Dear Friends,
It’s been a few months since I’ve written our monthly newsletter. Son Philip does such a great job of communicating and many of you have commented very favorably. We will continue to ask him to write from time to time.
Pastor Diogene often asks me to pass on his warm greetings to you. He and wife Lionette really do appreciate your prayer support as they minister on the front lines on a daily basis. This past month has been particularly difficult for them. Diogene had two funerals to conduct in June.
The first one was for the 58 year old mother-in-law of Pastor Jacque in Bethel. This was an unexpected passing of a dedicated Christian lady who was well loved in the community. Diogene said that the funeral gave him a great opportunity to share the gospel with many non-Christians in the Bethel area. We have three temporary structures in Bethel that we use for church and school. The walls on these buildings were opened so the approximately one thousand people could hear Pastor Diogene boldly proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ. He said that there was a quiet hush over the audience as he shared and we pray that God will use this message in the lives of many.
The second funeral was more difficult. The 13 year old only son of our driver, Joe, was killed as a pedestrian on a sidewalk in Port-au-Prince. The traffic was particularly bad that day and the police were trying to get to an accident scene. They drove on the shoulder/sidewalk and struck this young man from behind. He died five days later. Joe has had so much tragedy in his life. Three years ago his wife and infant son died during childbirth. Then in January his mother passed away. And now his only son – please pray for Joe and his two daughters, Joanna and Cherline. And we pray that God would also use Pastor Diogene’s words of comfort and truth in the lives of the 100’s who attended this memorial service.
One Sunday evening in early May, a 14 year old girl came into the church worship service in Port-au-Prince. She had a very “zombie” type look and it became evident that she was demon possessed. When Pastor Diogene recognized this, he and his ministry team began to minister to this gal. At that point she decided it was time to leave. Diogene however had some men physically stop her and she thrashed around on the floor. Over the next hour the ministry team prayed, sang and quoted Bible verses while Diogene confronted the demon and God showed His power as the demon was cast out and this young gal found Christ. There was a great celebration in the Port-au-Prince church that night as they worshipped and praised God for His mighty power. God is at work in Haiti! This young gal had been wandering the streets of Port-au-Prince for several months. God directed her to church that night and now she is free from the oppressive darkness indeed.
These are the things Diogene and Lionette deal with on almost a daily basis. Life is so difficult in Haiti. God is using these difficult times in Haiti for His eternal purposes. He is bringing in a tremendous harvest of souls. Every time I speak with Pastor Diogene he has more to share about God’s continuing faithfulness. Please continue to pray for Diogene and Lionette regularly. Your prayers do make a difference!
We thank you for your financial support as well. God is so faithful and is using you to help feed and clothe His precious little children in Haiti which opens the door for them to hear the good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Serving the Lord together,
Bernie & Sheryl Bovenkamp
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