let along university.  The 88 students who we currently support in their higher education could be the future leadership of Haiti.  They consider it a great privilege to be able to further their education and study toward a degree that should launch them toward a successful career.  Your prayers and financial support are helping to make this possible.  Thank you so very much!!
Serving the Lord together,
Bernie, Sheryl & Philip Bovenkamp