*Important Information*
RMI is NOT leaving Haiti; however, we are expanding into the Dominican Republic (DR). This means that RMI will be in both countries, covering the island of Hispaniola. We’ve received word of some confusion on this, so we wanted to ensure everyone understands what is happening. The Starkeys were ministering in Haiti, but RMI has asked them to move to the DR to pioneer RMI’s work there. They have embraced this move and are very excited about this new opportunity. Ministry in the DR will be unique. Over 1 million Haitians live there, providing opportunities to minister to Haitians and Dominican Christians.
Dominican Republic Update
Last month’s Ministry Highlights shared many of the steps the Starkeys are going through to move from Haiti and the US to the DR. God has gone before them, and things are coming together in a timely manner.
Pioneering a new work is a challenging yet rewarding endeavor. The Starkeys have intimate knowledge of how RMI operates in Haiti, giving them a framework from which to work. However, we know that only some things will work exactly as they do in Haiti. The DR is a very different culture with a different standard of living.
RMI already has top-notch partners in Nelson Paulino of Casa Misionera Mission House and the Baptist Convention of the Dominican (BCD). Both will give us invaluable insights into the culture and what will work and what won’t. They can point us in the right direction regarding congregations with which to start C3 partnerships. They will be able to help with some of the nitty-gritty details of establishing RMI in the country, such as renting an office, providing translation help, setting up the office (furniture and equipment), helping RMI understand any legal issues that we need to know about, finding staff and translators, figuring out which guesthouses to use for housing teams -- and so many other issues.
The Starkeys have been working hard to raise the additional support they need. As of the beginning of June, they have 47% of their monthly support needs and 63% of their one-time needs. They urgently need to raise the rest of those funds. Would you please consider helping them with a monthly gift and/or a gift toward their moving expenses? You can give to their ministry here: www.rmibridge.org/donate. They are praying that they’ll be able to get to Santiago in August so they can get settled by the beginning of school around the first of September.
Please pray with us for their support so they can get to the DR in a timely manner!
Haiti Update
This month, Tessa Andrews is on furlough in her home area of northern Florida. Pray that she’ll be able to relax and recharge as she is with her family. Also, pray that she’ll have good visits with her supporters and supporting churches.
Andrew and Dawn Tlucek are on furlough and plan on visiting supporters in Washington state, Idaho, Chicago, New Jersey, and Florida. They celebrated Layton’s first birthday. Their travel schedule isn’t set yet because they just discovered they are pregnant with TWINS! Morning sickness is getting better, however, multiple births are now regarded high risk. Thus, their plans are being adjusted. We also want to congratulate Andrew for finishing his PhD! He’s now Dr. Andrew Tlucek.
Jim Starkey had a successful trip to their home in Haiti and was able to pack and close up their house there. When the Starkeys arrive in Santiago, they will be able to fly the things they need in the DR via Agape Flights directly to Santiago.
Airlines, both international and domestic, are flying again. Everyone is breathing a sigh of relief about this positive development. The new government is in place, but the gang activity has not changed. The police are out-gunned and out-manned. A lot of hope and expectations are being put on the Peacekeeping Force that has just begun to arrive. Pray that their presence will make a difference. Haiti needs desperately needs peace. The country needs to be opened back up.
Several months ago, we had 6 containers of food delivered to the port in the capital. This food was to be used for our Hot Lunch Program and food aid for needy families. They were unable to leave the wharf due to the roads being blocked by not one but several gangs. Unfortunately, at one point, gangs overran the wharf, and one container was looted. A few weeks later, arrangements were made to put 2 containers on a barge, take them around to a port closer to Cayes, and then truck them to our facilities. The final 3 also came by barge several weeks after that. We are very thankful for God’s protection for those 5 containers. It increased the cost significantly, but enough food is available to provide those hot lunches and finish the school year.
