“Do not be afraid, for I am with you. Do not be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10).
In 2017, 2018 and 2019 we sent Pastors to Haiti to teach one theological education class per year. The class scheduled for the fall of 2020 was cancelled due to Covid-19 restrictions. Likely the earliest we can present the next class is the fall of 2021. The hope would be to offer another class a few months later. These classes are important for the future ministry of the Lutheran Church in Haiti.
Our annual meeting was cancelled because of the virus, but our society is fortunate that the current executive have let their names stand for another year. In June 2020 we sent out an appeal for funds to supply food, soap, water and masks in Haiti. We would like to thank those people who donated so generously to this cause. The appeal brought in over $11,000.00 Canadian. We had sent $1,000.00 earlier in February for food and soap. With these monies 500 people received much needed help! It was a real blessing for them.
As of October 2020, food prices in Haiti are about double. Along with some loss of jobs, riots have blocked essential travel for work or to buy food and other necessities, making life very difficult. The school feeding program continues to help the children to survive with better nutrition and to be more capable of learning.
Church built in Poto with HLMS funds
Our society funded the building of a church pictured above in Poto. My brother and I were in Haiti for the dedication in January 2010. Pastor Charles is the pastor there. He was previously Vice President of Lutheran Church Haiti. He currently is overseeing five other churches that have lay workers preaching. Poto is an area with around 3,000 people and no electricity. The closest place to access electricity is a twenty minute drive away.
No lighting since generator broke.
My personal thought is to check out the feasability of a solar system at the church in Poto. It would provide electricity for the church, eliminating running a noisy generator. It would provide lights, fans and power for a sound system. Power can also be used for charging phones in the community, as well as provide the Christian message during the week through television or other means. Other ideas for using solar power are for an internet outlet, sewing station, and other uses to directly help the local people.
At this time I am looking for ideas and comments on proceeding or not with exploring this possible solar system. There are many other projects that also need our help and support, along with the teaching and preaching of God’s word.
God bless and stay safe,
Wally Bogusat,
Chairman HLMS