“Deye mon gen mon” is a commonly heard Haitian expression which literally means behind one mountain is another mountain. Similar to the sentiment of our English phrase “if it’s not one thing it’s another”, the Haitian people are often heard reciting their own version of this expression when problems are stacking up. It seems that in recent days we’ve been hearing it on repeat with the rising value of the Haitian gourde against the American dollar. The current exchange rate as of today is 63.3 Haitian gourdes to the American dollar which is a massive difference even since our return to Haiti in September when it stood at 113 gourdes. As you can imagine the strain this has put on the Haitian population is nothing short of detrimental. Many NGO’s and other American funded organizations have been forced to lay off employees and or delay payment until banks agree to readjust their regulations. We personally have felt the weight of this when exchanging money and buying goods. Our purchases in the supermarket have been alarmingly expensive and have required us to take new measures in our budgeting strategy. In addition to the rise of the Haitian gourde is the continual climb of food and material costs. The average Haitian family who struggles already with finding work and meeting basic needs are now finding it even more difficult to live because of the price of goods among the impossible exchange rate. It’s one hard hand dealt after another and at times it seems that our Haitian brothers and sisters just can’t catch a break. Please join us in praying that things will soon begin shifting back towards previous regulations.
Because of COVID, schools in Haiti are just now reopening for the new 2020-2021 academic year. Over the last four weeks students were given an abbreviated break after completing the previous school year so we’ve been spending the time getting everything in order for the new one. From uniforms to shoes, to building new furniture for our growing preschool roster, we’ve been busy making sure all the pieces are in place for a successful school year. So many of you all have given faithfully to our ministry which allows us to relieve several financial burdens for the parents of our preschoolers. In Haiti, it is a requirement to wear a school uniform normally purchased by the parents. We do our part in providing each of our preschoolers with a free uniform custom tailored by a seamstress in our church congregation. Doing this not only gives preschool parents some financial relief but it also allows us to employ a sister in Christ who needs the work as well so it’s a big win for several people. In addition to each student receiving a uniform, they also receive a pair of shoes, socks, a backpack, workbooks, and a hot meal every day. So far to date we have 58 students enrolled for the new year and it’s almost daily that the number rises. We can’t say thank you enough to all of our supporters who enable us to clothe, feed, educate, and most importantly teach the word of God to these precious children. Your giving is making an eternal impact!
Building additional tables for the classrooms.
We want to give a big shout out to our precious niece, Harper Myers who had her very own idea to raise money for our preschool ministry. Harper has been setting up shop in her front yard to sell all kinds of unique rocks and we’ve been told that as soon as school lets out she’s off to work at her rock stand. She started with a goal of one hundred dollars but has already exceeded the two hundred mark. Harper, we love you so much and can’t thank you enough for all of your hard work to help our kids!!
We are always so thrilled when we get to share a salvation story! As many know, in Haiti, spiritual warfare is manifested largely in the form of voodoo worship. In every village you’ll find at least one “boko” (voodoo priest/witch doctor) who preforms services pertaining to the different needs of the client. We’ve learned that in Haiti the culture is so heavily influenced by voodoo that before a person becomes a Christian they are most likely, whether knowingly or unknowingly, participating in voodoo at some level. Three weeks ago a local woman named Therillieus, who comes from a large family of voodooisants (voodoo worshippers), came into our church service looking for freedom from her life of satanic service. That morning Pastor Joseph preached from John chapter 3 about being born again. Therillieus immediately came forward during the inviatation to give her life to Jesus. Just a couple of weeks later Chris went by to visit Therillieus and pray with her family. While there, Therillieus’s oldest daughter, Liana, also heard the gospel and responded in faith that night. We pray that God continue to save others in their household and begin a work of transformation in their lives.
Liana (on right) and her sister Liancia.
We are forever grateful to all of you who support our ministry through giving and prayer. Just in the past year your generous donations have enabled us to make major improvements to our preschool program and continue construction on the school’s feeding center making it mostly operational. At this point in time, we are reaching out for further funding that will allow us to relieve financial burdens and meet other needs we have as a ministry. As first priority, our personal financial support that keeps us working on the field is under par and we are in need of more contributions. Without these donations our presence in Haiti is impossible so this particular burden is of first importance. Secondly, we are seeking funds to purchase a side by side, four-seater ATV which will serve as a huge asset for our ministry. Our village is made up of mostly steep, rigorous, trail-like roads, so having access to an off road vehicle will absolutely change the way we operate here. From transporting sick people to the hospital, carrying supplies, shuttling elderly/handicapped church members to services, and having the option of visiting villagers on the outskirts of town would be an absolute game changer for us. Thirdly, we would love to be equipped as a mission to respond in moments of a food crisis. Quite often in Haiti the cost of food ebbs and flows, especially in seasons of economic strain like the one we are in currently. Having an available sum of money that would help us feed hungry church members in moments like these would be an enormous blessing. Unfortunately COVID has kept the possibility of a conventional fundraiser at bay so we are reaching out by way of this newsletter and social media platforms to convey our financial needs as a ministry. If you and your family are looking for a unique way to give back this Holiday season, would you consider giving to Least of these Family Ministries? Listed below is a list of our primary needs that you can help us meet through your giving
Support for Chris and Cassie (one time or monthly)- anything helps.
Floor leveling, tile, and paint for the school feeding center- $10,000 needed
A side by side ATV that will be used for various ministry purposes - $6,000 needed
Preschool feeding/uniform program plus other improvements
Funds for food distribution
If you would like to give to our ministry you can simply donate through our website at leastofthesefm.com/get-involved/#donate
Or send a check made out to Least Of These Family Ministries (LOTFM) to :
605 Will Rogers Dr.
Rogers, AR 72756
As always we say “Mesi anpil” (thank you very much) for reading over our newsletter. We are so encouraged by the support and prayers of YOU, our ministry partners. We consider it a privilege to work together for the advancement of the Gospel here in Haiti. May God continue to bless you and your family through the end of this year and into the next one.
For His Glory,
Chris and Cassie Myers
