We started Course 1 in Cap-Haitien this morning (last Monday) with a full house. (See pics!) Modie, a member of our ministry team, told us last year that many, many church leaders were asking for PPI Course 1 again in Cap-Haitien. He was right!

The Lord has given our team strength and joy these past two weeks. Hurricane Melissa left behind flooded streets and roads and hot, muggy weather in Haiti. One team member said, “It’s muggy, wrapped in muggy, stuffed with muggy.” Honestly, our U.S. team members are looking forward to cooler, less humid weather – and a Starbucks! – but we can endure some light, momentary afflictions to encourage and train 300 church leaders over these two weeks!

Last week, we also offered Course 1 in Limbé, a smaller city two hours west of Cap-Haitien as well as Course 4. This gave Rob Mathis, a U.S. pastor with us on this trip, two opportunities to participate in Course 1 and absorb how we lead it. Pastor Rob desires to train Haitian pastors in the Dominican Republic, and he will start with PPI Course 1 there in January. Please pray for Rob and his wife, Allison, as they transition from Rob’s 30-year pastorate at their church in southern Illinois to training church leaders in the Dominican Republic. We’re excited for them and for the expansion of PPI courses!

Modie led a beautiful song in Limbé. It’s the Haitian version of “I Shall Know Him.” Nearly 100 church leaders lifted their voices to Heaven:

“Ma va oue li, ma konnin li, le ma kanpe bo kotte jezu-kri. Ma va oue li, ma konnin li pa mak klou yo li gingnin nan min li.” (”I will see Him, I will know Him, when I stand by the side of Jesus Christ. I will see Him, I will know Him by the nail marks He has in His hands.”)

Our lives on this planet pass by so quickly. What will we live for while we’re here? What gets our time, attention and energy? How much of what we focus on is just for us? The Father’s intention for each of His children is clear: “Christ died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves, but for Him who for their sake died and rose again” (2 Corinthians 5:15).

One day soon we will see our Savior. We will see Him! We will know Him! In those moments we will realize fully how important it was to live for what really mattered for eternity – wherever we may be.

P.S. Thank you for your contributions to help Pastor Clausel’s family and church in southern Haiti! He is so grateful for your thoughtfulness and gifts.

Pastor Clausel Cadet wants to help his family members and others in southern Haiti, an area devastated by Hurricane Melissa. Let’s help him! GIVE HERE Although the storm centered over Jamaica, more Haitians (30 at last count) lost their lives because of extensive flooding.

I have known and corresponded with Pastor Clausel for nearly two years. He lives in Port au Prince, where he leads a church and school for children. Clausel also hosts a training cohort for pastors in his city. He is a good brother, doing his best under circumstances I can’t imagine.

PPI’s mission is to “encourage, train and resource church leaders in Haiti and other developing countries.” At times, such as during COVID-19, the Lord moves us to encourage Haitian churches through meeting practical needs. This is one of those times. As the Lord leads you, would you consider giving to help Haitians in southern Haiti with food, water and materials to rebuild their homes? DONATE HERE

We will send funds given to Pastor Clausel to distribute. Here is his recent message to me:

Subject: Request for Humanitarian Assistance Following the Passage of Cyclone Melissa

Dear pastor Ken,

I am writing to you with deep humility. I am originally from the Grand’Anse Department, specifically from Jérémie, where my mother, sisters, and brothers still live. Unfortunately, they were severely affected by the passage of Cyclone Melissa.

The situation in this region is very critical, and I am deeply saddened to see my family suffering in such conditions. In addition, several members of my church, located in the community of Farouge (in the commune of Dame-Marie), have also suffered serious losses and are going through extremely difficult times.

I would like to visit them soon to bring some comfort and assistance, but my current means are very limited. Therefore, I am reaching out to kindly request your support—of any kind—to help my family and the members of my church during this time of great distress.

I sincerely thank you in advance for your understanding, compassion, and solidarity toward the people affected in Jérémie, Farouge, and throughout the Grand’Anse region.

Respectfully,
Pastor Clausel Cadet