We are excited to let you know that RMI now has a new website. Our web address is the same, www.rmibridge.org, but the look and feel have been updated. We think you'll really like it. This website also provides a new place for our blog.
At www.rmibridge.org/blog you'll find a new, updated look as well as an increase in ministry updates and RMI news. Bookmark it so you can keep up-to-date on our current news!
See you at our new home!
Hispaniola, the island comprising Haiti and the Dominican Republic, was first inhabited by the Taino before Christopher Columbus arrived in 1494. This led to Spanish colonization and the establishment of Santo Domingo as the first European settlement. He named it Hispaniola or Little Spanish Island. In 1697, the island was divided, with Spain controlling the eastern side and France controlling the western side. France enslaved the native population, and when they succumbed to European diseases (like smallpox) and French savagery, they imported slaves from Africa. French cruelty led to the Haitian Revolution and the creation of Haiti in 1804.
Meanwhile, the eastern part remained under Spanish control. This
part of Hispaniola had a brief period of independence in 1821, then was annexed
by Haiti and was under Haitian rule for 22 years. In 1844, Dominicans declared their
independence from Haiti and established the Dominican Republic. The Dominican Republic briefly returned to Spanish
colonial rule from 1861 to 1865 but regained its independence in 1865.
The Lord has laid the Dominican Republic (DR) on our hearts for a few years. Ministry there is a natural extension of our ministry in Haiti. We are happy to partner with the Convención Bautista Dominicana (CBD), or the Baptist Convention of the Dominican Republic.
Haiti is a vital part of RMI’s DNA and will always be a significant part of our identity. Much of our ministry in the DR will mirror what we do in Haiti, as many expressed needs are the same as in Haiti. Education will continue to be a great need, especially in Haitian communities. There is a great need for pastoral and church leadership training and opportunities for medical, relief, construction, and help with sustainable endeavors. Of course, there will be differences and new opportunities due to the different cultures and circumstances. Due to the modern society and well-developed infrastructure, handling teams and developing the ministry there will be much easier than in Haiti.
RMI is headquartered in Santiago, and the Jim Starkey family has arrived and settled into their new home.
We would love to have your church consider sending a team to the DR to assist RMI in developing its ministry to Dominicans and Haitians. You can have an impact in many ways, from general church leadership training to sports camps, evangelism training, construction, medical work, and many other opportunities. Your church can be a part of transforming lives as you minister to God's people and through them into their communities. Contact Jim Starkey at jim.starkey@rmibridge.org.
One distinctive feature of RMI's Board is that spouses are invited to attend and participate in the Board meetings, having a voice but no vote. If the spouse is able and willing, they are invited. This is how we have operated since the beginning of RMI, and we've found that it has made a positive impact on our meetings.
When I was first invited to attend, I thought I would be just sitting in the room, quietly listening as the board moved through its agenda. I found out that there was an expectation of participation. This was good as I am not usually sitting with nothing to say!
Having been married to John for almost 38 years now, I have personally seen his commitment to the work of RMI and his love for the work being done to reach the Haitian people with the gospel. I had been on two sister church trips to Haiti myself, however, until I started attending the board meetings, I did not realize what it takes to run a mission organization - balancing both the business side of things while continuing to stay true to reaching Haitian people with the gospel through the many programs that RMI has developed.
During meetings, I have been able to ask questions, offer opinions, lift up people and needs in prayer, and genuinely “participate” alongside my husband. It has made me appreciate him more for his love for RMI and the Haitian people. It has also made me appreciate the continued work of RMI, its leaders, and staff in Haiti and now the Dominican Republic. I'm genuinely thankful that the Shoemakers answered the call and pray that God continues using RMI for His work and glory. I'm looking forward to the next meeting!"
Just a few things that Jim and April have been up to in the Dominican Republic...
This time of year is always exciting in our Hope for Kidz Program. In the spring, we visit each school to check in with our pastors, teachers, and students, collect monitor reports, review student attendance, deliver mail and gifts, and take more photos!
All tuition
payments have been completed for our current school year, 2024-2025, and we
collectively sponsored 3,040 students. Praise the Lord! What a
tremendous blessing this is to the students, teachers, and families in Haiti.
Our 2025-26 school year sponsorships are now open for renewal. Our Sister Church Partners (C3P) receive their renewal packets in March each year. Be sure to connect with your church's HFKz coordinator to pick up your updated profile for the fall term. If you want to sponsor a child for the first time, your coordinator can help you select a child eligible for sponsorship in your Haitian church school. Please remember that sponsors on our monthly plan automatically renew beginning April 1st.
Good news! You do not have to be a member of a Sister Church to sponsor a child. Our US team would love to hear from you and help you start your sponsorship journey. Please send a quick email to info@rmibridge.org to get started.
The past few months at RMI have been busy with our team working overtime
to ensure our Hope for Kidz Campaign kick-off happens on time! We have
set a program goal of 3,100 sponsorships this year and we are praying over
every profile that leaves our office.
The entire Hope for Kidz team, including our fantastic coordinators, are on a
mission to have the majority of sponsorships completed by July 31st.
Please join us in reaching our goal and making a difference in the lives
of each sponsored child!
The Jim Kelly Memorial building in Source Baptiste was recently finished and dedicated in Source Baptiste, Haiti. The building houses a sealed storage room for the Hot Lunch Program food for the Source Baptiste School. It also houses a new cook room to prepare each school day's food. As you can see from the before and after pictures, it was badly needed. The building will be used for many years to come.
Dr. and Mrs. Bill Kelly and their church, First ARP Church, Gastonia, NC, funded this building in honor of the Kelly's son, Dr. Jim Kelly, who unexpectedly passed away in the fall of 2024. He had been to Source Baptiste with his parents several times.
We have some amazing men and women who work for RMI. Every Monday morning, one of them is featured on our Facebook page. Check it out, and you'll meet Mesnel, Mariah, Boss Ti Louie, Jean Duvil, Rob, Dany, and many others. It's encouraging to read what they think about serving God through RMI.
Boss Ti Louie loves coming into a community, getting to know and working alongside the people who live there, and then leaving them with a project that he knows will continue to impact their lives for years.
Dany's favorite part of working at RMI is capturing the transformation brought by RMI in people's lives.
Our staff are special people who love serving God in their own unique ways. Make Mondays your prayer day for these individuals as they work to transform lives.
