Haiti ministry Update
It's heartbreaking to hear estimates as high as 80% referring to an exodus of Christian ministries from Haiti in the past three years. Whatever the varied reasons for this may be, I know that nothing contributes more to the rise of Darkness, than the removal of the Light. Purposeful Pathways and partners are thankful that the Lord continues to provide resources, and that our courageous Haitian ministry partners are willing and able to continue meeting mission objective: to bring the Light of Christ through the ministry of the Word, community care, and education.
Alpha and Omega Ministries and DuParc Farm Ministry have been able to continue in ministry, in large measure due to the fact that their ministry is by Haitians, for Haitians, and the internet allows us to support them with meaningful accountability and deep relationships.
At the close of 2023, please consider sacrificial end of year giving to support our Haitian ministry partners as they shine Light into great Darkness. The elevated financial cost to meet new challenges is high, but the ministry opportunity is higher! Read a few of the challenges below, and contact dbenson.purposefulpathways@gmail.com if you'd like more detailed information.
Refugees
Haiti is teeming with refugees displaced by gang violence. The refugees that have reached either of the ministries have walked many miles (50-70) without sufficient food, water, or shelter, and perhaps carrying a backpack or suitcase. They arrive traumatized, exhausted, dehydrated, and often needing medical attention. Purposeful Pathways and partners Sus Manos Gleaners and Tend My Sheep Haiti are sending food, hygiene packs, clothing/shoes, OTC medicines, and money for medical treatment and bedrolls. The ministries are providing the Word, shelter, and Christ-like care.
To donate electronically use this link.
Checks may be sent to Purposeful Pathways
1971 E. Beltline Ave. #106214
Grand Rapids, MI, 49525
Christmas Parties
Both ministries hold a Christmas Party yearly, hosting 300+ people. The full-day party consists of preaching, teaching, singing, a meal, and the gift of a toy for each child. The food is intentionally served in large, nutritionally balanced portions and consists of chicken, rice, beans, fried plantain, and a vegetable. This meal is the only balanced meal many will have for the day, or even the week. None of it goes to waste! All told, the Christmas Party costs about $2000 USD at each ministry. Due to other prioritized challenges in the current situation, our ability to provide for the Christmas Parties 2023 is in jeopardy.
To donate electronically use this link.
Checks may be sent to Purposeful Pathways
1971 E. Beltline Ave. #106214
Grand Rapids, MI, 49525
Threats to ministry
All over Haiti, wicked groups are taking advantage of the gang-created chaos to intimidate people off their land and out of their homes. One such group is trying to intimidate our13 full-time ministry workers off the fertile 126 acre farm to take over the farm fields, housing unit, the church building, the chicken house, and the goat herd. The Haitian ministry workers are staying put and ready to die if God wills it in the course of peacefully inhabiting the land and ministering in the community. The workers living on the farm have been violently threatened with death, arrested by 'fake' warrants served by corrupt officers of the law, and harassed daily. In all this they have acted with grace, and continued in ministry--certain that this is what God has called them to. Recently, a donor to Purposeful Pathways provided for monthly on-going security on the land, praise God! This has given us confidence to support a legal process through the (uncorrupted) local magistrate, with two objectives: 1) to establish the legal right to the land in light of the false paperwork and claims produced by those trying to take the land, and 2) to have real arrest warrants issued for the arrest of those seeking to take the land. This costs extra money that is not in our regular monthly operating budget. I have no doubt that there have been angel armies protecting the lives of our workers.
To donate electronically use this link.
Checks may be sent to Purposeful Pathways
1971 E. Beltline Ave. #106214
Grand Rapids, MI, 49525
Alpha & Omega MINISTRY
Alpha and Omega Christian Church hosts and directs An Orphan's Prayer Christian School. In addition to the evangelistic activity of the church and Christian School, the school has recently added vocational training. The church and school employs 1 pastor and 31 qualified support staff. There are 227 students currently enrolled from preschool through 8th grade and in addition to their academic studies, the 7th-9th grade students are engaged in vocational training in sewing, plumbing, leather goods, and technology.
DUPARC FARM MINISTRY
The church on the farm provides daily academic training to 30+ students unable to attend school and also hosts the Children of Light program weekly to further provide Bible study. On the fertile, developing126-acre farm, crops and livestock are sold to help support the ministry while a portion is tithed to the elderly and infirm. A day labor program employs community members on a daily basis and the ministry employs and houses 2 pastors and 11 full-time farm/ministry staff.
Thank you!
Thanks for all the ways you support the ministry by Haitians, for Haitians. Please continue with us in prayer, and consider how and if you can invest financially. In spite of all the challenge and chaos in Haiti, God is permitting us to shine the Light of Christ in what is one of the devils most active playgrounds.
To learn more contact Deborah at dbenson.purposefulpathways@gmail.com .
PurposefulPathways.org
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