| Dear Friends, We have experienced many tropical storms caused from hurricanes while on trips to Haiti. The results of these storms were extreme flooding, loss of lives and loss of property. On one trip to Tricotte we experienced three tropical storms during the three weeks we were in Tricotte. As much as twelve inches of rain would fall during a 24-hour period. And now Hurricane Melissa has moved through the southern areas of Haiti. Tricotte has mostly been spared from the devastation that some areas have been experiencing. These hurricanes have caused extreme disastrous conditions but there is always an end in sight as the storm passes over. The cleanup and rebuilding take place and afterward life goes on as before. However, the “hurricane” of gang control of now most of Haiti has been going on and escalating over the past four or five years with no end in sight. We wrote last month about the gang bandits who came into Tricotte and stole everything at Daniel’s house as well as our guesthouse, shop and other storage areas. They didn’t stop there, however. They kept coming back to Tricotte for the next ten days, continuing to take items from residents as well as Starfish Ministries. From our orphanage site, the stole chairs, tables, beds, and anything else of value. They broke into our offices and the clinic – again taking everything that wasn’t tied down. The clinic basement had been used for storing building supplies including doors, lumber and sacked cement – all gone. One would think that by that time the police of the area would have come and taken care of the lawlessness. But in Haiti there is not much justice. In fact, Edner Jean, who had been elected mayor of several of our outreach villages up in the mountains, reported the thievery that was going on in Tricotte to the nearest police station which is in the town of Gros Morne. The next day the bandits went up in mountains, found Mayor Edner, took him back to their headquarters and executed him. Obviously, the police are compromised by their close relationship with the gang. This is simply an example of life in Haiti today. The gangs have targeted Starfish Ministries and that leaves us wondering how to go forward. Our director, Daniel, has continually been threatened and has been making himself as scarce as possible. So, we have prayerfully decided it best for Daniel to leave Haiti for a time. His family has been in Eastern Canada for the past several months and Daniel will be joining them within a few days. We are confident that Daniel will be able to direct the ministry from a distance. He has staff in place to handle all day-to-day activities, and he is as close as a phone call or a zoom meeting away. Since many of Starfish Ministries’ areas of service have been targeted and affected, we have decided to postpone starting our schools until things settle down. We continue to have some administrative school staff in place in each of our nine villages and hopefully they will be able to get the students back in class soon. But we are taking the utmost of caution. Currently we have been able to support many more University and Trade School students due to your partnership and support. In the Haitian cities these institutions of higher learning continue to operate. We are also meeting the needs of more of the elderly and handicapped due to your support. And as the churches continue to preach the gospel, we continue to provide coffee, juice, snacks and sometimes a light meal each Sunday morning. We really cherish your prayers. There are so many areas of prayer need: Daniel’s travel Daniel’s safety & wisdom as he leads from farther away Edner Jean’s wife & children Administrators in School Ministries Elderly Ministry leaders and recipients of care Supported Students in University & Trade Schools Response to the presentation of the Good News of Jesus Christ Brothers & Sisters in Christ Ephesians 3: 20-21 “Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or can imagine according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations for ever and ever! Amen.” In past years we have offered a list of options for your consideration for your year-end giving. However, due to the current conditions in Haiti it has become very difficult to distribute the gifts to children and their families. So, like last year, we will simply give you a couple of possibilities for your consideration: Education Scholarship Fund – As we successfully graduate students from our high schools, we would like to encourage them to go on to higher education. Students like Bendjina, studying to be a doctor. Without support this is not possible. Elderly Ministry – this continues to be a vital support for otherwise often forgotten elderly and handicapped Haitians. In many cases this is their only means of receiving their most basic needs. The coffee and food ministry in our churches has met a very real need. Many of the church members in our nine churches benefit from this weekly offering. Thank you so much for your partnership with us. With God’s help, we are able to continue serving in Haiti.Your prayers and financial support are truly appreciated. Serving the Lord together, Bernie, Sheryl & Philip Bovenkamp 11/8/25 – Due to some issues with his Canadian Visa, Daniel has not yet been able to travel. Please pray for a quick solution to the problems. Thanks |
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