2020 News from the Bower family in Haiti
(2020 December) Christmastime!
This year we are especially excited as we look forward to spending Christmas with family. Being on the mission field at Christmastime, separated from family, is one of the more difficult times of the year. It's true, we are excited. But at the same time, we are missing home (Haiti) as we think of the flurry of activities that always accompany the celebration of Christ's birth. As we contemplate Jesus' humble birth, we are awed by his sacrifice. Not only was he willing to leave his majestic throne in heaven to descend to our level and live as one of us, but he was also willing to give himself as a sacrifice for sin by dying on the cross.
This year we are especially excited as we look forward to spending Christmas with family. Being on the mission field at Christmastime, separated from family, is one of the more difficult times of the year. It's true, we are excited. But at the same time, we are missing home (Haiti) as we think of the flurry of activities that always accompany the celebration of Christ's birth. As we contemplate Jesus' humble birth, we are awed by his sacrifice. Not only was he willing to leave his majestic throne in heaven to descend to our level and live as one of us, but he was also willing to give himself as a sacrifice for sin by dying on the cross.
(2020 November) Furlough - Visiting Churches
We are thankful that so far we have experienced a mild winter, but as the temperature has been dropping, we find ourselves bundling up like Eskimos because we are used to the tropical climate of Haiti. We are thankful for the opportunity to report back to our supporting churches. It is a time of spiritual refreshment as we see old friends and renew acquaintances. It is also a time of spiritual challenge as we encourage believers to remember the Great Commission Jesus Christ has given us and renew their commitment to give Christ their all.
We are thankful that so far we have experienced a mild winter, but as the temperature has been dropping, we find ourselves bundling up like Eskimos because we are used to the tropical climate of Haiti. We are thankful for the opportunity to report back to our supporting churches. It is a time of spiritual refreshment as we see old friends and renew acquaintances. It is also a time of spiritual challenge as we encourage believers to remember the Great Commission Jesus Christ has given us and renew their commitment to give Christ their all.
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,(2020 October) Jephté Needs an Operation
Pastor Vanier, the pastor of our campus church in Haiti, needs our prayers. His son Jephté has a congenital heart condition which requires open heart surgery if he is to survive. The surgery cannot be done in Haiti as there are no hospitals there capable of doing that type of surgery. A humanitarian organization, Haiti Cardiac Alliance, working in Haiti has agreed to organize and partially fund the operation. There was a sizeable contribution necessary to complete what the humanitarian organization was able to provide to ensure that Pastor Vanier's son could be enrolled as a candidate for the surgery. As we prayed and made the need known, the funds miraculously came in. Our thanks and appreciation to all those who gave, especially for Grace Baptist Church in Taylorville, IL who gave most of what was necessary for the operation to take place. Please continue to pray for baby Jephté, as the heart surgery is tentatively scheduled for Feb. 2021. Pray for Pastor Vanier and his family as they wait during the next few months, that God will continue to protect baby Jephté's heart, that the family's faith will remain strong, and that the operation will be successful. |
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(2020 September) Furlough
We are thankful for Colonial Baptist Church's gracious permission to stay in their missionary house during this school year. We are using their location in Indianapolis, IN for our base of operations during our furlough. Indianapolis is a central location which will allow us to easily travel to visit our supporting churches. Our children, Hannah and SarahAnne are enjoying attending Colonial Christian School this year. Hannah is in grade 11, and SarahAnne is in grade 9. Tim has also been able to teach at the school on occasion and volunteer time during the week to help with maintenance at the church. He has also enrolled in his last doctorate class and is looking forward to his pending dissertation. RoseAnne teaches bi-weekly at the school as well and volunteers when needed. We travel as a family each weekend visiting churches.
We are thankful for Colonial Baptist Church's gracious permission to stay in their missionary house during this school year. We are using their location in Indianapolis, IN for our base of operations during our furlough. Indianapolis is a central location which will allow us to easily travel to visit our supporting churches. Our children, Hannah and SarahAnne are enjoying attending Colonial Christian School this year. Hannah is in grade 11, and SarahAnne is in grade 9. Tim has also been able to teach at the school on occasion and volunteer time during the week to help with maintenance at the church. He has also enrolled in his last doctorate class and is looking forward to his pending dissertation. RoseAnne teaches bi-weekly at the school as well and volunteers when needed. We travel as a family each weekend visiting churches.
(2020 August) The Haitian Monetary Exchange Rate Drops
The Haitian government has begun regulating the national currency exchange rate. In the beginning of August, $1US exchanged for 105 Haitian Gourdes. At the end of August, it was announced that $1 US would be exchanged for 65 Haitian Gourdes. As of October, and continuing through to December, the exchange rate has been set at 65 Gourdes for a US dollar. What this means is that all of our expenses increased by more than 60%. For example, in August, we bought a sack rice for 2250 gourdes, which was $21.42US dollars because we have to exchange from US currency. After the exchange rate dropped, the same sack of rice still cost 2250 gourdes, but it cost us $34.61 US dollars. That 61% increase is caused by the devaluation of the US dollar and the exchange rate drop. Since then, we have struggled to cut expenses and discontinue certain ministries to lower expenses so that we can meet the budget ceiling and carry on with what is most important.
The Haitian government has begun regulating the national currency exchange rate. In the beginning of August, $1US exchanged for 105 Haitian Gourdes. At the end of August, it was announced that $1 US would be exchanged for 65 Haitian Gourdes. As of October, and continuing through to December, the exchange rate has been set at 65 Gourdes for a US dollar. What this means is that all of our expenses increased by more than 60%. For example, in August, we bought a sack rice for 2250 gourdes, which was $21.42US dollars because we have to exchange from US currency. After the exchange rate dropped, the same sack of rice still cost 2250 gourdes, but it cost us $34.61 US dollars. That 61% increase is caused by the devaluation of the US dollar and the exchange rate drop. Since then, we have struggled to cut expenses and discontinue certain ministries to lower expenses so that we can meet the budget ceiling and carry on with what is most important.
(2020 July) Continued Violence, Political Unrest, and Increase in Kidnappings
Haitian senatorial elections which were scheduled for the Fall of 2017 were cancelled due to violence and unrest throughout the country. As a result, as of February 2018, the Haitian parliament only had half of the senators and deputies it was supposed to have. The elections scheduled for the Fall of 2019 were also cancelled, leaving Haiti with no parliament as of February 2020. The president is now ruling by decree. Because no efforts have been made to schedule elections, political unrest and violence are increasing in an already unstable country. The chaotic situation is made worse by an increase in kidnappings and a police force divided by the same frustrations besetting the population.
Haitian senatorial elections which were scheduled for the Fall of 2017 were cancelled due to violence and unrest throughout the country. As a result, as of February 2018, the Haitian parliament only had half of the senators and deputies it was supposed to have. The elections scheduled for the Fall of 2019 were also cancelled, leaving Haiti with no parliament as of February 2020. The president is now ruling by decree. Because no efforts have been made to schedule elections, political unrest and violence are increasing in an already unstable country. The chaotic situation is made worse by an increase in kidnappings and a police force divided by the same frustrations besetting the population.
(2020 June) Campus Ministries Resume
Within one week after our departure, the campus church resumed its normal schedule of meetings and was functioning normally. Because of our presence as foreigners, the local government had been placing more restrictions on the ministry. But as soon as we (as foreigners) left, the pressure was off, and things were able to return to normal.
Within one week after our departure, the campus church resumed its normal schedule of meetings and was functioning normally. Because of our presence as foreigners, the local government had been placing more restrictions on the ministry. But as soon as we (as foreigners) left, the pressure was off, and things were able to return to normal.
(2020 June) An Embassy Approved Flight Out of Haiti
Praise the Lord. On June 16th we arrived in Florida. We were able to get on an embassy approved flight out of Haiti. With all the escalating racial tension in our area we decided that it would be best for our church and community if we left for a while. Being a foreigner during this time of the Corona virus brought a lot of unwarranted attention and blame. The people in our own community were blaming us for bringing in the virus and causing the escalating economic hardships. Our presence in our community was becoming a hindrance to the gospel and to the church being able to function properly. I know the logic sounds backwards that missionaries could be a hindrance to the gospel but being a foreigner in a country doesn’t give you the same rights as the citizens. The authorities came and told Tim and Pastor Vanier (the national pastor) that they couldn’t have church services, or they would put them in jail, and they would have to pay a large fine. All the other churches in the area were starting to have services again in May, 2 months after quarantine began. But, because our foreigner status brought unwanted attention to the campus, our campus church remained closed. We did continue broadcasting our sermons on the radio and the deacons organized house services. It was at this point Tim, me, and the girls tried to leave Haiti so that the church could start functioning normally without us. Unfortunately, because of the corona virus sanctions, all flights had been halted indefinitely. We put our names on the list for an embassy evacuation flight, packed our bags and started waiting. We were told that if a flight became available, we would be notified and would have less than 24 hrs. to leave. While we waited for a flight, the situation on campus became more strenuous. The construction for the bridge began on the road on the front side of campus. With this brought a whole new set of issues. With the church land being annexed for the new bridge access. The company decided they were going to take more than twice the land than what the government paperwork had stipulated. As an intimidation tactic during the next three weeks, we started having people jump our wall at night, attack our dogs, and cut our internet lines. We were constantly on alert. We were so thankful for all those who prayed for us during this time! The Lord miraculously provided some security measures that we were able to put into place, including security cameras. When the front wall on campus was torn down by the b company, we immediately put up a temporary wall. The very next day however, the Company working on the bridge threatened to tear down the temporary wall too. Thankfully, as a special favor to us, the Judge and Police Commissioner came and talked to the chief engineer, resolving the dispute to some extent putting a limit to how much land the engineer could take. That same afternoon at 4pm we received an email confirming that there was an embassy approved flight, and we would be flying out the next day. We were only allowed to take one suitcase each. We each packed as much as we could for our year-long furlough in a suitcase and left that same night to stay with friends near the airport. We are thankful that the Lord kept us safe and in the country until the temporary wall and church property was secured. As we left Haiti however, our hearts were heavy.
Praise the Lord. On June 16th we arrived in Florida. We were able to get on an embassy approved flight out of Haiti. With all the escalating racial tension in our area we decided that it would be best for our church and community if we left for a while. Being a foreigner during this time of the Corona virus brought a lot of unwarranted attention and blame. The people in our own community were blaming us for bringing in the virus and causing the escalating economic hardships. Our presence in our community was becoming a hindrance to the gospel and to the church being able to function properly. I know the logic sounds backwards that missionaries could be a hindrance to the gospel but being a foreigner in a country doesn’t give you the same rights as the citizens. The authorities came and told Tim and Pastor Vanier (the national pastor) that they couldn’t have church services, or they would put them in jail, and they would have to pay a large fine. All the other churches in the area were starting to have services again in May, 2 months after quarantine began. But, because our foreigner status brought unwanted attention to the campus, our campus church remained closed. We did continue broadcasting our sermons on the radio and the deacons organized house services. It was at this point Tim, me, and the girls tried to leave Haiti so that the church could start functioning normally without us. Unfortunately, because of the corona virus sanctions, all flights had been halted indefinitely. We put our names on the list for an embassy evacuation flight, packed our bags and started waiting. We were told that if a flight became available, we would be notified and would have less than 24 hrs. to leave. While we waited for a flight, the situation on campus became more strenuous. The construction for the bridge began on the road on the front side of campus. With this brought a whole new set of issues. With the church land being annexed for the new bridge access. The company decided they were going to take more than twice the land than what the government paperwork had stipulated. As an intimidation tactic during the next three weeks, we started having people jump our wall at night, attack our dogs, and cut our internet lines. We were constantly on alert. We were so thankful for all those who prayed for us during this time! The Lord miraculously provided some security measures that we were able to put into place, including security cameras. When the front wall on campus was torn down by the b company, we immediately put up a temporary wall. The very next day however, the Company working on the bridge threatened to tear down the temporary wall too. Thankfully, as a special favor to us, the Judge and Police Commissioner came and talked to the chief engineer, resolving the dispute to some extent putting a limit to how much land the engineer could take. That same afternoon at 4pm we received an email confirming that there was an embassy approved flight, and we would be flying out the next day. We were only allowed to take one suitcase each. We each packed as much as we could for our year-long furlough in a suitcase and left that same night to stay with friends near the airport. We are thankful that the Lord kept us safe and in the country until the temporary wall and church property was secured. As we left Haiti however, our hearts were heavy.
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(2020 April) Radio Ministry flourishes During Quarantine
As coronavirus is starting to enter Haiti, many people have become so afraid, they want to kill anyone who has corona. Several people have tested positive for corona but have had to go into hiding immediately. Others hide symptoms, refusing to seek treatment because of the danger. We have had multiple people in our area die from corona like symptoms, but the families adamantly deny that there was any corona like symptoms. Even those who have colds pretend to not have the sniffles because fear for public reprisal. Thank you for your prayers. The gang leader that allegedly decapitated and cannibalized the father of one our deaf students, the same gang leader who has been terrorizing the neighborhood since last August, whose gang killed a lady with a shovel down the street from our house, was recently arrested and put in prison. Despite the quarantine and difficult circumstances, the Lord is continuing to work miracles and make room for the ministry to grow. We have been actively seeking land for three church plants, a long process that generally takes years to complete. But this month, we have been offered three pieces of land perfect for our needs in these three specific areas, each at a good price. We have finalized the purchase of land in Ozerus, Lalomas and in Village Jerusalem, Cap Haitien. We are still in the process of purchasing the land in LeRoy, Ranquitte, but hope to finalize the purchase soon. It is interesting to see how the Lord chooses to part the Red Sea to provide great spiritual victory during a time of great oppression and danger. We are reminded of Moses song, " I will sing unto the LORD, for he hath triumphed gloriously: the horse and his rider hath he thrown into the sea (Ex 15:1)." The radio has been functioning well for the last couple of weeks. Because all schools are shut down and children cannot go to school, we have begun a broadcasting school lectures for two hours each day, starting at 9:00 AM. We are limited because of time constraints, but we chose to air 6th grade classes from 9:00-10:00 AM, and 9th grade classes from 10:00-11:00 AM. The Haitian government uses the results of the end of year exams from these two grades to determine who will advance to the next level. As of now, the government has posted testing dates in July. Pray for us as we struggle with making our broadcasting schedule as effective as possible in serving our community and in reaching them with the gospel of Jesus Christ. |
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(2020 March) Quarantine Declared In Haiti
Coronavirus has not yet hit Haiti, but we have been put on quarantine because of what has been happening in other countries around the world. Many people here view coronavirus as a scam the foreigners are using as an economic advantage to make money from Haiti's situation. So, anytime we show our face in public, we are threatened and harassed even more. Strangely enough, the quarantine has become a protection for us in more ways than one. People are afraid of this unseen threat and are forgetting about us, as long as we stay out of sight, and they are too concerned about preparing for the coronavirus quarantine that they don’t bother us, again as long as we stay out of sight. Our situation is fragile, but "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble (Psalms 46:1)." Because of the quarantine, churches and schools remain closed. Our radio had been closed down for several weeks because it was reported by government officials as the source of the attack on our campus. But, to help fill the spiritual vacuum the quarantine has created, we reopened the radio and adjusted the hours of operation so that it could function with a minimal staff. We again have preaching every day as well as a live hour of prayer at noon, so that people in the community can call in with spiritual or physical needs and we can pray for them.
Coronavirus has not yet hit Haiti, but we have been put on quarantine because of what has been happening in other countries around the world. Many people here view coronavirus as a scam the foreigners are using as an economic advantage to make money from Haiti's situation. So, anytime we show our face in public, we are threatened and harassed even more. Strangely enough, the quarantine has become a protection for us in more ways than one. People are afraid of this unseen threat and are forgetting about us, as long as we stay out of sight, and they are too concerned about preparing for the coronavirus quarantine that they don’t bother us, again as long as we stay out of sight. Our situation is fragile, but "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble (Psalms 46:1)." Because of the quarantine, churches and schools remain closed. Our radio had been closed down for several weeks because it was reported by government officials as the source of the attack on our campus. But, to help fill the spiritual vacuum the quarantine has created, we reopened the radio and adjusted the hours of operation so that it could function with a minimal staff. We again have preaching every day as well as a live hour of prayer at noon, so that people in the community can call in with spiritual or physical needs and we can pray for them.
(2020 February) Violence On Seminary Campus
February has been a difficult month for us. This month marks a year of violence here in Haiti, and the economic fall back has devastated the country. Hunger and starvation have made many people desperate and even more violent, lashing out at any foreigner they see. We are openly threatened on a continual basis. RoseAnne’s visitation group have advised our family to not leave campus for any reason. Not only have we been threatened by people outside our campus, there have also been threats from someone familiar with the ministry and that has access to our campus. On the street in front of the campus, someone scattered dozens of copies of a letter that threatened our lives, as well as the lives of our campus staff and their families. A week later, someone killed our daughter's horse that was tied up inside our campus complex, inside an 8ft block wall, while guarded by our security staff. At roughly the same time, someone broke into our water purification system and urinated in our chlorine supply, contaminating our water system which we use to provide purified water to the community. We immediately reported the situation to the local police, judge, lawyer, and other appropriate government officials. During the next several days, while we were considering an appropriate response to the situation, the government announced the quarantine because of the coronavirus and demanded that all churches and schools shut down immediately. The quarantine has forced a stop to all campus activities, giving us a temporary solution. We have been using the time to install security and surveillance systems on campus with the hopes of discouraging further problems. Despite the growing list of weird and incomprehensible things that have happened here in our little community during the past year, God has been faithful and working in people’s hearts.
February has been a difficult month for us. This month marks a year of violence here in Haiti, and the economic fall back has devastated the country. Hunger and starvation have made many people desperate and even more violent, lashing out at any foreigner they see. We are openly threatened on a continual basis. RoseAnne’s visitation group have advised our family to not leave campus for any reason. Not only have we been threatened by people outside our campus, there have also been threats from someone familiar with the ministry and that has access to our campus. On the street in front of the campus, someone scattered dozens of copies of a letter that threatened our lives, as well as the lives of our campus staff and their families. A week later, someone killed our daughter's horse that was tied up inside our campus complex, inside an 8ft block wall, while guarded by our security staff. At roughly the same time, someone broke into our water purification system and urinated in our chlorine supply, contaminating our water system which we use to provide purified water to the community. We immediately reported the situation to the local police, judge, lawyer, and other appropriate government officials. During the next several days, while we were considering an appropriate response to the situation, the government announced the quarantine because of the coronavirus and demanded that all churches and schools shut down immediately. The quarantine has forced a stop to all campus activities, giving us a temporary solution. We have been using the time to install security and surveillance systems on campus with the hopes of discouraging further problems. Despite the growing list of weird and incomprehensible things that have happened here in our little community during the past year, God has been faithful and working in people’s hearts.
(2020 January) Our Biggest Seminar Ever.
The number of kidnappings has been increasing to the extent that parents have been walking their children to and from school carrying machetes. Because the threat level is high, travelling between cities is not advised, but local travel is still possible. Despite the danger, we held the largest seminar to date on our campus, with over 350 young people in attendance. Because of the increase and return to voodoo in our area, the subject of our seminar was "Konbat Satan," or "Combatting Satan." It was a time of blessing and spiritual refreshment in God's Word.
The number of kidnappings has been increasing to the extent that parents have been walking their children to and from school carrying machetes. Because the threat level is high, travelling between cities is not advised, but local travel is still possible. Despite the danger, we held the largest seminar to date on our campus, with over 350 young people in attendance. Because of the increase and return to voodoo in our area, the subject of our seminar was "Konbat Satan," or "Combatting Satan." It was a time of blessing and spiritual refreshment in God's Word.
