Even though Haiti, particularly Port-au-Prince, is a mess, RMI is STILL ABLE TO MINISTER! We are located over 100 miles from the capital, where all the gangs are fighting. Surprisingly, the southern peninsula, where we are located, is experiencing calm conditions. Life is going on as usual. Markets are open, schools are operating, and people are moving about freely. RMI is ministering without hindrance.
On any given day, the SunTech solar team is loading supplies and traveling to make a solar installation. The Hope for Kidz team is traveling to schools to get kids’ pictures and biographies. The construction team is jam-packed with several school building projects. After daily devotions together, the office and depot are humming with activity.
The gang warfare does affect RMI, though. We can’t get the supplies we need, and when we do find them, they are much more expensive. The vendor who sells them has had to pay several gangs to get the supply truck through the roads in the capital. Or he may have had to pay for the supplies to be put on a barge and shipped in through a different port. Sometimes the store in the capital has had to close down, making those supplies even harder to find. Our staff cannot travel to the capital to take care of business or do purchasing. In addition, RMI has had to pause all teams. The only way to get to Cayes (in the south) is to fly a circuitous route that is very expensive. You can arrive, but your luggage, even a carry-on, won’t get there for several days. Fuel is hard to find at times, and we have to watch our travel closely. Our office and depot operate on solar power, but otherwise, there is no electricity anywhere.
Despite the difficulties, the RMI staff continues to make sure that goats and food boxes are delivered, kids’ letters are translated, and projects are completed so that schools can open in new facilities. We are very thankful that they are committed to serving the Lord, working to serve their own people despite the hardships. They work with smiles on their faces and joy in their hearts. They are real treasures. Pray that they will not be weary in their well-doing.
