Dear Praying Friends,
As I was thinking about this Christmas season, I was reminded of Luke 2:7 which says, “And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.” I was imagining how difficult it must have been for Mary to realize that she was ready to deliver her baby, but that she had no place where she could do so. This thought reminded me of three things:
First of all, I am thankful for our place of service in Haiti. New Life Baptist Church is flourishing under our national pastor with an abundance of young people in their places ready to serve the Lord. Recently, over thirty church members memorized eighteen verses to receive Bibles. Good News Baptist Church, our new church plant across the river, is learning the place of missions in the local church. While waiting for the Lord to provide funding for a place of worship, they recently sent over $75 US to help support a missionary in Italy. Our Christian schools have begun well with over 300 children in their place of learning every day.
Secondly, I am thankful for the recent gifts which have enabled the beginning construction on our guest house – a place where others can serve. This guest house will not only house mission teams, but it will also be a vital part of an on-site, hands-on, missionary internship program that we are planning to begin this summer. This program will give future missionaries a place to train in practical courses such as auto mechanics, small engine repair, solar energy, and even basic medical and dentistry. Please pray about the funds to finish the guest house and the preparations of this very needed internship program.
Thirdly, I am thankful that many years ago I gave Jesus a place in my heart. Many people today are so busy trying to fill the void in their lives with relationships, wealth, or a myriad of other things. They do not realize that the void that they feel is in the shape of a cross, and no one but Jesus can fill it. If you have not already done so, this Christmas season give Jesus a place in your life. Of course, for us as Christians, the challenge daily is to give Christ first place in our lives. All of the work and time that we put into our ministries is for nothing if Christ does not have first place. Please pray for us here in Haiti that we would concentrate more on who we are for Christ instead of getting caught up in the busyness of doing for Christ.
As always, we are thankful for your place of partnership in our ministry in Haiti. We are powerless without your prayers, support and encouragement. Thank you for allowing us to serve on your behalf.
Serving where God has placed us,
Harry, Melissa, Benjamin, Madelyn, Micah and Bethany Peart
If you would like to download a .pdf of this prayer letter, click here.