We drove back to Gonaives this afternoon with no problems and will begin the first of two PPI courses here tomorrow (Thursday) morning. Friends, thanks so much for your prayers and encouraging words throughout our time in L’Estére. I often remind our Haitian team that many friends and supporters in the United States are behind us in training church leaders in Haiit. Many Haiti friends are praying for us as well!
Ninety-eight (98) church leaders completed Course 1 yesterday, and they were excited! As always, pastors came from surrounding areas, including Port au Prince, to attend the traning. Word continues to spread about PPI equipping in Haiti. Pastors thanked us again and again for coming to their town even though it is dangerous. They worked hard in the course and did very well. We have no doubt they will use the Thompson Bible in their churches and will be more effective in their communities for Christ. This grass-roots, gospel-rooted change life by life, community by community is the real hope of Haiti!
Aside from the instruction they received, many church leaders thanked us for bringing them together and encouraging them to work together for the gospel in their towns. Wilson Bellenton, our host pastor, moved all of us with his words at our closing ceremony. “We have been concerned about our security and all the problems here,” he said. “But now we have been strengthened and equipped to continue on for Christ with our churches.” Pastor Wilson presented me with a special gift (pictured) and our team with a big bag of rice and roast goat. No doubt, he and others sacrificed to give us these gifts of love. Isaiah spoke for all of us last night: “I’m ready to go back to L’Estére!” I thought of the Apostle Paul’s words:
A great door of effective work has opened for [us], and there are many adversaries . . . (1 Corinthians 16:9)
Enjoy a few pictures from our time in L’Estére. Please continue to pray for us as we lead two courses in Gonaives this week and then head back to our families for a time. Thank you for partnering with us in this work!
Hi Ken. He who dares wins! You are winning many hearts and minds to Christ as you and your team push forward through adversity to bring the Gospel to Haiti. Fervent prayers for your safety and success as always.