Annual Report, 2020 – Joy in Spite of the Tears
Greetings and happy new year 2021 in the name of our Savior Jesus Christ! The year 2020 has been very difficult. Our world leaders were on their knees in facing the corona virus. Churches around the world had to close their doors. Haiti has been plagued by violence, political instability, quarantine, and the closing of our places of worship throughout the country.
The psalmist suggests that “weeping endureth for a night, but joy comes in the morning.” Joy and sadness are two expressions in human life, but sometimes you can be touched by both of them at the same time. In 2020 we had lot of tears because of trials and tribulations, fear of death, and two church members being kidnapped (including Emmanuel Mytil, our Associate Minister at the Delmas Church of Christ, and Dean of Students for the Preachers’ Training School). So how can we have joy in the midst of all this?
The word Joy is used in Acts 8. When Philip went to Samaria to preach Christ, the Bible said there was a great Joy in Samaria. Samaria responded to the Gospel, and was revived, repaired, rebuilt, and reanimated.
People’s response to the Gospel always brings us joy in spite of our tears. And so it was for us in 2020: We had 143 baptisms total, with people from 10 different communities who are now planting the seeds for the church of tomorrow.
An unexpected blessing: During the corona time only 10 people were allowed to gather together for an assembly. So every Sunday we had several groups of worshippers meeting in various geographic locations. The photo above and the photos below are of a group of Christians who were meeting outside of Port-au-Prince in an area called Jerusalem. This group was doing so well in evangelizing that area, it was decided that they should continue worshipping there and begin a new congregation. Just last Sunday we were able to help secure a permanent meeting place for this newly-established Jerusalem Church of Christ, and we are seeking assistance in helping them obtain furniture and furnishings as well.
Preachers’ Training School Graduation: The School of Preaching at Delmas, which was started and supported by The Haiti Fund, is proud to announce the upcoming graduation of its second round of students, who are currently in their fourth year of training. On December 12, 2021 approximately 45 students will receive their diplomas. This school is fully credentialed with the Haiti Ministry of Education, and is authorized to grant baccalaureate degrees in Ministry, Theology, and Biblical Studies.
We want to thank you as always for your prayers and support in the midst of the chaotic conditions we are enduring. May God be most glorified in all things.
– J.T. Elmera, Minister
