NEWS FROM RHEMA HAITI - A powerful return on your investment!

(FROM Thursday February 4, 2021) - Greetings from 35,000 feet.   As I begin writing this, Tonja and I are on a return flight from Haiti following an amazing time with hundreds of on-fire students at RHEMA Haiti.  We wanted to share some highlights with you to underscore the difference your partnership is making in that nation through the lives and ministries of these students.

The Winter session  kicked off on January 28 with 220 students at the main campus and 70 others gathered at regional breakout campuses in other parts of the country. 

Tonja & I were joined  by Pastor Al Jennings of Fort Wayne, Indiana to teach “on-site” in Haiti while Pastor John Madan of Nice, France and Donato Anzalone from Switzerland  (not able to travel due to COVID) taught the students live via Zoom.  All of this was coordinated seamlessly by our administrators Andy & Ruth Joseph and the scores of volunteers they lead!

• LIFE OVER DEATH - GRADUATE DELIVERED FROM ARMED KIDNAPPERS

When we first arrived in Haiti last Wednesday, one of our alumni had just been captured by armed bandits and was being held for ransom.  His captors were promising to kill this young husband and father of two if the ransom wasn’t paid within a short time. As a result, believers sprang into action reminiscent of Acts 12:5,“So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was praying to God for Him.”

We won’t go into all of the details for reasons of security but, after five long days,  he was returned unharmed to his family. There were many hostages being held at the same location with him and he saw many of them mistreated.  Throughout the ordeal, however, they never laid a hand on him and he experienced no physical harm.  We’re convinced that the saints praying fervently with authority in the Name of Jesus is what made the difference for this precious brother!

• FAITH OVER FEAR

In recent months, the people of Haiti have been facing a huge upsurge in these types of violent kidnappings for ransom by heavily armed gangs.  Much of this is politically motivated and designed to destabilize the country.  The lack of security and an insufficient police presence has given place to a spirit of fear which threatens to paralyze the nation.  

We can’t tell you how inspiring it was to see the students of RHEMA Haiti REFUSE TO GIVE IN TO THE FEAR or let the terror tactics of the enemy win!  Knowing how  vital and transformational the spiritual and practical ministerial training they receive at RHEMA is, they travelled by the hundreds to attend class for six intensive days at a time when many Haitians are fearful of even leaving their homes.  

Their step of faith was richly rewarded and evidenced by their exuberant joy as they gathered together to study the Word!  We saw faith conquer fear as they committed to “finishing their course” in spite of the very volatile situation they are now facing in their country.  They know the light of the Word and the power of the Spirit are the only things able to break through the darkness… and it is working!

• COMMITTMENT OVER COMFORT

To top things off, last Monday and Tuesday provided another example of how hungry these students are to fulfill God’s plans and purposes for their lives and ministries. Because of recent attacks and kidnappings involving some bus drivers and their passengers, the public transportation union declared a two day strike. They were demanding more effective policing and criminal justice for the perpetrators of these violent crimes. 

When we talk about public transportation in Haiti, we’re not talking about city-run subways and buses. The most popular mode of transport is the “Tap Tap” which is essentially a pickup with benches and roof installed in the bed of the truck. Crowded, privately owned vans and small buses are also commonplace.

The strike meant that, with the exception of the very few who have access to private vehicles,  there was no transportation available for the students to travel to class.  That didn’t stop them and nearly everyone showed up! Some of these committed students had walked over two hours in order to get there on time.

Their commitment and dedication is an example for us all and we know the Lord will richly reward them! “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled,” Matthew 5:6

In closing, Tonja and I want to thank you for being a nation changer!  It’s only because of the faithful prayers and generous gifts of our 180partners that we are able to continue training precious men and women like these!