Ministry In Mission has not had a mission trip to Haiti since July 2019 due to the problems associated with political unrest. The good news is that the problems have ceased, at least for the moment. Jackie and Mark Rychel along with long-time friend and missionary, Terry Marks made a quick trip to Jacmel Haiti on Jan 4.
We are pleased to report that everything in Haiti appears normal. The streets were crowded with traffic, the markets were open, children were walking to school. Sunday service at the First Lutheran church of Jacmel was full of worshipers as Holy Communion was celebrated on the first Sunday of the new year.
The major problem that is really hurting the country is inflation. A small bag of rice that cost $4.00 US last year now costs $12.50 US. The average Haitian we talked to, doesn’t understand why. There is more desperation for money, we had numerous requests for help from people that we are close to in Jacmel.
Ministry In Mission was able to bring much-needed supplies to the Jacmel Lutheran Home, our Elder Care facility. New pictures and interviews were taken with children at the Center of Refuge Orphanage for the Ministry In Mission orphan sponsorship program.
Donations that were made over the last several months for feeding the hungry were spent on the purchase of rice, beans, oil, and spaghetti. These bulk supplies were broken down into smaller portions and distributed directly to hundreds of the neediest Haitians in the mountains where many people are literally starving. (Stay tuned for a detailed post on this worthy mission.)
Contact Jackie (jrychel@gmail.com) to schedule your 2020 mission trip. If you are an individual who needs to connect to a mission team, contact Jackie as well.
