A word from Mark Stockeland:
The last few weeks have been a challenge for the Haitian people as well as missionaries and teams. Our team experienced some issues this last week just with travel in the country, but we are thankful for God‘s protection and safety. We are praying that things turn around so that the Haitian people can get back to normal life. Travel to Jeremie right now is possible, but only by Sunrise airways. Without the roads being open so that buses can go to and from Port Au Prince, everyone is forced to stay put or purchase tickets on Sunrise, which is causing lots of challenges as flights are overbooked.
The team from Providence Community Church in Pennsylvania was such a blessing to our leaders and the city of Jeremie. Prison ministry, building benches for a church, sports outreach, mobile medical clinic, roof projects and feeding program were all things the group partnered with our leaders to help accomplish this last week. It was a fun and full week and we really believe God did some great things in the hearts and lives of everyone we ministered to including our team.
We have a few more groups planned for October and November and we believe things will just keep getting better as we get closer to those dates. Our team is continually focusing on leadership development and investing into our leaders and sending them out to invest into the communities. We thank you all for your prayers and support, as none of this is possible without God and our generous partners who love us so much.
While there is a large number of UN soldiers on the ground in Port Au Prince, they are still waiting for more as the gangs have been resisting and fighting back as the UN try to clear and open up roads. The country of Haiti is still not out of the woods yet and praying that the UN can get things under control in the next few weeks. Things in Jeremie are much calmer and safer and we did not experience any safety issues while hosting our team. There were some limited supplies on certain things and the price of certain food supplies is more than usual since the roads have been blocked.
My family will be leaving this week for a mini-sabbatical and unplugging from not only social media, but from the busyness of life and work. We had been planning this time for over a year but with the challenges of getting our two boys to the US our family trip kept being put on hold. I ask that you would pray for me and my family that we would have a restful and fun time just being together and that we would all come back more energized and recharged from spending time together and with the Lord. I am personally praying for a rejuvenated mind and heart as ministry in Haiti can be so draining. I’ve got some new books to read and I’m excited to have some time where I can just be recharging with the Lord and my family. The sayings: You can’t give of what you don’t possess and The state in which you are is the state you give to others are challenges to me that I must always spend time with my heavenly father and make sure that I’m being led by the Holy Spirit and his power to give me strength to lead my family and Haiti Bible Mission. I’m believing this time will be restful and that I will come back with more trust and love for the Lord . Thank you to all those who support my family and Haiti Bible Mission. We love you all so much!
We met Majorie at the hospital a week ago, and she told us about her life.
Marjorie had left Port-au-Prince to escape the terror of the gangs and had found refuge in Jérémie with her seven month son, Alite Prince. Unfortunately, Alite Prince fell seriously ill. Marjorie could not afford hospital expenses, medication or even pay for food. She desperately sought help and the Lord lead her to Haiti's Heroes. We were able to help her get the medicines for Alite Prince. We were so saddened to hear that Marjorie had not eaten in 3 days.
There are many moms who can’t afford the medicines for the children or food for themselves, we want to help as much as possible. Please consider making a donation to Haiti’s Heroes so we can extend our ministry to help the families of the sick children, as well!
-Amrey Stockeland
The last two months of soccer ministry have been awesome. Last week our team played in two different zones and had the opportunity to share the Gospel to over 50 players plus lots of spectators. We have been able to give out many Bibles and many people have come to know Jesus and have come to church. We also gave a lot of food to people in need. Thank you for all your support!
-Barak Stockeland
Country Updates from Eldet Tine, Director of Haitian Operations
The Kenyan Government has sent support to try and help Haiti get back in order, but the gangs have not relented.
580,000 people have become homeless in the past 7 months
80% of the capital, Port-Au-Prince is controlled by gang members
The UN reported there are 3,500 reported gang related injuries and deaths in the last 5 months
The schools and government buildings remain closed
Fuel prices have reduced a bit with gas at $8/gallon and Diesel at $6/gallon.
The PAP airport is up and running, we are praying the Jeremie airport will reopen soon.
PRAYER REQUESTS
Pray for Haiti
Pray for the Stockeland Family as they take a much needed sabbatical
Pray for wisdom, peace, safety for the HBM staff. Pray that they keep the faith in these difficult times, grow in discernment and spiritual understanding
Pray for the people coming in groups this year that the Lord will prepare their hearts and the hearts of those they will serve here in Haiti
Pray for the Jeremie airport to reopen
Pray for the people in the hospital to get better care.
Pray for more lives to change through discipleship and our churches for safety, peace, strength, faith and wisdom for our team as we continue our ministry despite dangerous conditions. It’s so difficult to navigate the great needs in our community
Pray that God provides the monthly budget increase we need to continue to serve the people of Jeremie.