Dear family and friends,
It has been a long time since you have heard personally from me. There is no lack of emergency issues in Haiti, and there are always pressing subjects that require my attention regarding our children’s home. In fact, this blog was nearing completion when the August 14 earthquake occurred and our concentration was turned to those emergency issues. We thank God that the area of Gressier was not damaged by this earthquake. It has been a privilege for Source of Life to send money and supplies to people in Les Cayes and Lamondrit, Haiti. Thank you again to everyone who has contributed funds to help people you will never meet on this side of heaven!
To continue our original update, first there are two things I would like you to know:
1) Even though I have been working full time at a “secular” job, I’m still busy working hard to keep the home moving forward with our goals and vision. I want to thank God for technology! Because of it, it is easy for me to stay in touch with the staff. In fact, I’m in contact several times a day every day with the staff; I just can’t be in Haiti in person due to the lack of security in the country. Everything is going well at the children’s home by the grace of God!
Most of you probably realize that right now Haiti can be considered an inhuman place to live. When the President was not safe inside his own bedroom, I think that speaks for itself! From north to south and east to west, no one can be certain they are safe in Haiti.
But despite all the problems in the nation, God has entrusted us with a mission: “SAFE HOME”. Yes indeed it is a Safe Home. Our home is intact with no attacks or threats against it. Our children have remained safe under an army of God!
2) Secondly, I want to say that Sherry has been doing a wonderful job of keeping you posted about everything. I feel blessed that she is dedicating her time to keep you up-to-date the way she does. I thank God for Sherry; please keep her in your prayers.
Registering Tafana for School
Family, I know all of you are always interested in knowing how Tafana is doing. Well she is doing extremely well. I know Sherry is always giving good reports regarding her therapy and any other developments.
Because of Tafana’s slow learning process since removal of the brain tumor, she is no longer capable of attending a regular school. Recently, her therapist referred us to the only possible school for her to attend. A couple weeks ago, Marie-Ange checked the school and found there was only one opening for a new student. I asked Marie-Ange to register Tafana right on the spot!
New Developments
A few weeks ago, I received a voice message from Sony, explaining that he had concerns regarding Tafana’s mother’s state of mind. Soon after, I received another voice message from a person who is not an SLM employee who was alerting me about the same concerns Sony had.
I decided to investigate and learned that Mamoune was very concerned about her daughter’s future. Mamoune felt she will not be able to afford Tafana’s education and care. I also learned, she does not have the patience to deal with Tafana’s condition in general. I was concerned for Tafana’s well-being.
By the weekend, it was with great surprise that I received a voice message from Mamoune, asking SLM to take over all of her daughter’s care. Many of you realize that we have been taking care of Tafana anyway. We have been feeding and clothing her and paid for all of her medical care. Basically the only difference between Tafana and the other eighteen children has been that Tafana went home with her mother for the night.
Therefore, it is with great joy and excitement that I announce to you: Tafana is officially joining the SLM family. From now on, Tafana is one of our children. The proper legal steps will be taken through our attorney in Haiti so that Tafana can legally join the children’s home.
Remember, Source of Life is in Haiti to help those who cannot help themselves. We are there to rescue unwanted and unsafe children. This year Tafana will be attending a special school in Léogâne. Keep her in your prayers for safety because she will be traveling route National #2 every day to go to school.
Please continue to pray for our ministry. I’m very weak by myself, but together we are very strong.
Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken
Ecclesiastes 4:12
Once again, thank you for your support. Continue to pray so that Haiti can become a place where every man, woman, boy and girl is nourished and lives safely as God intended for His creation.
I can’t wait for us to be able to safely resume trips to Haiti again. And I am counting on you to continue walking beside me as we change lives for the glory of God!
Blessings,
Jacques Merine
Director, Source of Life Ministries