Dear Friends,
Thank you so much for your partnership with us in God’s work in Haiti. We are blessed to have the opportunity to be ministering there but never take for granted your prayer and financial support. Without them it wouldn’t be possible. And with that support much is being accomplished for God’s glory in the lives of needy Haitian children and adults.
Garry Charles is a young man from an area close to the village of Tricotte. He was the son of a witchdoctor, but his mom became a Christian and is now active in the church. Garry’s dad left his mom several years ago to live with another woman. And Garry could easily have followed his dad’s footsteps. BUT God used Daniel Thelusmond, our Haitian director, to intervene in Garry’s life. Garry went through a rough time in his late teens, and many people turned their backs on him – but not Daniel.
Garry and Daniel had been childhood classmates, and when Garry went through his struggles Daniel was there to support him. Daniel encouraged him in his faith, and Garry began to grow in his Christian walk. That’s about the time that I first met Garry. I asked him what he was doing and about his goals in life. His response was that he would like to finish high school and go to school to learn a trade, but he had no support. And so we began to support Garry.
A couple of years later Garry completed high school and enrolled in a trade school to learn construction. Then the earthquake of 2010 hit Haiti! Doug Jarvie was in Haiti at that time doing disaster relief work, and he hired Garry to help.
Garry proved himself faithful in that role, and he has been given increasing responsibility since. He is now an important part of our Starfish Ministries Haiti leadership team. His primary duty is managing our construction projects, but Garry is willing to do whatever is needed to help Daniel. And he approaches his work in a very positive way, always with a smile and a “can do” attitude. I really enjoy watching Daniel and Garry work together. Daniel continues to mentor him in his spiritual life as well as in his job, and Garry is always looking for ways to improve.
Since coming to work for Starfish Ministries Garry has gotten married, and just two months ago he and his wife welcomed their second son. I’m encouraged when I hear Garry talk about his wife and children. He is a good husband and dad and is committed to fulfilling his role in these areas with the help of God. Garry is also part of the worship team in his church – God is using him to make a difference in Haiti. I praise God for Garry!
Doug Jarvie and I are leaving for Haiti in a few days. We have a medical team from Susanville, California going with us to minister to our orphans and villages. Please pray for this team, that God would use them to meet physical and spiritual needs. Doug is going a few days before the team in order to drill another well in the Port-au-Prince area. Please pray for him, for safety and success in finding good, pure water.
We have put together a Christmas list again this year. If you would like, you can give Bibles or chickens or even a home (and a few other things, too!) to a needy Haitian family. You can find the Christmas list here. Have a blessed Thanksgiving!!
Serving the Lord together,
Bernie, Sheryl & Philip Bovenkamp
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