Dear Friends,
It was good to have a reprieve from writing the newsletter last month. Many of you have commented favorably about Philip’s letter and he has agreed to write again from time to time.
Pastor Diogene told me on the phone a few days ago that the water in Tricotte is so plentiful that they are able to use some for irrigation now as well as for drinking. The people of Tricotte are very thankful and realize what a blessing from God this is! We were hoping to be able to provide pure water for drinking but God has supplied way beyond our expectations. Thank you for partnering with us in prayer and support as we continue the well drilling ministry in many more needy villages. We plan to continue drilling in September and hope to complete the well in Remoussin and also begin a well in the village of Camass.
We have just completed our first year of school in Camass. While visiting there in May I asked about their water situation. The response, “Each day we carry all of our water from the nearest river which is almost 3 miles away.” Please pray with us that we will be able to provide pure water for these people. Pastor Diogene and his ministry team are planning an evangelistic crusade later this year in this village. It is our desire that many will respond to the gospel and trust the Source of Living Water.
The children in the orphanage are beginning to speak more English which makes it possible for me to better communicate with them and learn more of what is going on in their lives. Wislo, who is about 18 years old, shared with me on my last trip about his past. Wislo was born in the village of Tricotte. His mom died when he was about nine years old, so his two sisters, Lovelie and Shelove, moved into our orphanage. Wislo continued to live with his Dad. Two years later his dad passed away. Wislo told me that he didn’t know what he would do. He felt there was no hope for him. At that time Pastor Diogene and I had decided that Wislo should join his sisters in the orphanage. Wislo told me that in this seemingly hopeless situation, he soon realized God had provided him with a new family. He told me that he now looks to me as his earthly father. What a huge responsibility that is! And that is just one story of so many. God has given to us these children to raise to be His ambassadors in Haiti. Please continue to pray for these special kids.
On a personal note, one of our Starfish Ministries’ board members passed away on June 14. We are saddened by Bill Brim’s passing but at the same time rejoice in knowing he is now safely home with his Savior and Lord. We had asked Bill and his wife, Margaret, to be on our board when Starfish Ministries began in 1998. We asked them because we needed someone to mentor us and to keep us accountable to stay focused on the One who had called us and on HIS plans for the work in Haiti. We are so thankful for Bill’s partnership with us, for the gifts God gave him, and his desire to use those gifts for the glory of God. He will be greatly missed, but we are thankful for Margaret’s continuing service with us. Please pray for the Brim family at this time.
Thank you so much for all of your support. We count it a privilege to serve the Savior along with you as we reach out to the poorest of the poor in this world. Your partnership with us is making a difference in the lives of many of the needy Haitians.
Serving the Lord together,
Bernie & Sheryl Bovenkamp
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