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We are thankful that one of the things RMI is known for in Southern Haiti is our leadership expertise.  Benjamin Altema is the Haiti Field Director and has worked for RMI for 20+ years.  He’s recognized in Southern Haiti as an outstanding, successful Christian leader, executive, businessman, and speaker. Recently, the Man Dodo Humanitarian Foundation, a partner organization founded by the family of our Board Chairman, Jeff Lozama, asked him to participate in their fourth annual symposium in the Cayes area of Haiti as one of three panelists for an afternoon discussion. The symposium aims to inspire, motivate, and equip high school graduates in the town of Cavaillon for their future endeavors, especially since surveys show that 90% of them have no path to higher education.  Drawing on their experiences, the panelists shared insights and advice on how young people can prepare for the job market, develop their skills, make

Fundraising is vital, but it’s only half the equation. As Dave Ramsey famously noted, “There are two ways to get more money in your budget: Earn more or spend less. Ideally, do both.” To be faithful stewards of the Lord’s resources (as outlined in RMI’s Stewardship Pledge), we actively look for ways to trim expenses without sacrificing our core mission. Here are 3 significant stewardship adjustments that are in the works: We’re Downsizing our US Office in Florida Our Florida office has been in the same location for more than 20 years.  Over the last few years, we’ve recognized that the office has more square footage than we need.  Additionally, our monthly rent has continued to climb at an unsustainable pace.  Therefore, we’ve decided it’s good stewardship to close this office and find a smaller place that better fits our needs and is significantly less expensive. Our mailing address will

Recently, Jim Starkey drove up through the mountains to the Puerto Plata area to meet with Dr. Milton to prepare for the first team coming in October. He met a mom there whom Dr. Milton introduced them to, who lost her husband in a motorcycle accident. The lady has three young kids. Their “house” has a lot of hard things going on, and we have a wonderful team coming to supply what she needs.  They will be building solid concrete walls, cement floors, and wood doors. Right now, many of her partitions and walls are rotten old wood, cardboard, or curtains. We are very excited for this team to be part of this project.  We are excited to encourage this beautiful family, who has walked a hard road, and to help them feel God’s love during this time.  

Thanks to all of you who have participated in VisionNext so far.  We still have quite a way to go to meet our goals.  One specific goal is to repair the RMI Haiti office.  We knew the office had been damaged in the 2021 earthquake, but a new and urgent issue has recently reared its ugly head.  The cracks in the roof recently began leaking in earnest!  This problem is located throughout the office. This is just one of many issues that will be addressed with the VisionNext funds.  Pray that God will continue to supply these financial needs.  For more details on VisionNext to rmibridge.org/vision-next/  

  Ministry is moving forward in the DR.  The Starkeys are starting school and getting settled before welcoming a medical team from Beacon Evangelical Free Church (NJ) October 9-16.  Medical teams are exciting.  They partner with Dr. Milton, a Dominican doctor.  He operates these clinics free of charge for Haitians who live in the area.  The Starkeys will arrange room and board for the team as well as transportation and translators. The Tluceks are interviewing for future staff.  They need a competent person to care for the kids so Dawn can be fully involved in the ministry.  As well as committed translators. In the spring, Andrew was asked by our Dominican partners, the CBD, to teach 2 sessions (1.5 hours each) at their 8-week-long missions and discipleship conference.  It was held on the weekends and was well attended. Andrew shared that if God called them and they were committed, they

Tis the Season for missionary furloughs to end.  Everyone is back on the field.  They are settling in for another season of ministry.  Pray for each of them – they need clarity of thought and direction as they go about their respective ministries.  Pray that the time at home will have been refreshing and that they feel renewed as they face life in third-world countries.  Pray for the kids – that they will look forward to school.  Layton Tlucek will be starting school for the first.  Pray for everyone’s health and safety.  Sometimes being in a third-world country presents challenges when even the simplest illness or injury happens, and medical facilities are not readily available. Keep up to date on them through their Facebook pages. Tessa Andrews Jim Starkey Andrew Tlucek