For questions about the contents of this newsletter or Seeds of Support’s work in general, contact Linnae Stole.
SPRING/SUMMER UPDATE: HARD REALITIES
Hello everyone, and God's blessings to you all.
To be honest, it is difficult to decide where to begin this quarter’s update. Over the past few months, life in Haiti has become even more difficult and dangerous than ever before. With Jorel’s help, we were hoping to see forward momentum on several projects in Pasquette, including the bench building class and leadership conference. However, increased gang violence throughout the country has made travel from Port-Au-Prince to Pasquette extremely dangerous, and so most of our on-theground work is paused for the moment. Looting, political corruption, inflation and now an uptick in COVID-19 cases are making life so difficult for our friends. They tell us it is dangerous simply walking to the market to buy food. And even if they arrive safely, the cost of goods has risen so much that they might not have enough money to purchase everything they need. The reality is that it is a hard, time in Haiti, and there appears to be no end in sight to the instability.
And yet, as you will see in the words shared later in this update by Kerlange,
our translator and friend of Seeds of Support, hope is not lost when God is
present. Even in the dark times, our God, as the psalmist says, is a “refuge and
strength, a very present help in trouble.” We do not know what the future
will bring for Haiti and our friends, or when it will be safe for us to travel
there again. But we know that whatever happens, God works for good in all
things, and God will remain present with us and our partners as we navigate
an uncertain future.
HAITI STAFF UPDATE: KERLANGE
Kerlange, one of our translators, and a friend to many who have traveled to Haiti through Seeds of Support, shares a brief update on her life, her family, and how she is enduring the current challenges of life in Haiti. We give thanks to God for Kerlange and the rest of our program staff, all of whom are so vital to the longterm success of our mission.
How is your family doing?
We're fantastic, growing and getting better every day by the will of God.
How is Zeke doing?
Zeke is doing fine. He's very healthy, always carrying his beautiful smile
wherever he goes. I'm so grateful for him and the opportunity to raise him
and guide him in the will of God.
Describe a normal day for you and Armstrong. What you do and where
do you go?
My husband and I are thankful for all the days we share together. A normal
day for us is Sunday. Usually we spend more time together and we don't
have to be interrupted by work or anything else. The good thing about that
day is we go to church and see our friends in faith. We usually take our son
to the park and spend more time with our other relatives.
What is the most difficult part of living in Haiti today?
Life in Haiti today is very difficult. Why? There's lots of corruption,
vulnerability to natural disasters, and resurgent gang violence, and
disproportionate use of force by police against protesters remain major
human rights concerns in Haiti. Very few job opportunities. It's a sad story
for us. But we must not lose our faith. God's always in control.
Where do you see God in your life?
I see God's fingerprints in every part of my life. He is my family shelter. He guides and protects us, especially in these uncertain hours. All glory be to God.
What do you hope for in your life and family next year?
I definitely hope that next year God will provide a house for my family and be able to start a business and have a stable income for the family. Most importantly I hope for my family to continue grow much richer in the word of God.
Is there anything you would like to tell friends in Seeds of Support Mission?
I want to say a Great Big Thank You to all the staff in Seeds of Support Missions. Gratitude for all that you do to help our community. Today I want to express how deeply my experience with the mission has touched my heart. You've all been present in the most difficult moment in my life and always ready to assist me in every way. It would take me all day to explain all the blessings God had poured on me through the work of the Seeds of Support Missions. Provided me with job opportunity in a country that is jobless, that was a blessing. Financially, you've all been a great deal of support to me, that too is a blessing. Starting from way before my marriage and after my marriage you've all been supporting me and my family.
My prayer is that the mission will be blessed with an overflow of blessing that will enable it to continue God's work, and have the resources that will enable Seeds of Support Missions to open the eyes of everyone whose heart you touch, in a way that will bring glory to God.
You all are changing lives every day! Continue in God’s work. Gratitude to all the mission, all that you have done for me and all the lives you touch in our community. (When I mean community, I'm talking about Jacmel, my Haitian people.)
Is there anything else you’d like to share about how you are doing?
I personally struggle to have a steady income. There is a lack of job opportunities. I struggle to start a business so I can support the family financially. And my son is about to start school, so I struggle to prepare for his education. Fear of insecurity, for instance kidnapping, women violation, when you leave your house you have very little chance on getting back safe because you don't know what might happen. It's not safe at all especially for us women. Food, water, everything's getting more expensive every day. I fear so much when I think about the preparation of my son's future.
My husband is a photographer, extremely knowledgeable about technology such as electronic devices. But, he’s not able to put his skills to work due to lack of job opportunities. When he gets a little job to accomplish, he doesn't earn enough for the family and our bills. Sometimes he works in vain because he doesn't receive his paycheck. I fear and hope my husband will find a good, stable well-paid job or be able to start a business if it's God's will, and have the opportunity to put his skills to work, so that he'll be able to take care of the family.
GOOD NEWS FROM THE CARTE FAMILY!
Jorel Carte’s son, John, has been accepted at Normandale Community College for the fall semester of 2021, where he hopes to pursue a business-related degree. A friend of Seeds of Support is helping him navigate the visa process and acting as his sponsor. Pray for an interview to be granted at the U.S. Embassy and that he receives the necessary clearance to come study in the States!
PRAYER REQUESTS
- For Kerlange’s brother, who was recently in a motorbike accident, suffered head and back injuries, and has undergone multiple surgeries to repair broken bones.
- For Kerlange, who suffered minor injuries after a motorbike accident.
- For all the people of Haiti as the political situation continues to deteriorate, causing uncertainty, food shortages and increased violence.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED PRAYERS AND SUPPORT
As always, thank you for your continued support of St. Andrew and United’s work in Haiti. As we mark 11 years of mission, enjoy a brief glimpse back at the friendships that have been formed and the work we have done together, and continue to pray for our friends amidst the current challenges.
Blessings,
Pastor Peter, Linnae Stole, and the Seeds of Support Board
