Greetings in the Name of Our Lord,
I want to thank each of you for your support, prayers, encouragement and interest in the work of Haiti. It is because of concerned congregations and individuals like you that we are now in the second half of the school year at the International School of Theology (IST) in Haiti.
Our students are eager to work, study and learn more of God’s precious word. As this class progresses, I can see that some of these students will have a great impact on the work in Haiti. Please pray for each of them as continue their studies.
The Students at IST
We are blessed to have these men as preacher students. They are dedicated and have a longing for more knowledge of God’s word. As the first year is quickly coming to an end, they want to continue with their studies. We do plan to have some special classes during the summer to focus on specific needs and issues that face the church in Haiti. You may not know the names of these men but God does and I am asking you to please pray for them.
He Fought the Good Fight
He Finished the Race
He Kept the Faith
George I. Brown, a faithful and hard working servant of God, has departed this world to be with his Lord. At age 95 he was still active in the San Nicolas church of Christ in Aruba. His dedication and service was an example for others to follow.
There were times when brother Brown and his wife were the only members of the congregation in attendance. He would teach the Bible class, lead the prayers, lead the singing, preach the sermon and serve communion. Sister Brown would listen, ask and answer questions during Bible class and at times would respond during the invitational song, even though they were the only two present. On one occasion sister Brown said, “He needed me to ask for prayers as much as I need them.” Two great servants of God!
I first met the Browns when I worked with the church in 1981 as a student at International Bible College, now Heritage Christian University. Our loss is heaven’s gain. 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18
Devotion and Bible Study at the Son Light Children’s Home
Roberta Edwards serves as the Director for the home-mom as she is called by the children in the home. While some may call it an orphanage–it is not. This is a home where the children are loved, nurtured, educated and when necessary, disciplined. Roberta has served in Haiti for more than 18 years. Roberta serves under the oversight of the Estes church of Christ in Henderson, Tennessee. Roberta is one of the hardest working ladies I have ever met. Her dedication to the children, the work and the Lord is an encouragement to all who know her. I have had the privilege of working with Roberta for the past five years and count it an honor. In addition to her work in the home, she also directs a nutrition center that feeds 150 children two hot meals each day. Between this and the home, approximately 400 meals are prepared daily. She does have some Haitian ladies who assist her but she is the one who oversees the work.
These are just two of the many works that are taking place in which Roberta is involved. When medical, construction or teaching teams go to Haiti, Roberta is there to assist and help in any way she needed. Take a moment and say a prayer for Roberta, the Son Light Children’s Home and the many works that she is doing. As Roberta would say, “To God be all the glory”
And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. Colossians 3:17
The preachers and elders conference has become a regular part of our work at the International School of Theology. At least once per quarter we invite the preachers and elders to come and share in the study of God’s word. A representative from each congregation has the opportunity to give a field report, sharing the activities of the congregation. This is always a highlight of the conference because we hear of the many great works taking place. It is also a great time of fellowship between congregations. This is one element that had been missing in the past. The unity and love is growing among the Lord’s church in Haiti. More and more we see and hear of congregations joining efforts to reach the lost of Haiti. We had about 65 in attendance with several congregations represent. May God continue to work in the hearts and the lives of these men who truly seek to do His will. Several members from the Sycamore congregation in Cookeville, TN were able to be with us for the conference.
This group has made several trips to Haiti. They work at the children’s home, the Santo church and the Santo Christian school. We are thankful to have them as partners in the work. And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Ephesians 4:11, 12
Distant Teaching - Becoming a Reality
We now have the equipment installed and expect to have the Internet issues worked out soon. We have mounted an outside antenna to give us the extra boost in power that ‘should’ allow us to make the connection.
When this final stage is completed, we will be able to teach classes from here in the USA. This will give us the opportunity to use some great Bible scholars who might not be able to travel to Haiti. This will also save a considerable amount of funds which can be diverted to other needs. We are so thankful for the individuals and congregation who have made this possible.
Your Help is Needed
Because of your kind donations, a large portion of the rent has been paid! Nicolas, our landlord has agreed to let us pay the monthly payments of $600 per month until the rent is paid in full. I must say, Nicolas has worked well with us and has helped every time we needed it. If repairs or modifications to the building were needed, all we had to do was asked and it was done. This being said, we still owe about $3,600 in rent.
Monthly Support
Why is monthly support needed? Like any school, there are needs that must be met. There are bills that have to be paid and supplies that must be purchased. Most of the students do not have jobs and those who do, do not make very much money. The majority of the people in Haiti live on one or two dollars per day. Most of the Haitian people – including our students – only eat four or five times per week. A congregation of some 300 people may only have a contribution of $10. This is not because they don’t want to give, it is because they simply do not have it to give. So yes, I am asking you to give and help these men prepare to preach the gospel. It is the gospel message that can turn a nation around morally and financially. As I have stated before, we are not simply trying to change a few lives – we are trying to change a nation! We need your help to train the preachers and teachers at IST. We are asking congregations and individuals who are able, to contribute only $100 per month to help support our students. While the overall cost per student is about $300 we know this amount may be difficult for many. Please let us know if you have questions about any of the work we are doing. Please pray for our efforts.
Larry Waymire
Contact Information:
Larry Waymire
Email: lwaymire@gmail.com
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731-798-0136
All Funds Should be Sent to:
Broad Street Church of Christ
Caribbean Ministries
131 North Broad Street
Lexington, TN 38351
To see Larry’s report with pictures, please click here.