Merger Announced

The ministry of Centre Lumiere (known to many as the Home Economics Center) is merging with RMI.  This is an opportunity that God was preparing, unknown to us, over the last few months.  The Director of the Centre, Olga Thissen-Lapp, and her husband, Caleb, contacted Dan in April when he was in Haiti and shared with him where they felt God was leading them.  Unknown to them, RMI had long desired to start a Leadership, Training, and Discipleship School to equip young people in computer skills, English, work ethics, and basic finances, as well as disciple them in their walk with the Lord.  We haven’t gone forward with it due to a lack of resources, facilities, and someone to “drive” it.  The merger that the Lapps were seeking includes handing over their facilities to RMI to use as God directs.

After seeking counsel from the Centre’s original founders (retired), approval from MEBSH leadership (they own the land and Centre Lumiere is a department of MEBSH) and RMI’s Board of Directors, and receiving positive endorsements from all involved, we are happy to announce that Centre Lumiere is formally merging with RMI.

There will be a year-long transition as the current class of women finish their studies.  The transition should be completed in July of 2023 with the graduation of the current year’s students.

Pray that God will continue to guide us as there are still many details to be worked out.  We are very excited about this new venture.  It rounds out RMI’s educational impact.  Hope for Kidz has long ministered to children.  This will enable RMI to educate and minister to young adults, both men and women, leading them into Godly living, and equipping them with vital skills to become leaders and change agents for their families, churches, and communities.

In May, Dan, Kim, and Barbara flew to Cayes to work through a Memorandum of Understanding with MEBSH.  Barbara took advantage of the trip to spend time with and encourage the Hope for Kidz staff.  She also visited several schools to see the schools and staff in action. 

The week was full of meetings for Dan and Kim.  They felt that God was there, guiding, them as they talked through some of the initial agreements needed to make the merger possible.  Everyone left feeling humbled by God’s graciousness.