New Haiti Field Director Appointed

RMI is excited to announce the appointment of Benjamin Altema as RMI's Haiti Field Director.  Benjamin will be replacing Rob Thompson who is transitioning back to the US this summer.  For many years now, RMI has been developing multi-cultural leaders.  This is another important step in that process.  Benjamin has proven his leadership capability as he has worked his way up these last 12 years from starting out working with teams, to being in charge of RMI’s Haitian staff, to the Director of Haiti Field Operations and now to lead the entire field, both US missionary and Haitian staff.

Benjamin grew up in Aux Cayes near the mission center.  He and his family have been friends of RMI for many, many years.  His mother worked for RMI co-founders, Herb and Shirley Shoemaker, for 10 years while they served in Haiti, and eventually, years later, worked for RMI and Dan and Debbie Shoemaker for 25 years.  In his university years, he occasionally worked for RMI in various capacities.  He graduated from the American University of Cayes in 2006 with a degree in the Science of Agriculture and Environment.  In January of 2007 Benjamin joined the staff of RMI full-time.  He married his wife, Lucette, in 2010 and they have 4 boys, ages 8 (twins), 7 and 4.

Benson Joseph will take on the directorship of the new Department of Operations for RMI which includes most of the ministries, projects, and programs of RMI, as well as facilities and vehicles, something he has already been doing informally.  He will also continue his supervision of the Hope for Kidz Department.  His leadership in these areas has been and will continue to be crucial to the ongoing success of RMI.

Lee Nunemaker has taken on a new role as Member Care Coordinator for all of our Haiti field staff, both US and Haitian.  This new role fits his pastoral heart and caring spirit.  He will be ministering into their lives through discipleship, mentoring, and spiritual care.  Lee will also continue in his role as Director of the C3 Partnerships.  His engagement with our C3 partners have been a big part of their ongoing success in their partnerships and the impact they are having together in their Haitian communities. 

Pray for these leaders as they continue to move RMI forward on the ground in Haiti.  The ministry of RMI is having a great impact all across south Haiti and just continues to grow.  Pray for wisdom, understanding, vision, and unity as they transition into this new leadership structure.