theSlice from Rob and Becky is available.

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Rob

Heading to Haiti

I am looking forward to going to Haiti this Saturday. I am going in with the Trinity Bible Church team. Due to a late arrival we will be driving from Port a Prince to Cayes. This will be the first time we have done this in quite a while! Should be fun!

Please pray for me as I go. I having been struggling with a problem with my sciatic nerve in my left leg. The last couple of days it has down well, but pray that it does not act up while in Haiti. I also have torn my shoulder rotator cuff muscles. This causes some real pain when I make certain movements that aren't always predictable. So pray for good health and especially good sleep!

You might have heard that Haiti has had lots of rioting and unrest due to the high cost of living. That was very true. But things have returned to normal. Pray that it will stay that way!

I will be back April 24th. Thanks for your prayers!

Dan

The cost of life in Haiti

Haiti has been going through quite a bit of unrest this past week. The people are protesting the high cost of living there. Prices have doubled and tripled in the last several months. This is causing quite a hardship for so many in that poor country! There have been many protests across the country that have shut the country down for the past several days.

The RMI staff are fine. Cayes has had quite a bit of unrest during these days as well. However, there is much hope that things will be back to normal in the next several days.

Pray for peace and for the government to act to help stabilize the situation, not only from the unrest, but to help ease the pain of the people. Pray for continued safety for our staff. Thanks.

Dan

Pray for Haiti

Haiti has been going through quite a bit of unrest this past week. The people are protesting the high cost of living there. Prices have doubled and tripled in the last several months. This is causing quite a hardship for so many in that poor country! There have been many protests across the country that have shut the country down for the past several days.

The RMI staff are fine. Cayes has had quite a bit of unrest during these days as well. However, there is much hope that things will be back to normal in the next several days.

Pray for peace and for the government to act to help stabilize the situation, not only from the unrest, but to help ease the pain of the people. Pray for continued safety for our staff. Thanks.

Dan

Anse-A-Veau Trip March 2008 Slideshow

Memories of your trip to Anse-A-Veau.  It's exciting to see the impact you have on your brothers and sisters' lives!

 

 

Thanks, Gary, for the pictures.

A Letter from your Sister Church

From: The Aux Coteaux Church

To: Grace Lutheran Church

Good Morning Brothers and Sisters,

I greet you in the name of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. How are you and your church doing? I hope that you and your activities are doing well by the power of the Holy Ghost. I want to ask you how the Pastor is doing in your church, especially Sister Suzy. We are praying for her all the time and ask God to heal her.

We are doing very well here in Aux Coteaux by the grace of God. We had a nice Easter time in our church. Also we had a week of conference in the Church where we invited many other churches to come worship with us; it was amazing to worship together. We want to say thank you for all your support to our church especially for the money you sent last February to support our youth to attend the Carnival retreat in Gonaive. We had about 250 people that participated with 5 churches in the district. Thank you again for your help for kids this year, I am praying for God to watch over you and take good care of each of you in your church.

Finally, I want to thank you for the way you help us with the construction of the new parsonage here in Coteaux, so even though we still have a lot do, we believe God will provide us money to finish with all the work pretty soon.

May God bless you and your church abundantly.

Your brother in Christ,

Pastor Ceverdieu Louis Jean

Upside Down Plans

The Haitians have a proverb that says, “Man proposes, but God disposes”.  Man makes his plans but God works His Will regardless of man’s plans.  We see this in the Bible through so many examples:  Abraham was doing quite well where he was, then God told him to go to a land that he didn't even know of yet; Joseph wasn’t planning on being sold as a slave, or thrown into prison, but God had other plans for him; David was content to be a shepherd, but God had other plans; Mary was looking forward to being the wife of a simple carpenter living a normal life, but God had other plans; Paul was happy persecuting Christians, yet God had other plans for him.  God often takes our plans, and turns them upside down for His purposes and good pleasure.  Sometimes it takes years to finally see the results or reasons, but we know and rest in the fact that He is working out His plans for His good.

This is what it seems that God is doing in Guatemala.  RMI has had great plans for the Guatemala field.  We had anticipated good things happening there.  But for reasons that truly only God knows, at this time, RMI has had to shut down our Guatemala operations.  We lost several sister churches that desired to be more involved with occasional projects rather than in-depth relationships.  The Coreano’s have resigned as they felt lead back to the U.S. for inner city ministry.  Other possibilities that we have had in the past were no longer available to continue the ministry.  After exhausting all of our options, RMI came to the conclusion that we would have to withdraw from the Guatemala field at this time. 

I can say that this has been one of the toughest decisions we have had to make.  RMI has invested so much there.  Our hearts have been melded with the Mayan believers.  They have so many needs, and struggles that the Sister Church Partnerships were beginning to address. The Coreanos have invested so much of their time and effort.  The ministry was starting to flourish.  Much had been provided through a lot of effort and struggle.  And yet, God…….disposed.  Why, we don’t know at this time, but God does.  And God is sovereign, He is Good all the time!  His purposes are being accomplished.  His ways are not our ways.  RMI has had to accept this and continue to trust God to lead us and move us into the paths He would have us trod. 

RMI’s vision is to continue to see our Haiti field flourish and develop.  There is so much RMI can do to continue to encourage the churches and Christians there.  However, we are also continuing to explore new options for growth into other countries as the doors open.  Pray for the RMI Administration and the Board as we continue to seek God’s direction for the future!  Man proposes but God disposes! 

 

Dan Shoemaker, President

The Windy City!

I am finally back in balmy Florida! Sunshine, 80 degrees, low humidity.....Ahhhh! I think I am still thawing out though! Being down here, you do forget how cold it can get "up there"! But even if the weather was cold, the fellowship was very warm! My time with the folks at Arlington Heights E. Free Church and Village Church of Bartlett couldn't have gone any better. Both missions conferences were a blessing to me. The many different speakers were interesting and challenging. I was able to make some good contacts for RMI for the future. There were several good contacts for potential new sister churches. There were also a couple of invites to conferences where there will be opportunities to share the Sister Church Program with many new churches.

I also presented (for the first time) our new RMI Impact Partners program encouraging those who have been impacted by RMI and their Sister Church to become more involved with RMI financially through pledged giving. So far there has been good response. Pray for many more to get involved with us through this initiative.

Thanks Dave and Kirk for all you did to make my time with your churches a great blessing! Love you guys!

Dan is in Chicago

My flight is late, more than 2 hours late! As I sit here in the Ft. Myers airport, I look at it more as "2 less hours of 25 degree weather!" Man, my Florida blood is going to freeze in that kind of weather! Somehow I don't think my Columbia shorts and sport shirt are NOT going to be the thing to wear.

On the other hand, I am looking forward to being with all of my friends and partners in ministry at Arlington Heights E. Free Church and Village Church of Bartlett of the Chicago area. They are having their missions conferences one week after another so I will be in that area from March 7th to the 18th. Having just been to Haiti with the Arlington Team, we will have much to reminisce about.

At both churches, Arlington - March 7 to 12, and Village Church of Bartlett - March 12 to 18, I will be meeting with all of the Haiti team alumni. Those are always very encouraging times as we share how the Sister Church experiences, those "God Moments" have shaped our lives. I will also be sharing about how God is moving in RMI these days. We are excited about what lies ahead! Please join us if possible. Check with Dave Wardle (AHEFC) or Kirk V. (VCOB) for the dates, place, and time.

I will also be sharing a new program called, RMI Impact Partners. I am looking for those who have been impacted by RMI's ministry into their lives and experienced "God moments" while they were on their trip. As a result they want to be a part of enabling RMI to continue to impact lives in significant ways. (Would you consider becoming one of these partners with us?)

Pray for the opportunity to encourage one another and for continuing to see the Sister Church Partnerships advanced. Pray also for God's moving in folks' hearts for a desire to become "Impact Partners" with us, so together we can impact the world for Christ. This is our heart's desire!

Dan

A successful visit to their Sister Church: A Slideshow

Second Cape May Baptist Church had a great time at their Sister Church in Port-a-Piment, Haiti.  Here is a montage of photos taken by members of the team and RMI missionary Gary McLaughlin.  Sit back and enjoy!

Port-a-Piment Trip Feb. 2008 Slideshow

This is a compilation sent to us from Gary McLaughlin. Thanks to all those who took the pictures and to Gary for taking the time to get them all downloaded!  Sit back and enjoy the memories.

 

Second Cape May Baptist Returns Home from Haiti today...

Today, Second Cape May Baptist from Cape May, NJ travels from Les Cayes, Haiti to Port au Prince, Haiti to Philadelphia, PA.  Would you pray for them as they travel?  I have heard it went very well.  Pictures coming soon!

Rob

Haiti Creole Resource...

The following resource was suggested by Pastor Guy Glass from Calvary Baptist Church in Pemberton, NJ.

The following web site has some free downloadable tools, and some very affordable more robust options for learning Haitian Creole.  Check it out.  If you do, please let us know what you think!

Rob

Learn Haitian Creole

A glimpse into the Shoe's Soul

Many folks have asked us to include information on how our family is doing.  You can now get a little insight into the Shoe's Soul by going to www.theshoessoul.blogspot.com.  You can catch up on what is happening in our personal lives since we've moved to the states (and there's a lot!).  You may be amazed, you will laugh and hopefully be spurred to pray for us on our life journey as we continue to serve the Lord through RMI.  To whet your appetite, here are a few pictures:

Dan and I, the re-invented U.S. version!

Devon, 20, and Duke the Walmart shopping dog!

Dawn, 17, and a State Volleyball Championship!

A glimpse into the Shoe's Soul

Many folks have asked us to include information on how our family is doing.  You can now get a little insight into the Shoe's Soul by going to www.theshoessoul.blogspot.com.  You can catch up on what is happening in our personal lives since we've moved to the states (and there's a lot!).  You may be amazed, you will laugh and hopefully be spurred to pray for us on our life journey as we continue to serve the Lord through RMI.  To whet your appetite, here are a few pictures:

Dan and I, the re-invented U.S. version!

Devon, 20, and Duke the Walmart shopping dog!

Dawn, 17, and a State Volleyball Championship!

A recent visit to Abricot

Our trip to Abricot on January 10: We took pictures for Hope for Kids and looked at possible projects for New Church to consider for future visits. Last year the students had to walk about 5 miles to have their pictures take but this year we have a new road into Abricot. It's a beautiful part of Haiti and one is able to see the beauty even better on this road. But the true beauty is in Haiti's people. They are always happy to see us as we are them. Here is a slideshow for you!  Gary McLaughlin

A letter from your Sister Church

From: Abricot Church

To: New Church

I am very happy today for the great opportunity I have to write you this letter. How are you and your church activities doing over there? I hope you are doing great in the name of our Savior Jesus Christ. The reason I write this letter to you is to wish you all in New Church a Happy New Year of 2008.

Here in Abricot Baptist Church, we had a good year of 2007.  God took care of us here.  The only  problem we had last year was when we were preparing for your coming but unfortunately the team was cancel, after that everything was fine for us here in Haiti.  About the school everything is fine, we have more kids in the school this year but we don’t have enough class room.  This year, again, 20 kids are going to attend the official exams, I want you to pray for them, please.

Thank you very much for the generator that you sent for us. It is very helpful for us because we use it every evening when we have service. We started this year with a nice prayer service in the church where we had many people accept Jesus as their Savior.

Finally, we want to say thank you for the support you give to our kids here in Abricot. Thank you for helping our kids go to school. We really appreciate that and we are praying for you everyday and asking God to fill you with his blessing. All the church members and the deacons send their greeting to all of you.

May God bless you all in your church!

Pastor Yves Renous Mathurin

A letter from your sister church

From: Anse–a-Veau Baptist Church

To: Linwood Church

I greet you all in the name of our Savior Jesus Christ.  May the grace and the peace of God be with you in this New Year.  I wish you all a Happy New Year of 2008.

Here in Anse-a-Veau, we are doing very well thanks to God.  We praise the Lord we had a good year of 2007 spiritually, only some of our people in our church were facing the Hurricane problems. Thank you the help you sent for those with hurricane damage problems.  They really needed that help.  Our church is working very well here. We had a nice prayer service on the night of December 31^st where all the Christians met together for a worship and prayer service. We were happy to meet together; we heard a lot of testimonies from the members and after we all had a good time of discussion together and we drank coffee at the end.

In the name of all the kids and the parents who are sponsored we say thank you for the money you sent this year again for the kids.  The parents were very happy to see their kids going to school and have their school paid for.  That’s a blessing for them. The kids and their parents are praying for you daily and asking God to bless you. Thank you for the motorcycle battery you sent for me.  I appreciate that. We are praying for your coming again this year and we are looking forward to meeting you all.

I send my greeting to all of you in Linwood Church especially to Pastor Rick and his family, to the deacons, the youth, Sister Betty, Brother Art and his wife, Sister Barbara, Brother Tom, Brother Tommy and to all the members.

Pastor Dieusseul Malbranche

A letter from your Sister Church

From:     The Committee of Dame-Marie Baptist Church

To:          To Pastor Guy Glass and Calvary Church

Object:    Information

Dear Pastor Glass,

May the grace and the peace of God be with you!  My family and I have a pleasure to greet you in the precious name and savior Jesus Christ.

We were very happy to receive you here in Dame-Marie 6 months ago.  It was for us a great privilege to meet some members from Calvary Baptist Church in New Jersey as our sister church here in Dame-Marie. I wish that everything will continue to work well for the glory of God. Praise the Lord; we are doing fine here in Dame-Marie spiritually. At the beginning of December we started our worship service at 6 a.m. and finish at 9 a.m.  We had a nice convention for the whole district at the end of the year for four days. It was a great success where 20 members were baptized. We also had a nice party with 250 people for those who attended the Sunday school. We have a big choir with eighty (80) people now in our church and we wish to participate in the convention that the MEBLH mission organizes every April.

In the name of all the Deacons and members of Dame-Marie Baptist church, in the name of my wife and my children, we join our voice together to wish you a happy new year of 2008. We hope to have you again this year in Dame-Marie, your sister church.

We love you all and May God in his power send his blessing to you and Calvary Church.

Pastor Evelt Mentor

A letter from your Sister Church

January 2008

From:     Ducis Baptist Church, Haiti

To:          Village church of Bartlett

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

We are very happy to write this letter to you just to give you some information about our church here in Ducis and also we want to take this advantage to wish you a happy new year of 2008. We are very happy for the good communion that God our Father established among us and allowed us to live as brothers and sisters for the glory of his ministry. This is by the same love he left behind his kingdom and came to the earth to die for us. That’s really a great love, isn’t it?

We say thank you to God the way he did take care of us for the year of 2007, even though we had insecurity problems in our country but God has take care of each family in our church. For this reason, from December 16^th to December 31^st of 2007 we had a nice prayer service in our church in Ducis where all the members in the church met together to praise him and thank him for his mercy. We had different speakers who would preach for us from Exodus 33:13.

Our purpose for this new year is to have more people baptized, teach more people the words of God and create a new strategy where all the family in the church can know the power of God better and seek more people for his kingdom.

This year again we want to start working with the plan we had a long time ago called “AWANA”.  We have already met with the responsible people and  they have approved it. I hope next time when I write I will give you more explanations about it.

We are praying for you everyday and we hope that you are going to do the same thing for us.

Once again I want to wish you all a happy new year of 2008 and May God send his blessing upon your church.

Your brother,

Pastor Anthony Moise