Dan and Gillian Shoemaker - Serving the Lord in HAITI

As is life on the mission field...we have to take on jobs we aren't always equiped for. Dan has now taken on the role of Field Treasurer, along with Colleen Yrjana. She seems to have caught on well but as seen in the picture to the left (July Photos), Dan is not doing so well. We will miss John and Dorothy McCluskey very much. They have been a blast in the office all year. They will be back to cover for a couple of months this fall. They are real troopers to stand in the gap.

The problems in Haiti can appear hopeless, desperate and overwhelming. It is so easy to judge Haitians with a sense of North American superiority and give a thousand practical solutions to solve the long list of downfalls from bad roads to a struggling government system. It is easy to see the consequences of illiteracy in every area of life. But stop! Look! Haitians are not people who are weak or unwise. This is a country of survivors! They have overcome slavery to become the first Black Republic. These are families that stick together, share and support each other through the generations. Rising out of poverty are educated, hard working visionaries.

Through Christ, there is hope for Haiti. Each elementary, secondary and seminary student that graduates gives thanks to many family members, friends and neighbors who financially and prayerfully supported them each year of their expenses. In Haiti, no one does anything alone. We see this cream of the crop using their education to support the next generation coming up behind them. These are the leaders we are so proud to partner with here in Haiti. We have to talk less and listen more. We have to stop giving answers before we ask the questions. Who knows Haiti better than the Haitians? Who was called to serve whom? It is with a new sense of humility that we want to learn from our peers. Pray with us, please.