< < Previous month

January 11, 2006 A very happy new year to you all! We are certain that you all have had a good Christmas and that the New Year is offto a good start. That is one more reason to say thank you to our God almighty. The situation in the country hasn't changed much, insecurity is still one of the main concerns for us all. Kidnappings, carjackings, and murder are still big problems in Port-au-Prince and other parts of Haiti. The election, which many view can help solve some of these problems, has been postponed again until Feb. 7, 2006. In the meantime, crime is on the rise, even at the high levels of government. We encourage all not to lose faith, to keep praying for Haiti and for its people, even though it seems there is no hope. All of the uprisings, revolutions, and fights the people have engaged in to regain their freedom have failed. Nevertheless, we of Haitian Christian Ministries are doing what we have been called to do for the Haitian people. At Pillatre, we have a church, a grade school (K-6th grade), a high school which pays its own teachers, and now a technical school with 6 different disciplines and more than 200 students. We are positive we are making a difference in this community and impacting the country. This year, like years past, our Christmas banquet was fantastic! It was a big celebration for our school kids and their parents. Besides a very good meal complete with soda, cake, cookies, and a variety of candy, each child received a bag of presents. Once again, the West Kalamazoo Christian Church made and sent all of the bags (600+) already filled with toys, toothpaste, brushes, soap, pens, pencils, flashlights, and other fun things. The kids also received money and personal gifts from their sponsors. Many received gifts for their whole families. This makes a huge difference here in Haiti because for most there is no Christmas gift exchange. It has also become a tradition here at Pillatre because we have done it for many years now. Let me share a personal blessing from the gift giving to our school children. A well to do man told me that after our banquet, one of the little boys went to this man's house to share what he had received with his dad, who works for the man. After sharing what he had received, the man asked the boy to share his gifts with him. He refused and said "if you want gifts for Christmas, you need to send your children to school at Pillatre where pastor Manno has his church", and walked away. The man smiled and said he had to tell me that story because he knows the impact we have on families at Christmas. Several days in advance, they begin to talk about the banquet and their presents. On behalf of all of the kids, their parents, the teachers, and the Pillatre community as a whole, we say thank you to all of you and may the Lord bless you. Emmanuel Laguerre Packing the children's gifts at West Kalamazoo Christian Church Pastor Manno helping or checking out the gifts? Bob Mallett, Manno, Troy Schnabel