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(2016-December) Christmas Programs.
The Christmas season is always a busy time for churches. While focusing on the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, it is a time of revival services, youth activities, decorations, festivities, all night services, and kid's club programs. We are helping several of our graduates to plan out special services and activities in the churches they each have planted in Leogane, Savane Bourg, Garde Biassou, Bassin Caiman, Cadush, Dubout, Wallondry, and Mathador. Pray with us that the Lord will be glorified through these ministries during this holiday season.
The Christmas season is always a busy time for churches. While focusing on the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, it is a time of revival services, youth activities, decorations, festivities, all night services, and kid's club programs. We are helping several of our graduates to plan out special services and activities in the churches they each have planted in Leogane, Savane Bourg, Garde Biassou, Bassin Caiman, Cadush, Dubout, Wallondry, and Mathador. Pray with us that the Lord will be glorified through these ministries during this holiday season.
(2016-December) Baptism at Pastor Frisnel's Church in Bassin Caiman.
Pastor Frisnel has been working hard. After a week of revival services he organized a baptismal service for new converts in the church there in Bassin Caiman. Saturday, December 3rd, Tim was priveleged to participate in the baptismal of 7 young people there in the Bouyara River, behind the church. Pray for these young people as they strive to serve the Lord.
Pastor Frisnel has been working hard. After a week of revival services he organized a baptismal service for new converts in the church there in Bassin Caiman. Saturday, December 3rd, Tim was priveleged to participate in the baptismal of 7 young people there in the Bouyara River, behind the church. Pray for these young people as they strive to serve the Lord.
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(2016-December) Church Construction in Ouanaminthe.
Yes, this is another construction, a different construction than what we are doing in Cadush! Pastor Yves Enselme has been ministering in Ouanaminthe, Haiti for over 10 years. His church, Eglise Baptiste Smyrne, has been renting for that entire time, on several different pieces of land. They were just forced off the property they had been renting, as the owner was wanting to build a house. They had a stick structure with tarps and tin they were meeting in on the rented land. They moved the stick structure to the new property we helped them purchase several months back. Pastor Yves has been involved in our ministry, both teaching seminary classes as well as preaching in revivals and special services. We have been impressed with his humble spirit and sincere desire to serve the Lord. He and the 100 plus church members have been faithful serving the Lord under the worst of conditions, meeting under ripped tarps in the rain and standing in mud to sing and praise the Lord. We are glad to partner with him in this ministry and are working on a major construction project to build a 60 X 60 foot church building with seating room for ? a lot of people. This is the same building design we have build for our main church on campus in Wallondry. Pray with us as we are raising significant funds to complete the construction which is planned to start the third week of January. |
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(2016-November) Church Construction Next Door To Voodoo Temple.
Church construction in Cadush: We have begun building a temporary church structure for Eglise Baptiste Eben-Ezer in Cadush. The structure we are building is a small temporary structure (hopefully under $2000) designed to allow us to move out of a rented building across the street. The landlord we have been renting from has given us some problems with voodoo fetishes in the courtyard as well as other issues. The church land we will be building on is next door to a rather large voodoo temple. We had purchased land there several years ago, but due to multiple difficulties, the church has had problems growing. Pastor Hector Couloute is now serving the Lord here and is seeing some growth. We are excited about moving off the rental property and moving onto our own property. Pray with us as this struggling church is serving the Lord in an area dominated by Satan worship.
Church construction in Cadush: We have begun building a temporary church structure for Eglise Baptiste Eben-Ezer in Cadush. The structure we are building is a small temporary structure (hopefully under $2000) designed to allow us to move out of a rented building across the street. The landlord we have been renting from has given us some problems with voodoo fetishes in the courtyard as well as other issues. The church land we will be building on is next door to a rather large voodoo temple. We had purchased land there several years ago, but due to multiple difficulties, the church has had problems growing. Pastor Hector Couloute is now serving the Lord here and is seeing some growth. We are excited about moving off the rental property and moving onto our own property. Pray with us as this struggling church is serving the Lord in an area dominated by Satan worship.
(2016-November) Election Violence.
Once again Haiti will be attempting to vote for Senators and a New President. We currently have a Lavalas provisional government since the elections last year were nullified due to widespread reports of fraud. The Presidential and senatorial elections were held Sunday, November 20, 2016. Unlike the elections last year, this year there has already been a lot of violence in our area. There has been shooting off and on for the last month. In Saint Raphael they have already burned a government building and some houses. Thursday they threw Molotov cocktails at the new high school, causing fear and mayhem in the crowd. On the same day an UDMO police officer was shot and killed after he confronted a gang member. Every night this week we have heard gun fire and screaming, mixed with loud music and announcements being blasted on large speakers from vehicles in the street. On at least two different occasions this month we have had someone jump our wall at night. Thank you for your prayers for us, our coworkers, national pastors, and for our friends and neighbors. Please pray for the people of Haiti!! (2 Chronicles 7:14)
Once again Haiti will be attempting to vote for Senators and a New President. We currently have a Lavalas provisional government since the elections last year were nullified due to widespread reports of fraud. The Presidential and senatorial elections were held Sunday, November 20, 2016. Unlike the elections last year, this year there has already been a lot of violence in our area. There has been shooting off and on for the last month. In Saint Raphael they have already burned a government building and some houses. Thursday they threw Molotov cocktails at the new high school, causing fear and mayhem in the crowd. On the same day an UDMO police officer was shot and killed after he confronted a gang member. Every night this week we have heard gun fire and screaming, mixed with loud music and announcements being blasted on large speakers from vehicles in the street. On at least two different occasions this month we have had someone jump our wall at night. Thank you for your prayers for us, our coworkers, national pastors, and for our friends and neighbors. Please pray for the people of Haiti!! (2 Chronicles 7:14)
(2016-November) Cours Biblique Par Extention - Saturday Bible Classes.
The Saturday Bible Class extension of the seminary (Cours Biblique par Extention) is for pastors who cannot attend a full time seminary program. We had 17 students last month with Pastor Chavanne’s course on 1 Corinthians. Tim is teaching a course on homiletics this month.
The Saturday Bible Class extension of the seminary (Cours Biblique par Extention) is for pastors who cannot attend a full time seminary program. We had 17 students last month with Pastor Chavanne’s course on 1 Corinthians. Tim is teaching a course on homiletics this month.
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(2016-October) The Kids Get Involved in the Radio Station.
Hannah and SarahAnne had an opportunity to get involved with the radio station on campus. They helped with the recording of some special announcements we were preparing to air. |
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(2016-October) RAIN, RAIN, RAIN, and more RAIN.
Preparation for Hurricane Matthew: Hurricane Mathew brought in a torrent of rain and winds to the island of Haiti. The hardest hit was the south western area: Okay and Jeremie. We grieve at the loss of life and destruction caused by the hurricane. We were very fortunate as the hurricane veered from it’s predicted course, completely missing us in the northern mountains of Haiti. We prepared for the worst and thank the Lord for His mercy and protection! The Hurricane has ushered in our rainy season and we have had rain almost everyday since. Cap Haitian on the northern coast, had 8 straight days of heavy rain with flooding. The whole city shut down for the week, and many stores and houses flooded. Where we are in the mountains, the Buyara river between us and Savanne Bourg was swollen and people couldn't cross. Although we haven’t had our house flooded, we are hoping for a sunny day so we can get our laundry out on the line to dry.
Preparation for Hurricane Matthew: Hurricane Mathew brought in a torrent of rain and winds to the island of Haiti. The hardest hit was the south western area: Okay and Jeremie. We grieve at the loss of life and destruction caused by the hurricane. We were very fortunate as the hurricane veered from it’s predicted course, completely missing us in the northern mountains of Haiti. We prepared for the worst and thank the Lord for His mercy and protection! The Hurricane has ushered in our rainy season and we have had rain almost everyday since. Cap Haitian on the northern coast, had 8 straight days of heavy rain with flooding. The whole city shut down for the week, and many stores and houses flooded. Where we are in the mountains, the Buyara river between us and Savanne Bourg was swollen and people couldn't cross. Although we haven’t had our house flooded, we are hoping for a sunny day so we can get our laundry out on the line to dry.
(2016-October) Fall Semester in the Seminary.
Maranatha Baptist Seminary (Séminaire Théologique Maranatha) started another school year. This is the final semester for three of our students, Stevenson, Constance, and Remy. It is also the first semester for two new students, Pastor James Joseph and Daniel Mervil. Tim taught the first class during the month of October on Origins, using several resources from Answers in Genesis as well as the Institute for Creation Research. It was a valuable time which exposed the fallacies of Darwinian theory and rebutted attacks against a literal interpretation of the scriptures.
Maranatha Baptist Seminary (Séminaire Théologique Maranatha) started another school year. This is the final semester for three of our students, Stevenson, Constance, and Remy. It is also the first semester for two new students, Pastor James Joseph and Daniel Mervil. Tim taught the first class during the month of October on Origins, using several resources from Answers in Genesis as well as the Institute for Creation Research. It was a valuable time which exposed the fallacies of Darwinian theory and rebutted attacks against a literal interpretation of the scriptures.
(2016-September) Preaching All Over The Place.
In September, Tim had the privilege of preaching in 4 different churches pastored by our seminary students and graduates. The first Sunday was in Mathador At Mahanaim Baptist Church. The following Sunday was in Wallondry at Maranatha Baptist Church. The third Sunday was at Pastor Marc Louis' church in Lalomas, so far off the beaten path, I was sure the truck was going to flip the roads were so bad. Our truck has never been over such terrible roads. The last Sunday of the month was in Cadush with Pastor Hector Couloute. We were glad for the opportunity to be a source of encouragement for these churches.
In September, Tim had the privilege of preaching in 4 different churches pastored by our seminary students and graduates. The first Sunday was in Mathador At Mahanaim Baptist Church. The following Sunday was in Wallondry at Maranatha Baptist Church. The third Sunday was at Pastor Marc Louis' church in Lalomas, so far off the beaten path, I was sure the truck was going to flip the roads were so bad. Our truck has never been over such terrible roads. The last Sunday of the month was in Cadush with Pastor Hector Couloute. We were glad for the opportunity to be a source of encouragement for these churches.
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(2016-August) Youth Retreat.
We organized a Youth Retreat for the young people in our church in Wallondry, St Raphael. The purpose of the activity was to hold a Purity Conference. We tackled several tough subjects, including pornography, how a Christian should use a cell phones, and morality in a modern internet society. Our young people were excited as they travelled 2 hours in the back of a dump truck from Wallondry to Cap Haitian so that they could participate in the conference. |
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(2016-August) Bible Seminar on the Book of Romans.
We held a Bible Seminar on the book of Romans on our main campus in Wallondry, St Raphael. Over 80 people attended the 5 days of classes. We had a team of 5 preachers who taught during the week; Pastors Keith Baker, Tim Bower, Vanier Pierre, Rodelin Phanet, and Frisnel Pierre. The book we used for the seminar was written in Creole by Tim, who was able to complete it in time for use in the seminar.
We held a Bible Seminar on the book of Romans on our main campus in Wallondry, St Raphael. Over 80 people attended the 5 days of classes. We had a team of 5 preachers who taught during the week; Pastors Keith Baker, Tim Bower, Vanier Pierre, Rodelin Phanet, and Frisnel Pierre. The book we used for the seminar was written in Creole by Tim, who was able to complete it in time for use in the seminar.
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(2016-July) Eglise Baptiste Schilo - First Year Anniversary in Dubout.
Pastor Rodelin Phanet along with seminary student Daniel Luca celebrated the first anniversary of the implantation of their ministry in August 2015. We have rented a government building in Dubout, just east of Limonade. We were pleased to see it packed with visitors. Because of the lack of room, many of the visitors had to stand outside and look through the windows. What a wonderful problem to have! 
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(2016-July) Fete Moisson Eglise Baptiste Mahanaim - Harvest Revival in Mahanaim Baptist Church.
Pastors Daniel Sidalmé and Jasmin Pierre celebrated their second harvest revival since the new construction in February 2015. We were pleased to see the church full to overflowing with over 400 visitors. 
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(2016-July) Fixed Radio Antenna.
Summer may be a break from school, but it’s a chance to get caught up on things that have been pushed aside during the hustle and bustle of the busy school schedule. The radio antenna has been a problem for us for some time. Tim climbed the 50 ft. pole again (using a ladder for the lower part) and changed out both the antenna and the cable. As a result of the changes, our transmission wattage has more than doubled. We are now transmitting over 250 watts. Our next step is to purchase another amplifier and stack them, effectively doubling our output again.
Summer may be a break from school, but it’s a chance to get caught up on things that have been pushed aside during the hustle and bustle of the busy school schedule. The radio antenna has been a problem for us for some time. Tim climbed the 50 ft. pole again (using a ladder for the lower part) and changed out both the antenna and the cable. As a result of the changes, our transmission wattage has more than doubled. We are now transmitting over 250 watts. Our next step is to purchase another amplifier and stack them, effectively doubling our output again.
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(2016-July) Youth Camp.
We were proud to host another Teen Camp this summer. We had over 250 Haitian young people invade our campus for 5 days. Each one of these teens were saved baptized church members of a fundamental church in the area. We also had two teams from the US come and help us organize and run the camp this year. Pastor Dave Annand from Daniels Road Baptist Church in Ft Myers, Florida and Pastor Dave McIntosh from Hillcrest Baptist Church in Muscatine, Iowa both brought a team of young people and adults to help with Teen Camp. The food alone was overwhelming, as over 300 meals were prepared 3 times a day. The activities with the girls and the soccer with the boys kept the teens occupied between teaching sessions. We had three teaching sessions each day which were directed at helping the teens “fight the good fight of faith”, encouraging them to turn away from sin and choose holiness for their lives. Pray for the teens, that the Word of God will not return void, but that it will have a permanent impact on their lives. We praise the Lord for the willingness of these two teams to not only come to Haiti, but to heavily invest their finances in the lives of these Haitian young people. |
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(2016-June) Radio.
Radio ministry has changed a lot in the last 15 years. No longer do we have to comb through endless miles of audio tape to put songs and programs together to program the radio emissions for each day. We simply click click click on the computer keyboard and arrange the prerecorded songs and programs into the radio software and let it do it’s work. Sound easy, doesn’t it? Well, it’s a little more complicated than that. We are thankful for the godly men and women on our radio staff who dedicate hours and hours every day to prepare and then record those programs that make up the broadcast schedule for each day. Their hard work carries the gospel to untold numbers of people who tune into our daily radio broadcasts.
Radio ministry has changed a lot in the last 15 years. No longer do we have to comb through endless miles of audio tape to put songs and programs together to program the radio emissions for each day. We simply click click click on the computer keyboard and arrange the prerecorded songs and programs into the radio software and let it do it’s work. Sound easy, doesn’t it? Well, it’s a little more complicated than that. We are thankful for the godly men and women on our radio staff who dedicate hours and hours every day to prepare and then record those programs that make up the broadcast schedule for each day. Their hard work carries the gospel to untold numbers of people who tune into our daily radio broadcasts.
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(2016-June) Ladies College Exposition.
The end of the school year is a time of both celebration and punishment. We have a seminary, ladies college, elementary school, and an adult literacy school all on the same campus here in Wallondry. As each of the students is staying up late studying for exams and finishing projects, they are also thinking about what they are going to do during summer break, when school ends. The ladies in our Ladies College, a vocational school, held a sewing exposition after final exams. They decorated several of the rooms on campus with items each of them had sewn throughout the school year. It was an exciting time for them as they were able to put their hard work on display for family and friends to see. |
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(2016-May) Mother's Day.
Mother's Day in Haiti falls on the last Sunday in May, a different day than in the USA and Canada. This year we changed Mother's Day to Parent's Day, because sadly so many children in our church have lost their mothers. We enjoyed recognizing the shortest mother, the tallest mother, the parent with the most children present in the church service, the father with the biggest tummy (culturally it's a good thing to be round), and the couple that had been married the longest. The children recited poems, sang songs, and gave their parents presents. The children worked for months on a program that was directed by Mme Edner Louis, one of our most involved and faithful members. They all did a wonderful job.
Mother's Day in Haiti falls on the last Sunday in May, a different day than in the USA and Canada. This year we changed Mother's Day to Parent's Day, because sadly so many children in our church have lost their mothers. We enjoyed recognizing the shortest mother, the tallest mother, the parent with the most children present in the church service, the father with the biggest tummy (culturally it's a good thing to be round), and the couple that had been married the longest. The children recited poems, sang songs, and gave their parents presents. The children worked for months on a program that was directed by Mme Edner Louis, one of our most involved and faithful members. They all did a wonderful job.
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(2016-May) Harvest festival and a Week of Revival Services.
Every year, each of our churches hold an annual Harvest Festival, which is preceded by a week of revival services. It is during the Harvest Festival, people traditionally bring in tithes and offerings from their garden as a symbolic measure to show their obedience in giving tithes to the Lord. Normally, as the service starts, the children's choir marches in with their typical offerings of onions, beets, okra, carrots, and potatoes. This year, in our church, one of the boys marched in with a goat , and another little boy carried in a chicken. Many of the little kids also stood up in front of the church and recited poems. This year's Harvest Festival has been especially exciting, because twenty-two people were baptized. During the revival services we had special speakers. Pastor Edris from Cap Haitian spoke Monday through Thursday. Missionary Jessie Garcia, with Baptist World Missions, spoke Friday Night. Senator Dieupe Cheriben, a pastor from Jacmel, was our keynote speaker for Sunday morning. It was exciting to see the church packed with over 600 people for the Sunday morning service. |
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(2016-April) Jesus Film Ministry.
We have been showing the Jesus film in rural Haitian churches on and off for the last several years. But, we have always been limited to showing the film in areas reachable by vehicle because of the need for electricity. Our only source of energy has been a generator, which is heavy and difficult to transport. We had been researching a portable projection system, but the weight and cost made it not feasible. Just recently, however, we were able to purchase a small battery powered projector that works with an android phone, bright enough to use in front of a church. We also purchased a large Bluetooth battery powered speaker that is loud enough for 600 people to hear the Jesus film, even if it’s being projected outdoors. The whole system fits in a regular backpack and is light and easy to transport. After testing the system in several mountain areas hours from the nearest road, we bought a second system. We now have two teams of men that go into a rural area, first doing evangelism. While they are evangelizing, they learn the area and establish contacts to set up a possible film site. Often they simply stretch a piece of wire between two trees near an intersection, attach a linen sheet, and project the Jesus film onto it. People can sit on both sides of the sheet and see the film. The films have been extremely successful and popular, and hundred’s of people have been led to the Lord as a result.
We have been showing the Jesus film in rural Haitian churches on and off for the last several years. But, we have always been limited to showing the film in areas reachable by vehicle because of the need for electricity. Our only source of energy has been a generator, which is heavy and difficult to transport. We had been researching a portable projection system, but the weight and cost made it not feasible. Just recently, however, we were able to purchase a small battery powered projector that works with an android phone, bright enough to use in front of a church. We also purchased a large Bluetooth battery powered speaker that is loud enough for 600 people to hear the Jesus film, even if it’s being projected outdoors. The whole system fits in a regular backpack and is light and easy to transport. After testing the system in several mountain areas hours from the nearest road, we bought a second system. We now have two teams of men that go into a rural area, first doing evangelism. While they are evangelizing, they learn the area and establish contacts to set up a possible film site. Often they simply stretch a piece of wire between two trees near an intersection, attach a linen sheet, and project the Jesus film onto it. People can sit on both sides of the sheet and see the film. The films have been extremely successful and popular, and hundred’s of people have been led to the Lord as a result.
(2016-April) Seminary Class on Eschatology with Tim.
Tim taught a 4 week class on eschatology to the full time seminary students in April. What a blessing to be able to spend 4 weeks studying a teaching on the return of Christ and the establishment of His kingdom.
Tim taught a 4 week class on eschatology to the full time seminary students in April. What a blessing to be able to spend 4 weeks studying a teaching on the return of Christ and the establishment of His kingdom.
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(2016-April) Work Team.
The day after Easter a work team from the States arrived to help with the ministry. Two churches came together to make one large team. We want to thank all the team members from Colonial Hills Baptist church in Indianapolis, Indiana and the team members from Gospel Baptist Church in Bonita Springs, Florida. Altogether there were twenty two members that came. The team painted and rewired the electricity in seven churches, they built a church roof in Cap Haitian, painted three schools and five parsonages. The amount of work that was accomplished in one week was amazing, we will be talking about that for a long time. We were was especially happy to have some of the rooms in our own house painted, and in the Bakers were extremely surprised to have had their apartment renovated while they were in the US for Mrs. Bakers surgery. 
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(2016-March) Special Easter Services.
Easter is a special time of the year when we remember the resurrection of our Lord. This year Pastor Vanier organized revival services starting Wednesday after Palm Sunday and culminating on Easter Sunday. The Sunday morning service is a time of singing and celebration. During the Revival services, we had one lady came forward for salvation.
Easter is a special time of the year when we remember the resurrection of our Lord. This year Pastor Vanier organized revival services starting Wednesday after Palm Sunday and culminating on Easter Sunday. The Sunday morning service is a time of singing and celebration. During the Revival services, we had one lady came forward for salvation.
(2016-March) Seminary Class on Church Programs with Pastor Mehu.
Before Easter break Pastor Mehu taught a 4 week module to the seminary students how to start and run the church programs. This sounds like a simple class but since our seminary students are all actively involved in churches right now this class was very helpful. Several years ago, Pastor Mehu was almost beaten to death in the parsonage of the church where he was preaching and serving. Because of his sincerity and his stand for holiness, he became the object of persecution. Despite the suffering and danger, he continued serving the Lord and has since then joined our staff at Maranatha. Pastor Mehu teaches in the seminary and has a daily Bible and prayer program which plays in the evening at 6pm on our Christian radio station. We are thankful for his faithfulness.
Before Easter break Pastor Mehu taught a 4 week module to the seminary students how to start and run the church programs. This sounds like a simple class but since our seminary students are all actively involved in churches right now this class was very helpful. Several years ago, Pastor Mehu was almost beaten to death in the parsonage of the church where he was preaching and serving. Because of his sincerity and his stand for holiness, he became the object of persecution. Despite the suffering and danger, he continued serving the Lord and has since then joined our staff at Maranatha. Pastor Mehu teaches in the seminary and has a daily Bible and prayer program which plays in the evening at 6pm on our Christian radio station. We are thankful for his faithfulness.
(2016-March) Bible Seminar for Young People on the Gospel of John.
Again we held a week long Bible seminar for the young people in both our church as well as those interested from neighboring churches. I was amazed that over 130 young people were willing to come to 30 hours of teaching from the book of John. Pastor Baker and Mrs. Baker have been a blessing since joining the ministry almost 4 years ago. While teaching a seminary class on the book of Isaiah in February, Pastor Baker was pulling double duty as he was writing a 56 page survey on the book of John for the upcoming Young People’s Seminar in March. Tim then translated the booklet in time for the seminar. During the seminar the students filled in the booklet and asked many questions. One of the highlights of the seminar was getting to learn about the symbolism surrounding the Israelites and the Tabernacle.
Again we held a week long Bible seminar for the young people in both our church as well as those interested from neighboring churches. I was amazed that over 130 young people were willing to come to 30 hours of teaching from the book of John. Pastor Baker and Mrs. Baker have been a blessing since joining the ministry almost 4 years ago. While teaching a seminary class on the book of Isaiah in February, Pastor Baker was pulling double duty as he was writing a 56 page survey on the book of John for the upcoming Young People’s Seminar in March. Tim then translated the booklet in time for the seminar. During the seminar the students filled in the booklet and asked many questions. One of the highlights of the seminar was getting to learn about the symbolism surrounding the Israelites and the Tabernacle.
(2016-February) Mardi Gras Youth Retreat.
Every year on Mardi Gras (translated: Fat Tuesday) we like to give our teens an opportunity to fellowship together in a God honoring way. Last year, one of our teens was killed in a bus accident while travelling home from the Youth Retreat. So, this year for the youth retreat, instead of travelling to another church location, we decided it would be a good idea to hold the Youth Retreat here at home, on campus. Over 60 of the teens came and had breakfast. Following breakfast the teens were split into 3 - 4 groups, then the groups went to different areas to visit people and to evangelize. Through the evangelization one lady was saved. When the groups came back, the Principal of Maranatha Elementary School , Director Jean Claude taught a session on "The lasting effects of your choices". The day ended with many games and lots of laughter and of course a big meal.
Every year on Mardi Gras (translated: Fat Tuesday) we like to give our teens an opportunity to fellowship together in a God honoring way. Last year, one of our teens was killed in a bus accident while travelling home from the Youth Retreat. So, this year for the youth retreat, instead of travelling to another church location, we decided it would be a good idea to hold the Youth Retreat here at home, on campus. Over 60 of the teens came and had breakfast. Following breakfast the teens were split into 3 - 4 groups, then the groups went to different areas to visit people and to evangelize. Through the evangelization one lady was saved. When the groups came back, the Principal of Maranatha Elementary School , Director Jean Claude taught a session on "The lasting effects of your choices". The day ended with many games and lots of laughter and of course a big meal.
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(2016-February) Saturday Bible Class for Preachers.
We have a Bible School by extension program for preachers that are unable to come to a formal every day seminary program. We meet every Saturday and work through a 24 course curriculum. Each of the staff seminary professors takes a turn to teach one of the books. Tim taught through the book on homiletics to the 35 students enrolled in this program from February through to March. Pray for these men as they work through this extensive bible curriculum. |
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(2016-February) Election Riots.
The presidential elections that were scheduled for October were contested. Elections were rescheduled for December, then January, and then February, but never took place. As is our custom here, roads were cut and demonstrations took place. The violence shut down local schools and blocked transportation for several weeks. We were able to stock up on food stores and diesel so that we could safely wait out the political difficulties. We praise the Lord for keeping us safe.
The presidential elections that were scheduled for October were contested. Elections were rescheduled for December, then January, and then February, but never took place. As is our custom here, roads were cut and demonstrations took place. The violence shut down local schools and blocked transportation for several weeks. We were able to stock up on food stores and diesel so that we could safely wait out the political difficulties. We praise the Lord for keeping us safe.
(2016-January) Seminary Class with Pastor Rodelin on Church Administration.
Pastor Rodelin Phanet, one of the seminary professors on staff here at Maranatha, taught a 4 week block class in the seminary on Church Administration. Pastor Rodelin has also been working hard planting a church in Dubout. This church plant is near the new state university which is not far from the industrial complex in Caracol. Pastor Rodelin is preparing to celebrate a one year anniversary for the church.
Pastor Rodelin Phanet, one of the seminary professors on staff here at Maranatha, taught a 4 week block class in the seminary on Church Administration. Pastor Rodelin has also been working hard planting a church in Dubout. This church plant is near the new state university which is not far from the industrial complex in Caracol. Pastor Rodelin is preparing to celebrate a one year anniversary for the church.
(2016-January) Interchurch Soccer Tournament.
A group of young people from a neighboring church organized an interchurch soccer championship. Our young people organized a soccer team as well, but we didn’t place. We purchased 24 Creole Bibles and 12 song books to give to the 1st and 2nd place teams.
A group of young people from a neighboring church organized an interchurch soccer championship. Our young people organized a soccer team as well, but we didn’t place. We purchased 24 Creole Bibles and 12 song books to give to the 1st and 2nd place teams.
(2016-January) English Class in the public School.
The Lord opened the opportunity for me to teach English in the public school in St Raphael this past year. Every Friday from 7AM to Noon, I taught English to over 200 11th and 12th grade students. I used the English Bible to teach a Bible verse for the first 10 minutes of each class. These students each heard the gospel regularly every week.
The Lord opened the opportunity for me to teach English in the public school in St Raphael this past year. Every Friday from 7AM to Noon, I taught English to over 200 11th and 12th grade students. I used the English Bible to teach a Bible verse for the first 10 minutes of each class. These students each heard the gospel regularly every week.
(2016-January) Bible Seminar for Young people on the Minor Prophets.
The first week of January we held another week long Bible seminar for the young people in our church as well as other neighboring churches. We ate rice together, fellowshipped, and studied God’s Word everyday during this week long seminar. It was exciting to spend 30 hours studying the Minor Prophets with a group of 141 young people.
The first week of January we held another week long Bible seminar for the young people in our church as well as other neighboring churches. We ate rice together, fellowshipped, and studied God’s Word everyday during this week long seminar. It was exciting to spend 30 hours studying the Minor Prophets with a group of 141 young people.
(2016-January) Revival Services in Garde Biassou.
Pastors Eliphene and Guillot held a week of revival services at their church in Garde Biassou the first week of January. We helped to plant this church in 2004 and build a church building for them in 2006. Tim was honored to be invited to preach the final Sunday morning message of the revival services.
Pastors Eliphene and Guillot held a week of revival services at their church in Garde Biassou the first week of January. We helped to plant this church in 2004 and build a church building for them in 2006. Tim was honored to be invited to preach the final Sunday morning message of the revival services.
(2016-January) Spring 2016 School Semester opens.
Continue to pray for the schools that are on campus (the seminary, adult school, ladies college, homeschool, and elementary school) that have started back up for the spring semester. Haitian presidential elections were scheduled for January 17th, but then rescheduled for Jan 24th. The top presidential candidates are now refusing to campaign and participate in the election planning citing corruption. Pray for the country of Haiti as tensions rise. We have seen UN helicopter gunships flying low over our area recently We suspect this is in response to the potential for election related violence in the upcoming weeks. Pray for us.
Continue to pray for the schools that are on campus (the seminary, adult school, ladies college, homeschool, and elementary school) that have started back up for the spring semester. Haitian presidential elections were scheduled for January 17th, but then rescheduled for Jan 24th. The top presidential candidates are now refusing to campaign and participate in the election planning citing corruption. Pray for the country of Haiti as tensions rise. We have seen UN helicopter gunships flying low over our area recently We suspect this is in response to the potential for election related violence in the upcoming weeks. Pray for us.
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(2016-January) Bible Seminar - 150 Youth Attend.
The public Bible seminar was held from January 4-8th. The topic was the Old Testament prophets. Tim and three other pastors, took turns teaching the 150 students that attended. It was a great turnout, and the students were very attentive. While Tim was teaching the seminar, he sent a deacon to Cap Haitian to purchase groceries. While in Cap Haitian, the deacon was robbed and the money that was supposed to go for purchasing the seminar groceries was gone. We were at a loss to know what to do. We told our co-workers, Harry and Melissa Peart, and they said that Serena Honeycutt had already given them money for rice and sugar to be used in the ministry. So they used that money to buy rice and sugar so that we could finish out the seminar. |
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(2015-December) Pastor Rodelin Phanet's Church Plant in Dubout Growing.
Pastor Rodelin Phanet, one of our seminary professors, started a church near the new university outside of Cap Haitian in July 2015. We helped buy some 1 X 12 rough cut boards to make church benches several months ago. He has been working hard at visitation and evangelism since then. We just had to buy some more lumber, because he has filled the benches! We praise the Lord for his hard work, and continue to pray for his fervor in the ministry. |
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(2015-December) Christmas Programs and Revival Services.
During our Christmas revival services this year, we did something a little different. Instead of having one big Christmas program, we broke the program up into three parts. We did one part of the program each night for the three nights of the revival services. The first night we had the 3-7 year olds (95 children) and they did a great job singing and reciting. But, the children holding the letters to Merry Christmas got all mixed up as they were standing there singing. Even though the letters we upside down and misspelled, the crowd laughed and enjoyed the program. The second night, the 8-14 year old kids (about 70 children) dressed up as shepherds. they did a beautiful job signing and reciting as well. At the end, a singing group dressed up as angels in white costumes and sang under a black light that made them glow. The third and final night, the children's choir did a re-enactment of the Christmas story. It was absolutely adorable. Our daughters, Hannah and SarahAnne, were the girls shading king Herod with palm fronds. While we didn't have anyone get saved during the revival services, there were several people who were saved during visitation before and after the services. Pray for these new converts, that they will be faithful to church and grow spiritually. |
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(2015-December) Wedding at Pastor Yves Anselme's Church in Ouanaminthe .
The weekend before Christmas, Tim had the opportunity to preach at a wedding in Pastor Yves Anselme's church in Ouanaminth. Pastor Yves has been a close collaborator with Pastors Daniel, Frisnel, Eliphene, and Vanier. He has preached at many revival and baptismal services we have held during the last several years. We appreciate his spirit of sacrifice and love for the Lord. He was unable to renew the lease for the land where the temporary church structure is at, and has just a few weeks before he has to off the property. Pray with us as we are in the process of helping him purchase land for the church. |
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(2015-December) Pastor Antoinius Fils Preaching in Cap Haitian.
Pastor Antoinius Fils is pastor of Eglise Baptiste des Elus in Cap Haitian. We met him when a witch doctor from his area was saved while visiting one of our church plants. We assisted him in burning the witch doctors fetishes and destroying the voodoo temple. Since that time, Pastor Antoinius has been studying theology at our seminary in St Raphael in the Saturday program. This fall we helped him put up block walls for the church. We just recently were able to get him a large tarp to cover the church in preparation for the rainy season. Pray for Pastor Antoinius as he serves the Lord. |
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