RMI's Unique Board

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.  

Board chair, John Peterson's wife, Heather recently shared, "I have had the privilege of attending the RMI semi-annual board meetings with my husband for some time and wanted to share that although it is somewhat unusual to have board members’ spouses at meetings in most organizations, it has been a very positive experience for me.

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!"

Dominican Republic Update

Just a few things that Jim and April have been up to in the Dominican Republic...

• They recently spent a few days in Santo Domingo, the capital, to meet with their lawyer about getting our residency visa.

• While there, they met with the leadership of  Feed My Starving Children.  RMI is working to build a working relationship with them similar to what we have in Haiti.  (Pictured: R, Jim Starkey, L, JJ Slag, CEO of Feed My Starving Children)

• Jim has been communicating with the CBD (Convencion Bautista Dominicana) leadership we are working with to figure out what they will do with the two teams coming this fall. They are also meeting with them in a few weeks to create a template for the four specific teams needed and lay out what each week would look like.

• They will also meet with the CBD leadership to discuss what their family can do between teams to help with the churches.

• They are undergoing intense language study. Classes last 1 1/2 - 2 hours each and are held several times a week, with homework on the other days.

• They will contact churches soon about speaking this summer while on furlough.

• April and the boys continue to be very involved in the local homeschool group, building community and making connections.

The Starkeys have quite a bit going on!  Pray for them for clarity of thought and stamina.

A Look Ahead: 2025/2026 School Year

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! 

Kelly Memorial Finished

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.  

The congregation and school are very grateful and appreciate the thoughtfulness of this gift.  

Meet RMI Mondays

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.

Jean Duvil shares that he loves his job because it keeps him young. He loves working with RMI as we help others and show them love and support. Jean appreciates all who continue to contribute to RMI, which allows us to contribute to those in need in Haiti. He prays that God will hold both our supporters' hands and ours so we can always be connected. Jean emphasizes that without God, we have nothing.

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.

Celebrating the Life of Herb Shoemaker

At this time we are uncertain if we'll be able to live stream the service.

The Tluceks Are Moving

The Tlucek family is changing their address.

As you can imagine, the past three months have been exhilarating, especially with the addition of two little ones. However, that isn’t the only excitement they’ve experienced.

 

Andrew shared recently, "We always imagined Haiti would be our home as a missionary couple, where we could serve for the long haul. However, over the past four months, we've felt a strong nudge from God, guiding us toward a new chapter in the Dominican Republic. Our family and the Ezra Institute will have the excellent opportunity to continue ministry among the vibrant Haitian people while sharing our hearts with the Dominican people.  This wasn’t an easy choice for us; we have spent much time praying, reflecting on scripture, seeking advice from trusted counsel, and meeting with our leadership at RMI. We genuinely believe this new direction holds great promise for the school and our family.

We want to express that our goal is to bring glory to our Lord and Savior! Even if that means walking in obedience in a direction we never imagined." 

The move will occur after they raise additional family support and support for the Ezra Institute. If you want to participate in supporting them, contact them personally.