Progress on the Ministry for Christian Development Conference Center

For those of you who have been a part of the Ministry for Christian Development Conference Center construction project, we have published a new report on the progress of the project.

Here is the link:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B_UDAfU6Nj3fT3hrdWZRM0J3NkE/view?usp=sharing

Thanks for your partnership!

Guardedly Hopeful

The Christian Reformed Church's General Assembly in 2015 convened at the height of the conflict.  It will certainly be remembered as one of the most difficult moments in the denomination's history.

Over the last year we have asked for your prayers on several occasions for our church partner, the Christian Reformed Church of Haiti (CRCH).  After the election of a new president in July, 2014, the denominational administration became embroiled in conflict.  In the fall of 2014, these conflicts lead to a cessation of our financial support for the CRCH.  In the spring of 2015, the entire denominational administration was closed.  As is sometimes the case in church conflict, it seemed that the denominational board was powerless to bring any discipline and order. 

This situation changed in July.  The founding pastor of the CRC of Haiti who was living in Florida came to Haiti to visit his family.  After consultation with a number of leaders, he imposed a “last-ditch” solution on the denominational board which included the removal of the president’s responsibilities and the creation of an interim coordination committee to run the denomination until the next General Assembly meets in 2016 to vote on a new president.  The Executive Director of the CRCH also resigned to facilitate the implementation of this solution.

It is sad that the denomination’s elected leadership could not resolve this conflict. It is very possible that a number of churches will leave the denomination in response.  Moreover, this situation reminds us of the sacred duty that all church members have in the election of elders, deacons, and officers for their churches and denominations.  We must be sober and prayerful as we chose our leaders since they will have the power to grow or to harm our ministries. 

We are working now to reactivate our relationship with the CRCH and assist in restarting several ministries.  We are hopeful that over the next few months basic ministries can be restored.

A Sargossa Surprise

Segaar-King family on the beach-front walk of Jacmel.

Zach preaches at Cayes Jacmel Christian Reformed Church

Though you may have never heard of it, Sargasso is the last word that every manager of a beach-front Caribbean hotel wants to hear.  This summer, vast mats of the floating weed have started to pile up on beaches from Mexico to Puerto Rico.  Sargossa is native to the Atlantic Ocean and grows predominantly in temperate waters north of the Bahamas.  This summer, Sargossa has invaded Haiti, creating reeking piles up to five feet tall on some beaches.  At the beginning of August, we took a family long weekend trip to Cayes Jacmel to preach at a CRC of Haiti church and enjoy Haiti's beautiful beaches.  You guessed it.  After an early start and several hours in the car on Saturday, we raced down to our favorite beach in Cayes Jacmel to find it totally covered decaying sargossa weed.  Despite this inconvenience, we enjoyed getting away from the business of life in Port-au-Prince.  It was good to spend a Sunday with the people of Cayes Jacmel CRC as well.  We give thanks for this growing congregation and its witness in its community.

Haiti Election Update

One political party in Haiti's recent elections had Proverbs 6:6-9 as its campaign slogan: "Go to the ant, you sluggard."

Haiti's parliamentary elections happened on Sunday, August 9.  As expected, there were some problems, including a voting centers forced to close because of acts of violence and several deaths.  However, it seems that the majority of the voting centers were open and had voting materials at their disposition.  Given the fact that the vote was delayed for over four years, it seems that Sunday's vote would have to be considered a success.  Election results are supposed to be posted on the 19th.  However, in the past such deadlines are not often respected.  Please pray for peace on the day of the publication of results.  Typically demonstrations and blockades are more likely when the results are published as disgruntled political partisans voice their dissatisfaction with the process.

Transparency in Politics?

A Haitian Campaign Poster in Jacmel.  Translation: "Are you a fan of the Dophins?  Do you love to eat plantains?  Then  vote for Jacky Knawly for a more beautiful Jacmel."

Winston Churchill once said, “Democracy is the worst form of government, except for all the others that have been tried from time to time.”  Why would anyone who has drunk deeply from the fountains of democracy untainted by the pollution of tyranny make such a dour declaration?  Let’s be honest—such a declaration could only come from the mouth of one who has endured elections.  Elections in Haiti are full of all the senseless slogans, annoying advertising, and pandering politicians which we find in American and Canadian counterparts.  There are several differences. First, there is the political graffiti.  Those who repaint their exterior walls, doors, or gates before the Haitian election cycle can be sure that their pristine color scheme will be obliterated by political graffiti mercilessly spray-painted on all surfaces.  Second, every once in a while there appears an absolutely transparent piece of campaigning.  A great example is the above campaign poster.  The poster mentions no unrealistic platform and no empty promises.  It simply appeals to Dophins' fan in us all.  Seriously, Sunday's parliamentary elections are very important since Haiti has been without a functioning legislature since last winter.  Please pray that Haitians would pick the candidates who have a real desire to serve their communities and constituents.