Dear Friends,
Philius is the director of our elderly ministry. He is passionate about taking care of the needs of the elderly and handicapped in very remote villages in the Tricotte area. Philius has chosen community workers from each village to assist in finding the most needy and determining the best ways to help. I really appreciate Philius’ attention to reporting about the people we are able to help. Recently, I asked Daniel for some information to write in this newsletter about the elderly ministry. Within a couple of days Philius had given Daniel a report on two of the 86 recipients we support and sent it on to me.
Seldieu Sera has been a widow for over 20 years. She is a member of our assembly of believers in the village of Biscaille. Seldieu has a small plot of land and has tried to support herself by selling the produce from her garden. However, a couple of years ago, Seldieu came down with typhoid fever and has never fully recovered. She is now unable to work her garden and even has trouble walking. Seldieu does have two sons, both who live in Dominican Republic. They have very little contact with their mom and give her no support.
Now the Starfish Ministries’ elderly ministry is Seldieu’s only support. We are grateful for this opportunity to serve. She is very expressive about her gratefulness for the help she receives. And Seldieu really appreciates the encouragement she receives from Philius and his staff as they continue to be involved in her life; caring for her spiritual needs as well as the physical.
Virginie Andre is a widow in the village of Belair. Virginie is legally blind and since she lost her husband a couple of years ago, she has had no means of support. One of her neighbors who also is part of the assembly in Belair, serves Virginie by receiving the food from the program for her and cooking it. So, this ministry is not only helping Virginie, but also giving opportunity for her Christian neighbor to be involved in ministry as well. Philius reports that others in the village now are willing to help Virginie since she is no longer a burden as she used to be. Most of the people in these villages barely have enough to feed their own family. Now with the food donated through this ministry it opens the door for more of the community to be involved in a blind widow’s life.
The day after Daniel was gathering this information from Philius, he was notified that Philius was in the hospital in Gonieves. Philius was the passenger on a motorcycle taxi that was involved in an accident. Thankfully the accident occurred just as they were approaching Gonieves so within a half hour Philius was being treated at a local hospital. Philius had significant damage to both of his legs and one arm. The doctors said that he would need surgery to repair the damage to one of his legs and they would not proceed with the surgery until they had the cash in advance.
The surgery would cost 400,000 Haitian Gourdes, which is the equivalent of $3000 US. During these insecure days in Haiti, it is very difficult to come up with cash from the banks. But Daniel was able to accumulate the Haitian cash within another day by transactions with three different banks. Philius has now had his surgery and Daniel reports that he will be released from the hospital within a few days. The surgeon expects full recovery within a few months. Please pray for Philius and thank God that He spared Philius’ life.
Thank you for your partnership with us as we navigate so many aspects of life as we serve God in Haiti. God has given us the privilege to serve the people of the Tricotte area of Haiti from birth to the very oldest of the population. The medical clinic is closed temporarily due to gang activity and threats. We are hopeful that the security gets fixed so we can again serve the area with much needed medical care. 60 children, ages four through 17 are cared for in the orphanage. Many more children from preschool all the way through trade school and university are educated and fed through the school ministry. Children and adults alike are fed through the coffee and food program at the churches each Sunday morning. Many of the poorest families in the region have received help through Food Relief. The elderly and handicapped ministry meets needs for 86 previously-forgotten people including Seldieu and Virginie. We are able to hold up our Haitian brothers and sisters in prayer as they go through various trials. And through every means possible, we present the gospel of Jesus Christ, trusting in Him to meet their greatest need.
Thank you so much for your prayers and faithful support!
Serving the Lord together,
Bernie, Sheryl & Philip Bovenkamp
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