▪•• • • •• • • • • ••• May, 2017 ▪•• • •• • •▪ ▪▪ ▪••• • •▪ ▪
Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day,
and having done all, to stand. Ephesians 6:13
<<Salutation>>
Calling all prayer warriors!! We could use some serious prayer regarding an ongoing circumstance that recently escalated. We know many of you pray for us regularly, and for that we are grateful. The need for additional prayer support in a concerted effort is greatly appreciated. Due to the nature of the prayer need, we ask for you to contact us for more specific details. Thank you!
|
|
|
 If you study our climate chart, you will see that April and May have been some of the wettest months since living in Haiti, except for what we have experienced in hurricane or tropical storm related weather.
At times as we drove to the Consolation Center of Haiti (CCH) these past few weeks, it looks more like we are driving upstream in a flowing river vs. a gravel road. So much flooding, and so much additional struggle for the people of Haiti.
The crop that is now being harvested is the one that was taken away by Hurricane Matthew. Now much of this crop have been adversely effected due to all the flooding.
Please continue to pray for the people of Haiti, and the difficult circumstances they are enduring.
|
|
|
Spiritual Warfare:
This topic may seem a bit strange to some. We live in a modern day where we have tried to deal with, and explain away, potential spiritual troubles with medical terms and strong medicine. However, the Bible is clear. We live in a two-part universe; that which is seen (physical), and that which is unseen (spiritual).
Paul tries to prepare Christians in this area in the book of Ephesians. In Ephesians 6:10-13 we read, "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand."
In our missionary experience, it seems like we have served in countries where the spiritual realm is very prevalent. India, Nigeria, and Haiti all have been very spiritually active mission fields with the cultures recognizing the rulers of darkness and spiritual wickedness in high places. Haiti is known for its voodoo practices, and although we have never really encountered any voodoo ceremonies or open displays of voodoo worship, we are fully aware of the challenge that can occur when dealing with an “open door” mentality to spiritual wickedness that comes with voodoo (satanic worship).
As believers, we are truly in a battle. The enemy is very real, and he doesn’t like the threat that is represented by Christians who would like to convert unbelievers to Christ. This is true no matter what country a person lives in. Now, we understand that some of this may be a bit alarming for some of you. The positive news is that God in His infinite wisdom gave us specific tools to use in this battle. These tools are listed in Ephesians 6:14-17
· The Belt of Truth
· The Breastplate of Righteousness
· Feet Prepared with the Gospel of Peace
· The Shield of Faith
· The Helmet of Salvation
· The Sword of the Spirit
These tools coupled with prayer make an amazing armour with the ability to defend and attack our enemy. So, in summary, we are truly in a battle between good and evil, but God has given us the necessary tools and His spirit to go forth in His strength. It’s our responsibility to pick up and use these tools and live lives that exemplify the truth, righteousness, peace, and faith, and once you have done all to stand...stand!
Most every Monday night, we do a Bible study with all the girls. Just recently we finished our study on the Armor of God. This Bible study had videos, drama, and costumes! Please visit our LWC blog and see who was chosen to be the soldier.
Note: Thank you very much for the responses to the DeRoos Drumbeat. Several of you contacted us and shared how our newsletter spoke to you. We appreciate hearing from you!
|
|
|
Juslain Cesar:
You may remember last month we started to share about four sisters who were dropped off with nothing more than the clothes on their back, and a note. We started with the oldest sister, Cedeniese. The next youngest of the four sisters is Juslain, and she is estimated to be around five years of age. Juslain now lives at CCH and is attending school for the first time. Like her older sister, she was very introverted and aloof. However, of all four sisters, she seemed the most comfortable to socialize and be around people.
Update: Juslain is now an active and vibrant young girl. She enjoys the trampoline and comes up to us and wants to hold hands and then lift her legs so she can swing back and forth. Juslain is in a perfect place now. No worries about food, no worries about school, and lots of people around her who treat her with love and care. Our hope is as she continues to grow, that she understands how much Jesus loves her, and the two of them become great friends!
|
|
|
Consolation Center of Haiti (CCH)
|
 Learning a skill:
This image represents about a months worth of time these two girls, Adline and Ketlove, dedicated on a Saturday to crochet their own headbands (bando). They are the first two girls to finish creating their own.
Catherine began teaching how to crochet this headband with a couple of girls and the interest spread quickly. One of the purposes for teaching how to crochet was to establish a closer relationship with the girls. Another reason was also to teach a skill that could possibly be used to earn some money. Additionally, it is a great way to keep them busy with their hands doing something productive.
This particular project was an easy pattern to teach, and they were able to create something for themselves. We also created a rose to attach to the headband..
Adline and Ketlove are also very faithful attendees of the Friday afternoon "Bright Lights" bible study Catherine teaches. Please pray for a continued spiritual growth in these young ladies.
CCH Agricultural Update
The CCH plant nursery is a huge benefit to the ongoing research and education regarding agriculture. The value of having a shaded place for new seedlings has been proven repeatedly. This was one of the first projects to be rebuilt after the hurricane and continues to be a major part of CCH agriculture. Thanks to those who have helped with funding the rebuilding, and a future expansion of this project.
Although we are seeing recovery, life sure can get complicated! We had hoped by this June to have everything back to normal in the agricultural side of things. Yet as we look at the unfinished projects, and the amount of work that’s left to do, we realize we have a long way to go. There are several factors that have caused this, most of them unavoidable, like all the rainy weather and flooding. Others are just attributed to trying to get things done at a pace that is likely not truly realistic. We are very grateful for sponsorship from churches and friends who desire to help in the agricultural areas. We’ll keep working to achieve the goal of being completely recovered from Hurricane Matthew, but please be patient with us as we take one day at a time.
|
|
|
Seeds of Faith ~ giving a gift that grows
|
SEED BANKS
This will be our last request for seed. Thank you very much for your response. Please remember to talk with retailers about left over inventories. Here is a useful list of seed.
Eggplant Bell Peppers Okra
Jalapeños Roma Tomatoes Collards
Carrots Red Onion White Onion
Green Beans Green Pepper Cucumbers
Kale Romaine
May we encourage you to use the Seeds of Faith baskets to remind and build continued awareness of this very important gift that continues to grow in our Nigeria FAAGRIC program. The need for seeds to teach the ever growing FAAGRIC centers through our faithful instructors and seed sower students is important because they are not able to obtain them in Nigeria. Thank you so much for sowing into the health and well-being of others who are less fortunate for their future.
|
|
|
Nutritional Nuggets ~ Natures Pharmacy
ABC's of Vitamins and minerals
|
Food of Kings
What food would rank so high that it was the choice of kings?
Why do some people go searching high and low in ditches in the beginning of Spring for this high ranking food?
Fights Depression Healthy Bone Pregnancy
regulates your mood prevent osteoporosis and bone fractures lowers miscarriages
There is so much more to learn about how this "Food of Kings" benefits us. You can read more on Catherine’s Genesis Health blog.
Catherine’s Genesis Health blog:
Revisit past Nutrition Nuggets about Natures Pharmacy regarding the benefits of individual fruits and vegetables. If you are interested in learning more about improving your health, please visit and follow Genesis Health today.
“Let food be thy medicine, and medicine be thy food.” Hippocrates
Promoting a lifestyle of preventative care!
WELLNESS PRINCIPAL: Health comes from within. You cannot buy it in a bottle.
Please visit Catherine’s Pinterest boards by clicking this link: Catherine's Place. There, you will find a variety of healthy sources, natural solutions, recipes, God's Creation, and SO MUCH MORE. Grab yourself a healthy snack, make yourself comfortable, and take time to browse the wealth of information and be not only inspired but uplifted.
|
|
|
|
☺
|
We praise God for the return of dry weather, and a chance for crops to recover.
|
| • |
Please pray for wisdom as we serve in Haiti. |
| ☺ |
We praise God for His faithful provision. |
| • |
Please pray for Juslain Cesar, Pray she would grow to know Jesus Christ as her Savior. |
| • |
Pray for the people of Haiti as they continue to recover from tough weather related circumstances. |
| • |
Please pray for the boys at Joshua House and the girls at CCH. |
We are very grateful for our faithful partners in ministry.
Having done all to stand,
Les & Catherine
Ministry (U.S.) Les & Catherine’s
Laborers With Christ Contact Information
P. O. Box 74 Les and/or Catherine DeRoos
Alta, IA 51002 c/o Agape Flights CAY 26466
Phone: (712) 200-1139 100 Airport Avenue
E-mail: faagric@yahoo.com Venice, FL 34285
Phone: 011 509-3857-8345
E-mail: faagric@yahoo.com
|
|
|
