Table of contents
youth transition
Ernst Cenat was raised at Good Shepherd Orphanage (GSO) in Carrefour, Haiti, where he demonstrated gifts in pastoral care and leadership at a young age. When Ernst felt the call to be a preacher and pastor, Purposeful Pathways sponsored his training at seminary. Ernst eventually came to serve as one of the Pastors at DuParc Farm Ministry and as the main administrator on the farm.
Purposeful Pathways believes that ministry work toward sustainability is best done for Haitians, by Haitians. As a like-minded believer, Ernst participates in regular team collaboration and accountability meetings, and carries out plans with his 'boots on the ground'. Ernst Cenat is an amazing and wise young leader; he is a "light on a hill which cannot be hidden".
DuParc Farm and church MINISTRY
With Your whole being
"Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, for the Lord and not for men, because you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as your reward."
Colossians 3:23,24
Recently, an antique John Deere corn husker, sourced in rural Michigan, was sent to DuParc Farm Ministry. Enjoy the video as these ministry partners give the corn husker
a first try. Previously, the husking was done by hand! The farm also received black tarps, clear plastic sheeting, solar fans, and a moisture gauge. These components, part of a PICS system, are all intended to dry the corn so that it can be preserved for either self-production of livestock feed or to be sold at market 'out of season' to get a higher price.
The church members have built a park made of found objects, scrap wood, and discarded tires. The park was built to provide the broader community with a quiet, peaceful place to rest from the harsh living conditions and violent streets of Haiti. Both pastors, and other ministry workers regularly visit the park
to teach, sing and pray with visitors. It is also a place for day laborers and ministry partners to take a break after working hours in the hot sun of the fields. The park is in a shady spot near the river. The discarded and retrieved tires will be used to train locals to grow vegetables to supplement their food supply. An example of the possibilities is shown below.
ALpha and Omega Ministries
labors are not in vain
"My beloved brethren, be steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as you know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord."
Corinthians 15:58
The work of Alpha and Omega Ministries focuses on Alpha and Omega Christian Church and on An Orphan's Prayer Christian School, serving approximately 250+ students aged 3 years old through 8th grade for the year 2023-2024.
After years of re-using, and repairing uniforms it has became necessary to start over with new uniforms. Modeling one of the seamstresses sample choices is Pastor and School Director Anuel Georges, his wife Anthiosse, and their son Anon. I can't wait to see all the children in new uniforms on the first day of school!
An Orphan's Prayer Christian School has made a decision to offer through 9th grade only. In addition to academic studies, all students in grades 7th-9th will receive training in skills that are marketable in Haiti. The picture shows sewing class, but training will also include life, business and money management skills. Students able or desirous to continue in high school will transfer.
Church members at Alpha and Omega Christian Church have prepared for weeks for a one-week evangelism trip. 22 adults will travel on foot over rough terrain to remote mountain areas of Haiti where voodoo still has a strong foothold. The picture to the left shows prayer preparation for the trip.
opportunities for involvement
Prayer: we have simple but profound prayer requests.
that God will "direct our steps" (Proverbs 16:9)
that God will "establish the work of our hands". (Psalm 90:17)
that God will "provide all that is necessary to accomplish His will". (Philippians 4:19)
that we will be content with all that God has planned (or not planned).
Youth Transition Sponsorships - sponsor a business or training pursuit.
Business Plan 1: Food and Hygiene Staples Bulk Depot ($3,500 capitol needed)
Business Plan 2: Street Stand Food Vending ($1,000 capital needed)
Business Plan 3: Street Stand Washing and Hygiene Products ($800 capital needed)
Business Plan 4: Street Stand Cold Drinks ($900 capital needed)
Shipments: Purposeful Pathways is sending regular shipments to Haiti. We focus on items that either cannot be sourced in Haiti, or are cost prohibitive to source in Haiti. Our first preference is to purchase items in Haiti to support the local economy.
Order Amazon List: https://amzn.to/47CnTEK – items will drop ship to Purposeful Pathways.
Projects: In addition to the monthly operating budgets, there are always projects that would come under the USA heading of 'capitol improvements' - both for DuParc Farm and for Alpha and Omega ministries. These projects are necessary to advance toward the end goal - self-sustaining adults and self-sustaining ministries. These projects need one-time sponsors.
Operating Budget: The end goal for Purposeful Pathways is to develop the youth and ministries to the point of indigenous self-sustained Christian ministry in Haiti. In the meantime, regular 'long-haul' donors are needed to support the work of operations as the ministries and individuals develop. Consider whether you are led to be a 'long-haul' financial participant of any amount by making regular, recurring donations.
To learn more contact Deborah at dbenson.purposefulpathways@gmail.com .
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