Blog

At the end of January, RMI hosted the first annual RMI Leadership Summit to strategize and plan for RMI’s future activities and direction. Those present were from the US: Dan Shoemaker, Kim Rose, Rob Thompson, Andrew Tlucek, Mariah Blanco, and Julie Fuller as our secretary; from Haiti, Benjamin Altema and Benson Joseph (via Zoom); from the Dominican Republic, Jim Starkey and representing the RMI Board, Board Chairman John Peterson. RMI has met periodically with our field leadership as needed, but as we grow, we are implementing an annual leadership retreat for prayer and fellowship, discussing current situations, and strategizing for the future. Much is going on in the US and the Caribbean that is or could soon impact RMI, which could hinder some areas and help grow the ministry in others. As a result of these issues affecting our work in Haiti and the opportunities of our new work in

In America, when you get sick, you go to the doctor. When you cut your finger, you put on a band-aid. Broken bones are put in a cast to heal correctly. What happens when there is no doctor, transportation, or way to pay for services? The need for medical care is an ongoing issue, no matter where you live. But in Haiti, trying to see a doctor is a challenge. Hope for Kidz offers assistance for medical issues, from ringworm to broken bones, hernia repairs, and eye exams. As part of our sponsorship program, our kids get a helping hand. We shared a story a few years ago about a young man who needed a prosthetic leg. The medical fund helped him get the leg and keep it updated as he grows. He has grown quite a bit and is still doing very well in school. Three students saw the

It is with great sadness that we inform you that Rev. Herb Shoemaker, RMI’s co-founder, passed away on Thursday morning, Feb. 13, 2025. He, his wife Shirley, his son Dan, and his wife Debbie co-founded RMI (Reciprocal Ministries International) in 1988. He and his wife were married for 68 years and were in full-time ministry for 60+ years until their retirement in 2010. They have three sons, 11 grandchildren, and 15 great-grandchildren. He attended King’s College, where he met his wife. Shirley had served as a summer missionary in Haiti twice and had developed a significant burden for the Haitian people. Herb proposed to Shirley, saying, “Don’t you think that the Lord could use us both in Haiti?” They were married in 1956. Before going to Haiti as missionaries, he served as pastor of Second Cape May Baptist Church, Marmora, NJ, for a year. They joined the West Indies Mission,

One would think that nothing is happening in Haiti with everything at a standstill.  We are pleased to share that God has enabled RMI to still impact thousands of lives.  Here is our 2024 Ministry Impact Report. Ministry in Haiti has been quite a challenge!  Never before has the situation been as bad as it is right now.  Gang activity in the capital resulted in the need to cancel teams again.  We are thankful that our headquarters and most areas where we minister in southern Haiti remain quiet and safe.  The local police have taken a very tough stance against any gang influence.  The only way to get to Cayes is to fly into Cape Haitian, spend the night, and then catch a domestic flight to Cayes.  Luggage weight is strictly enforced, with even carry-on luggage sometimes not making it with the passengers. However!  As you read the following Impact

Have you ever wondered about the thank you letter process? Each year, our students write a thank you letter to their sponsor. How does it work? In August of each year, our US office prepares a tuition report for our Haiti team, itemizing each student who has been sponsored for the year, and a thank you letter is created for each student.  Once created, it is emailed to Haiti for printing.  Our Haiti staff then delivers the letters to the head of the school, usually the principal (or pastor), along with the list of students receiving sponsorships. Student funds that arrive after August are sent on a separate report later in the year. From there, the principal sorts the letters by classroom, and the teachers help the students fill them out.  When our Haiti staff arrives for the first school year visit, the letters are collected and brought back to

Haiti recently passed two significant milestones, one of celebration and one of solemn remembrance. January 1 was both New Year’s Day and Haitian Independence Day. In 1804, Haiti won independence from France and became the first black republic to achieve this feat. Haitians fought long and hard for their freedom and celebrated by eating soup joumou (pumpkin soup). This was a dish that the French would never allow the Haitians to have. Haitians all over Haiti and the world still eat soup joumou each year to celebrate their freedom as a country. These days, many areas of the country no longer feel free and liberated; we are praying that 2025 will bring peace to all of Haiti and that the spirit of soup joumou can live again. January 12 “marks 15 years since the devastating 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck Haiti at 4:53 PM, claiming over 250,000 lives and leaving 1.5 million

These students were so excited to see the new bathroom their Sister Church, The Bayou (Lafayette, LA), provided for their school! A few weeks ago, it was a blessing to hand over the keys, as the students in Petit Trou got to see how their Sister Church cares for them. Clean, good-quality bathrooms are not always easy to find. This Sister Church came together to improve the quality of life and hygiene in Petit Trou. Pastor Solvat shared that this is the nicest bathroom in the entire area! A C3 partnership is not only about teams or building benches. This time, it was about a seemingly mundane thing like bathrooms. But when you realize that all they had before were ancient outhouses, it is understandable why they were so excited about this building of modern toilets and places to wash their hands. It will affect the health of the students,

  During the recent holiday season, RMI’s SunTech team installed this extensive solar system for another local ministry. We are excited to offer this service to churches, schools, parsonages, homes, and other local ministries. Harnessing the power of sunshine, one of Haiti’s renewable resources makes so much sense! They can have electricity to run lights, fans, computers, other household appliances, refrigerators, and even air conditioners. SunTech solar systems are in high demand since there hasn’t been electricity locally for several years. The SunTech team provides efficient, clean, and professional installations. And they work with a smile on their faces! We are very thankful that each of them feels called to serve God by serving their own people.  

“Grateful” doesn’t even begin to express it. An incredible team of supporters gave as the Lord moved their hearts, and together, we raised $107,377! While we came in just shy of our goal, there’s no disappointment here at RMI—only overwhelming joy. These funds will position us strongly as we enter 2025, trusting God has amazing plans for us in the Dominican Republic, Haiti, and the U.S. Thank you for your generosity. Thank you for your sacrifice. Thank you for helping us Finish Strong. We are truly together for the Gospel!

RMI missionaries, Andrew and Dawn Tlucek, gave birth to their twins on Dec. 5.  Owen Elias Tlucek arrived first, weighing in at 6 lb. 10 oz.  Everett Joel Tlucek came next, weighing in at 5 lb. 15 oz.  Owen went directly into the NICU since he needed some help breathing.  He was there for 2 weeks.  Dawn and Everett went home 3 days after the birth. It was hard going back and forth from home to the hospital to hold Owen and feed him every 3 hours!  They were very relieved when Owen was released, and they were able to bring the whole family together.  Layton stayed with his Nana and Pop Pop (Debbie and Dan Shoemaker) until Andrew’s parents and youngest sister arrived two days after the birth.  Andrew’s family had an active role in caring for Layton and Everett, then Owen, too, when he arrived.  What a blessing