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••  •  • ••  • •  • •  •••      February, 2019      ••  • ••  • •  ▪▪  •••  •  • 

"To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:  A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;"
Ecclesiastes 3:1-2


<<Salutation>>

          Life is full of change!  We can count on one thing in life, aside from the proverbial death and taxes, and that’s that we can count on it always changing.  Now change is heading our way as we look at a new opportunity and place to serve.

Inside this month's newsletter:
          1.  A Look into our Lives:  Announcing Our Haiti Exit 
          2.  One Starfish at a Time:  Herline, Frenise, Kencia Bazil 
          3.  Nudgings:  Everything is under control!
          4.  Prayer & Praise

A Look into our Lives


        Announcing Our Haiti Exit 

          It is with sadness and excitement that we share of our exit out of Haiti into a new location.  


          We have made our announcement to those here in Haiti that we have worked so closely with over the last 7 1/2 years.  We have watched the projects we have been involved in naturally being passed into capable Haitian hands, like passing the baton from one runner to another in a race.  

          We will share more about this new work later., so stay tuned.  We are truly sorry to keep you hanging, but it will be worth the wait.  In the mean time, we would appreciate your prayers for the Haitian's and us as we say our goodbyes over the next couple of months.
 

Thank you Father for Answered Prayers
Haiti's Status Now & Thank you:

            We have now been back in Haiti, as of the writing of this newsletter, for almost three weeks.  It’s been interesting to see the wide range of change over that short period of time.  We entered Haiti during a high level of unrest and demonstrations.  For the last 10 days it has been relatively peaceful, with a small amount of activity in Port-au-Prince, but virtually nothing out in our area.  We do still see some lingering effects of the demonstrations, such as markets and grocery stores not being fully back to their original inventory and gas and diesel shortages, but it feels like the country has taken, for the time being, a collective sigh of relief and are ready to press on with life as normal. We are thankful things feel and seem more normal.  We are also very thankful for all the prayers and words of encouragement from friends who reached out to us and let us know they were thinking and praying for our situation.  It was a huge blessing!!!  Thank you…thank you…thank you!!

One Starfish at a Time


  
            An aspect of our time in Haiti is the interaction we have with our local community. Over the years Laborers With Christ (LWC) has been active with education scholarships, food distribution during times of natural disasters or country-wide unrest, and in a smaller way, facilitating a community Bible Study for the children.  Some of the faces that we see quite often are three sisters whose mother helps us out around the yard of our compound.  Like many Haitian families, it’s tough for this family to be able to afford the school costs for their kids.  We found out quick that school costs are a bit more complicated in Haiti.  It’s not just a matter of buying a few books, but rather school uniforms, and nice shoes, and for the girls, matching ribbons for their hair. Then theirs the cost of exams at the end of each semester, and they don’t get their report card until all the school tuition is paid.  However, all the unique costs are well worth it as we hope they will translate into a brighter future for these kids.  The pictures show the girls coming to the house to show us their report cards at the end of last year’s school, and two of the girls fully equipped for this school year.  Thanks to those who bring and send down supplies to help make a difference for so many.

Nudgings


         Everything is under control!
:
           
We find ourselves in an unfamiliar place.  The future is filled with change and transition.  For the last seven and a half years we have had a plan and a purpose with an understanding of what God desired us to do. Now we start over in a brand-new direction and prepare for a new set of challenges.  Have you ever encountered this situation?  Or, perhaps you’re preparing for something very similar. It’s certainly not a new thing in this life to have change.  In the midst of circumstances and situations changing, there are some constants that we can trust and rely on. Let us list a few to encourage you as we have been encouraged.

·         Hebrews 13:5  Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

          There are two thoughts with this verse that stand out to us; the idea of being content in all circumstances and the fact that He will never leave us or forsake us.  It’s a huge deal to recognize the importance of contentment.  Often, it is easy to get caught in the trap of looking around and wishing you had this or didn’t have to deal with that.  The ability to work through those things and realize God has you where He wants you and to rest (be content) in that is very helpful in working through the area in question.

       The other area that is even more huge is the fact that our Savior is right next to us during the good times and bad.  His involvement and participation are simply at the level we allow them to be.  At times, the common thought “out there" is that God is way out there somewhere, and we have this process called life to work through on our own, that the Creator of the universe has more important jobs and tasks to give His attention to.  That’s simply not true!  Jesus is an intimate God that desires an intimate relationship with those who seek Him.  Contrary to an aloof, too-busy-type of God-head, we abide in Him, He desires to carry us through and empower us to be victorious throughout life’s challenges.  Which leads us to the next scriptures. 
 
·         1 Corinthians 1:27  But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; and Philippians 4:13  I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

          As we trudge through these challenges in life, for us it’s very encouraging to understand that in our weakness, He is strong, and in our foolishness, He is wise.  We don’t have to take on the all-knowing and completely-capable role.  Rather we can trust in Him and be content that we can do all things through The One who strengthens us.  What a powerful truth!  What an amazing promise from scripture! What a relief!!  It’s not important that we have it all under control, but rather that we give God the permission and ability to be in control. Praise God that He is capable, willing, and desirous of being that one thing constant in an inconstant and changing world!! 

Prayer & Praise

 

Pray for Haiti's current political situation and for a peaceful long-term resolution to all the protests and strikes.

Praise the Lord for our safe trip back to Haiti.
Please pray for a easy transition as we work through the process of leaving Haiti.
Praise the Lord for the privilege and honor to serve.
Pray for wisdom as we deal with the selling of personal belongings that we leave behind.


We are so grateful for all your prayers!

Content in Him,

Les & Catherine



Ministry (U.S.)                             Les & Catherine DeRoos

                                         
                                     Laborers With Christ                                   c/o Agape Flights CAY 26466
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