May-June 2023

May 18, 2023 by Andrew Pomeroy

TWINNING – COMMUNICATIONS – LIFE IN HAITI

“TODAY, MORE THAN EVER, WE NEED TO PRAY FOR THE LIGHT TO KNOW THE WILL OF GOD…FOR THE LOVE TO ACCEPT THE WILL OF GOD…FOR THE WAY TO DO THE WILL OF GOD ”

. . . essential teaching of Mother

TWINNING – A WITNESS OF FAITH

BENEFITS OF WINNING FOR OUR PARISH will be at the beginning of each update.

This month we are featuring spiritual growth for each community.

CABRINI HAITI OUTREACH- West Bend, WI AND CABRINI COMMUNITY CENTER -Jacmel, Haiti

Benefit of Twinning #2-SPIRITUAL GROWTH

This consists of a message that is loving, supportive, serving and bringing hope through faithfulness to God’s poor. These qualities will have a great impact on the lives of parishioners through this outreach of mission. It will create an awareness of the poorest of the poor and what God calls all of us to be for them.

FOLLOWING – TESTIMONEY of the last sentence above. “Stay with me” for the rest of the story. When Cabrini began this ministry 34 years ago, we realized that we had an obligation to include our school in this process. If done personally and consistently a bond could be built between the children of West Bend and Haiti.

In September, I realized that we had come full circle. I received a phone call from a former alumni student from Cabrini School who was now a young adult, and he was being led by the Holy Spirit to act on the knowledge he had acquired at Cabrini grade school.

John Roeber is now in college and was taking courses in computer design. (He saw my plea for help). He had always admired our yearly videos presented in church to raise funds. To make a long story short, I contacted John after receiving a call from Ann Taylor, the teacher at Cabrini in charge of raising funds for the Haiti Water Project. A Power Point Presentation was put together with John’s talents and perseverance. It was based on footage we shot over the years when Bill and Walnes would do an assembly program and spend another full day at the school visiting each classroom for a half hour of personal time. The assembly presentation would feature the Cabrini students and their personal involvements these many years. It was a huge success. John also came to help me set it up and spoke to the students briefly about his plans. Enjoy the following pictures. All had a great time! Me too, what a blessing to have that opportunity to see the fruits of our labors.

As one 2^nd grade student offered a comment after the program said, “The Haitians really need our help!” The children must have carried that message home because they raised $2735.95 through a, “COIN WAR FOR HAITI.” Thanks to all who contributed and thank you for all the prayers you continue to send to Haiti. Miracles do happen! We just need to Trust in the Lord and be His Hands and Feet.

FOOD DISTRIBTUION

We delivered food to 41 families serving at least 300 people on April 13 & 14, 2023. God also blessed us with a special donation for that feeding. As Carmelo said, most of the moms cried when they see the delivery coming.

MAINTENANCE

Maintenance continues, the door gate was totally replaced as the old one was falling apart and the large gate needed repairs and paint. We hope to get our Starlink satellite connected and set up this coming month. In addition, maybe divided a few rooms inside the center. Solar is on hold until we get assurance that the equipment we need will be available. Shortages are all over the world and the supply line is difficult in Haiti because of the gangs controlling the ports and roads.

MINISTRIES

Bible Study Ministries are winding down for the summer. May 11 & 12 are the end of the spring sessions. Food distribution and water project will be done in July. That way Cabrini continues to maintain the relationship with the families during the summer months.

SPAGHETTI DINNER

SEPTEMBER 23, 2023 AFTER 4:30 MASS in the CHURCH HALL

We will be showing the Power Point Presentation at the Spaghetti Dinner on September 23, 2023. Save the date!

Volunteers needed, (servers, set up, take down, cooking). Call Kim Nielsen: 920-918-2517.

We will be doing gifts baskets again, as last time they were a huge success. Start collecting now!

April-May 2023

March 29, 2023 by Andrew Pomeroy

TWINNING – COMMUNICATIONS – LIFE IN HAITI

“TODAY, MORE THAN EVER, WE NEED TO PRAY FOR THE LIGHT TO KNOW THE WILL OF GOD…FOR THE LOVE TO ACCEPT THE WILL OF GOD…FOR THE WAY TO DO THE WILL OF GOD ”

. . . essential teaching of Mother Teresa

TWINNING- A witness of faith

BENEFITS OF PARTNERING AND TWINNING FOR OUR PARISH will be at the beginning of each month update.

PERSONAL

Parishioners can identify with their contributions to MISSION. Our Parishioners will know the missionaries, the mission grounds, the country and its political problems. They know the people; they see pictures of their donated items, the children whose lives are changing and how their money is being spent. DVD and photos will help to put “Flesh” on the faces of a people beyond our borders. We have given them a safe way to give to God’s poor and help them to fulfill the call of the gospel.

ASK YOURSELVES IF WE HAVE ACCOMPLISHED THIS IN OUR

Twinning relationship with Haiti.

POSTPONING MARCH 2023 MISSION TRIP

After months of preparation and planning God closed the door to our traveling to Haiti at this time. Since we began Cabrini’s outreach to Haiti in 1988 and started traveling in 1994, we have had to alter our mission trips five times. The Holy Spirit continues to show us ways in which we can continue to do the ministries. Look what the Lord Provided. With all of the new technology we are able to continue our work in Haiti. Personal time is always important but we can continue building on the seeds we planted during those in person visits.

We have applied and been accepted to start receiving the services of the satellites that are now in skies above the Caribbean. Soon the center will have its own web connections for IPADS, NOTE BOOKS, Cellphone, etc.

If anyone has an Apple or Android Cellphone that they are upgrading and your phone works and, there is still life in the battery please call Marianne. (262- 338-8845 Leave a message). The more memory the phone has the better. They need to be unlocked, not just cleared by the service company you have.

WATER FILTER MAINTENANCE

On March 17, 18, 19, 2023, Director of the water project, Gephte, accompanied by Director of Ministries, Carmelo, visited the homes of 40 of our families to service their water filter systems and provide them with cleaning supplies for several months to keep their buckets clean. The water testing was to take place but it was postponed until the testing kits arrive in Haiti via DHL transport. The Mission team had planned to bring them but could not travel to Jacmel. The testing will be done in July.

FOOD DISTRIBUTION

Food Distribution will take place in April. We are thankful for a donor that gave us a grant for the complete distribution. God sees the heart of His people and gives blessings abound.

MAINTENANCE

Maintenance continues on the large gate this next month. It needed repairs and scraping of rust and repainting. Jacmal is close to the salt water from the Caribbean Sea so that painting is very important.

MINISTRIES

All the ministries are continuing through these turbulent times. We continue to help our families with medical care as well. Our Partnership with CCH continue to work alongside of the families of the Cabrini Community Center.

Please note we are planning for the Cabrini Haiti Outreach Spaghetti dinner on September 23, 2023. We hope you will reserve the date on your calendar and if you wish to volunteer please email or call Marianne and she will pass it forward.

LIFE IN HAITI . . .

PRAY, PRAY, PRAY!

NO ONE HAS EXPERIENCED WAR IN THE HOME LAND OF UNTIED STATES. SO IT IS DIFFICULT FOR US TO REALIZE THE IMPACT IT HAS ON DAILY SURVIVAL. I PRAY THAT WE NEVER WILL. SO PLEASE CONTINUE TO REMEMBER OUR HAITIAN FAMILIES ARE LIVING IN AN UNDECLARED WAR ZONE AT THIS TIME IN A SMALL ISLAND NATION.

God sees our response to their need!

February-March 2023

February 9, 2023 by Andrew Pomeroy

PRAYER – PLANS – PROJECTS – PROVISION

“TODAY, MORE THAN EVER, WE NEED TO PRAY FOR THE LIGHT TO KNOW THE WILL OF GOD…FOR THE LOVE TO ACCEPT THE WILL OF GOD…FOR THE WAY TO DO THE WILL OF GOD ” . . . essential teaching of Mother Teresa

The country of Haiti finds itself at the precipice of becoming a failed state. We have known this for a while as the gangs become more powerful with every minute that passes. The biggest problem is that they control the roads and the ports. So food, water, and gasoline are not available to the general population and only the rich can purchase them. Many Haitians owned businesses have had to close their doors and the upper middle class are leaving the country. (Those with visas and green cards). Therefore, Haiti Outreach comes once again to ask for prayers. Please pray daily the prayer card above. You can also find one in the church narthex Haiti Display. Pick one up and put it somewhere visible.

PROJECTS – FOOD DISTRIBUTION

Our Cabrini Community Center continues to help the families in the Jacmel area, feeding 300 people each distribution. We complete the first distribution January , 2023, giving them more than double the rice. We have eight families that need cooking pots and more that need charcoal to cook the food we give them.

WATER FILTER MAINTENANCE DURING THE DISTRIBTUION OF FOOD – all water filters were inspected and small repairs made.

MAINTENCE OF THE SECURITY WALL – after 10 years serveral repairs and door replacements had to be made to the security wall.

PLANS – Mission trip plans – tentatively March 16-27. The biggest problem is getting from Milwaukee to Miami without six & nine hrs. of layovers taking almost two days to arrive in Haiti. Prayers needed that AA Airlines will put on an extra flight for Spring break. The Cabrini team continues to be small because of the political unrest. Marianne Boehme and Michael Digmann, who have gone many times, continue to lead the charge. Bill Nathan and Walnes Cangas, our Haitians administrators, will join them in Jacmel. Part of our job will be to plan and hire a company to install the solar system and to vent the plumbing pipes. Also to resurface the front porch and install railings, plan a prayer garden with trees and plants surrounding the cross. We will also be taking much needed pictures and video for the 2023 Video to be shown at the mission appeal on September 16 & 17. Also, this is the year for the semi-annual spaghetti dinner on September 23^rd. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED. WATCH FOR INFORMATION TO FOLLOW.

PROVISION

Because of the generosity of many donors we are able to focus on the food, water project, faith formation, leadership skills, as well as the construction. We need to ask once again for your continued monthly, support if possible. The lean time of the year will be coming up, spring and summer. We know you have many great choices for investing your hard-earned money and we hope you will continue to consider Haiti Outreach worthy of your giving.

As we learned in the update last month, twinning is a new way of being a parish. The people of Haiti continue to smile and love Jesus in the mist of abject poverty and hardships. When we visit Haiti, they give us so much more than we give them in Jacmel. We feel God’s presence among the poor as Mother Teresa said, “You will never know how much the poor have done for you until you reach heaven.” Blessings again and thank you. In God’s Love. Haiti Outreach Team

Update December-January 2022-2023

December 7, 2022 by Andrew Pomeroy

WHAT IS TWINNING AND WHY WE DO TWINNING AT ST. FRANCES CABRINI?

The October 12, 2022 issue of the Catholic Herald answered those two questions. The article featured Cabrini Haiti Ministry as well as answering the above questions. The following is a short synopsis of that article. I encourage you to look it up on the World Mission web site. I thought it might be a good idea to share a little of this history with our supporters.

As a reminder of Jesus’ call to justice, twinning expands a parish and parishioners self-identity and reflects the Vatican II definition of mission. This also demonstrates appreciation for the universality of the church. For a parish to enter an ongoing relationship with another country, i.e. Haiti, that ministry has chosen to embrace a new way of being a parish. Several years ago, Fr. Nathan referred to Haiti Outreach Twinning ministry as establishing a beachhead for evangelization in Jacmel. That is what we have become to the community of Jacmel. Each year that passes, our families become a force for Jesus in the community. Contractors that come to work on the building experience a peacefulness and enjoy coming to work at the Cabrini Community Center.

Sixty-three parishes twin in the archdiocese of Milwaukee. Through the 34 years, Cabrini’s Haiti Twinning has helped several other parishes start their own program in the Global Community. Therefore, we at Cabrini continue outreach in the US as well as with fellow missionaries in Haiti. Being involved in outreach should reflect on your personal life. This is PART OF THE REST OF THE STORY!

FOOD DISTRIBUTION AND WATER SYSTEM TESTING AND MAINTENACE CONTINUES. THESE MINISTRY – OUTREACHES HAVE A PRICE TAG OF $5,000 EACH TIME WE SERVE THE FAMILIES. During the political strife in Haiti, these services are lifesaving. Thank you for your support but we can only be the hands and feet of Jesus through your support.

HAITI OUTREACH MEDICAL MINISTRY

Medical care for the poor is nonexistent in Haiti. The Cabrini Community Center has a special fund to reach out to our families. One of our moms recently was suffering from severe anemia. She has seven children between 12 – 3 years of age. During the food crisis, she was giving her portion of food to her children. Something most mothers would do. Due to her sacrifice, she passed out one day. She went to the clinic for help. The best they could do was to provide an IV and testing which showed severe anemia. The treatment was iron shots, which she received from a nurse who came to her house to administer the three shots. The cost for this treatment was $110.00 US dollars. We have included a picture of her in the hospital and a month later at our weekly prayer meeting at the center. Without our help who knows what would have happened to her and her family. We are making a difference with lifesaving ministries to the body as well as the spirit.

THANKFULNESS TO ALL WHO SUPPORTED THE HAITI OUTREACH THIS YEAR THROUGH THE SEPTEMBER MISSION APPEAL, THE LOVE ONE ANOTHER APPEAL AND SUPPORT FROM NON-PRISHIONERS WHO FOUND OUR OUTREACH TO BE AN EXAMPLE OF BEING JESUS’ HANDS AND FEET. We know you have many great choices for investing your hard-earned money and we hope you will continue to consider Haiti Outreach WORTHY OF YOUR GIVING. We continue to pray for monthly giving so we can increase our ministries in the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere. We provide much needed hope and dignity to the poor. With each small and large step we take.

Please pray for the Haitian government as well as for our leaders in the US. What happens in the US effects Haiti as well?

October & November 2022 Update

November 3, 2022 by Andrew Pomeroy

HAITI OUTREACH MINISTRY JOURNAL

By Marianne Boehme – October & November, 2022 Update

Testimonies-God continues to work in the midst of political unrest

HUMANITARION OUTREACH TO OUR COMMUNITY CENTER FAMILIES

Because of another successful Mission Appeal this past September, we are able to reach out to our families twice in the last month. Haiti is dealing with a political revolution. WE PRAISE GOD FOR CABRINI’S ABILITY TO AID THE POOREST OF THE POOR. As Mother Teresa said, “You will never know what the poor did for you until you reach heaven.” There are frequent shut downs and daily protests, mostly peaceful, unless the gangs see an advantage to come against “We the people” trying to be heard.

Haiti is now entering its 4^th month of this revolution. The de facto government is non–functional, there is no Senate for checks and balances. There is no sign of any type of transition. The ripple effect of fuel shortages is significant – businesses, utility companies, hospitals, and now water purification plants are shut down. Our families are blessed with water filter systems that Cabrini has provided for them the last 5 years.

Haitians have taken to the streets, lifting their voices in anger and frustration. Protesting is the only voice that remains. Schools are closed. Banks are open only on limited basis, also gas is limited and very expensive, $40.00 per gallon. Decisions about safety and survival are made daily. Bacterial infection are running rampant and not enough antibiotics to cure them.

People are dying from starvation and diseases that have cures. This is what our Haitian friends and families are living through daily. Marianne is in contact with leadership daily. We need to keep out eyes on Jesus, who is the author and finisher of our faith. Everyone is weary and frustrated. However, we all need to get up daily and persevere every single day; we believe that as long as we have breath, the next day will be better. Cabrini is right in there with them even in the hardships as the work continues.

The testimony that we share now with you will remind us that the Lord is with us and He will provide.After several conversations with a mother, it became apparent that we might have other families that had not eaten in several days, as there was no food to beg from a neighbor or family member. Carmelo and Marianne had a conversation about getting food even if was only enough for one small meal a day for a week. We had to come up with funding to purchase one large bag of rice and some oil to divide for seven mothers who were in desperate need. We borrowed funds from several of our leaders and Carmelo started on his journey that Sunday afternoon to deliver what we had gathered. He went on foot, as there was no gas for the moto.

When Carmelo began his journey on Oct.2nd, he filled his backpack up that he could hardly carry it in on his back. Carmelo is a tall strong man but the load was a challenge for the long walk ahead of him. After delivering to several houses, he was praying to the Lord for strength to make all the deliveries. He realized that the backpack was getting lighter with each gift of food he gave way. He felt a nudge in his being that the Lord was telling him that the more you give to another in need the lighter your load becomes. He then realized he would have the strength to complete his task that day. It was a long day. He returned to his house and family at 8:00 pm that night. He was hot, sweaty, and dirty, and his cold shower really felt good that night. He was so happy to share the revelation that the Lord gave him that day. This is what love one another is all about.

Please visit the web site to watch the September 2022 video titled, ”The Christian Life Is Daily.” Check out below the three ways to give. Consider a monthly giving just call the office to set up. There are no fees if you choose that way to support Haiti. Praise you all for your continued support helping to grow the Cabrini Legacy in this part of the world that the Lord wants to bless through you.

***MONTHLY FOOD DISTRIBUTION WAS DONE FOR 38 FAMILIES ON Oct 22, 23 2022. Only because we had the funds to do so. We can only do what Cabrini supports.

August & September

August 28, 2022August 28, 2022 by Andrew Pomeroy

HAITI OUTREACH MINISTRY

By Marianne Boehme – August & September, 2022 Update

Food Insecurity Is A Way Of Life In Haiti

Christian Life Is Daily!

FOOD DISTRIBUTION

“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat” Matt. 25:36

Due to budget constraints food is delivered to the 40 families and leadership every third month. The price of food has risen 22% in a year. Our funding was getting low and we hoped that several other mission groups would fill the gap but no one did. Therefore, Cabrini stepped forward after two of the mothers came to the Directors house asking for food for a few days, as they had nothing. The Director took from his own kitchen to help them. We did food distribution in July instead of August this year.

The following are testimonies that our leaders received from the families they served in July 19, & 20, 2022 when they personally delivered food to 40 families on motor bikes in Temperatures over 100 degrees in two days. Director Carmelo shares the overall thoughts from the moms on the day of delivery.

Bonjou, to all Cabrini supporters of the Cabrini Community Center in Haiti. Carmelo continues to share that one of the most important things Cabrini Parish does for the families is to put them in their hearts in the hard time. Another mother says, “This food is Gold. I have no funds to buy these items at the market. Thank you God Almighty and all the Cabrini members. We continue to share the Salvation Prayer we prayed last March when Mrs. Marianne and Mr. Michael visited with our family and friends.

May & June 2022

May 15, 2022May 13, 2022 by Andrew Pomeroy

HAITI OUTREACH MINISTRY

By Marianne Boehme – May & June, 2022 Update

Life Of Endurance

Christian Life Is Daily!

Michael Digmann and I returned from Haiti on April 3, completing our 11-day mission visit to Jacmel, Haiti and the Cabrini Community Center. We thank you all for your prayers as we could feel them. The situation in Haiti continues to be difficult but God has chosen Cabrini to be the light in the darkness. The Lord presented so many wonderful opportunities to us daily. I will be sharing just a few of them now and in the yearly video on the Mission Appeal Sunday in September. Please pray that Bill Nathan and Walnes Congas will be with us this year. They are still waiting to receive their visas.

The Cabrini Community Center sign officially hangs in the building accompanied by the 10 Commandments in Creole and English. We have started to do a few things to turn the center space into a meeting & service center. Our budget does not yet allow us to begin construction of rooms inside the building.

Projects started or completed during the mission trip:

Digging of Septic System
Mounting of the Iron Cross
Formation of Security Team
Leadership Training
Electrical hook up completed and now connected to city power when it is available.
Development of plans for the Back Deck & Gazebo in conjunction with the Septic System plan.
Updated training on Water System Filters presented by the Director, Gephte Pierre
Water Testing done twice a year on the filters systems in homes
Faith Formation with Bible study groups

Through the 34-year history of the Haiti Outreach Ministry, many individuals have shared their TIME, TALENT & DAILY TREASURE with the Haitian people. Bill and Walnes , through the years have cemented generational relationship with SFC School with their yearly visits. This is the reason for our endurance and perseverance in the call of this outreach to Haiti.

Nothing is easy is Haiti.

We would like to recognize a “Faithful Volunteer” who has shared so many of his gifts, time and treasure with Haiti and the parish of St. Frances Cabrini.

Jim Wesp and his wife, Joanne, are longtime supporters of the Ministry. Jim has volunteered his services for at least 20 plus years. He has provided transportation to and from the airports in Milwaukee and Chicago-O’Hare, some years both ways, (50 trips). He has always been there to rescue us at 4:00AM in the morning when the airline would not allow us to take certain items. If you see him around the parish, please thank him for his service. Let your LIGHT shine.

I once heard someone say that the Christian Life is daily. It is not a 100-yard dash but a marathon run. Continue to pray for Haiti and for the Evangelism that is growing from the Cabrini Community Center in Jacmel.

Remember Haiti, God will bless you!

March & April 2022

March 3, 2022 by Andrew Pomeroy

HAITI OUTREACH MINISTRY

By Marianne Boehme – March & April, 2022 Update

ECONOMICS IS THE LIFE BLOOD OF MINISTRY

We cannot do the doing without it!

As we begin 2022 we all face the reality of stretching our budgets to meet the needs set before us. The uncertainty of the times we are living in makes that almost seem impossible to do. However, we serve a mighty God and if we remain faithful to His teachings, He will show us the way through prayer and being faithful to a little island in the Caribbean called Haiti.

The following questions might come to mind.

Why should we be concerned about Haiti?
What does Jesus say about serving the poor?
Why do churches have missions?
How does this affect my family?
How does this affect my eternity?

Please do not forget Haiti when you give in the months ahead. There is no other way to say it. Sharing the gospel takes funding. We have been so blessed by the faithful supporters of Haiti in the past. This has allowed Cabrini to be the hands, feet and hearts for Haiti. We know that the Haitians have a special place at St. Frances Cabrini.

MINISTRY FACTS AND FIGURES.

We hope that this information will stir the hearts of those who have not reached out to Haiti before. Your giving can save a life.

FEEDING PROGRAM

This is our 5^th year sponsoring the food program. We feed 40 families, their relatives and neighbors. (If you feed one family in Haiti, you feed 10 more people.) As every Haitian has had the experience of hunger at some point in their lives, they share. This program’s budget is $3000.00 every 2 or 3 months depending on funding.

WATER PURIFICATION SYSTEM

We have started our 4^th year providing and servicing the water filters in the mother’s homes. We inspect the systems every quarter and the mothers can report weekly at bible study if they are having any difficulties with their system. The director will contact them and repair or replace the parts. This month we invested in several new water systems and added to our parts inventory. This month’s expenses were $750.00 for the inventory. We will be adding 3 more families in March to join our bible study groups to replace some mothers who have moved from the area. In addition, we also supply the mothers with soap and bleach to keep their buckets clean. The cost of one maintenance visit is $400.00 each visit, which is about $2500.00 per year.

Our funding is multifaceted to serve our six plus ministries, maintaining the building and providing security to the property itself. We are now working on the electrical hook up, the septic and water systems for the building. Approximate cost for those is $10,000 – $15,000.

We are happy to report that the building is now secure as we can lock doors and windows, and there are no leaks from the rain. Within the year we hope to start on the outside entrances, porches and the interior of the building. Please keep in mind we use the building 4 to 5 days a week as it is. We have tables and chairs and chalkboards. Our maintenance man and cleaning mother keep everything in good shape.

I encourage you all to read Matthew 25:35-45, as it is too long to write in this update. Verse 40 says, “The king replies, I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.” If this article SOUNDS PASSIONATE, IT IS! As we travel to Haiti in March, we represent Cabrini and all of you. The point of the parable is not who but what – the importance of serving where service is needed. You can and will save a life. We hope that this information will stir the hearts of those who have never reached out to Haiti before.

If every family would help us with a $5.00 a week donation, imagine what we could do! Give up one happy meal or one latte coffee weekly.

Remember Haiti, God will bless you!

Janaury & February 2022

March 3, 2022January 17, 2022 by Andrew Pomeroy

HAITI OUTREACH MINISTRY

By Marianne Boehme – January-February 2022 Update

“THE POOR STRETCH OUT THEIR HANDS TO US, BUT IT IS GOD
WHO RECEIVES WHAT WE GIVE TO THEM” – Sr. Louise De Marillac

Governments continue to let us down both in the US and in Haiti. Our only hope is in God. The Holy Spirt continues to lead us if we have eyes to see and ears to hear. Jesus continues to shine His light on the Haiti Outreach Ministry.

On Jan 11, 2022, Walnes and two men from RCI Construction flew up to Jacmel on a 9-passenger plane, which is operated by Missionary Aviation Fellowship. During the 17 years of service to the central plateau, Cabrini has used them for many mission trips. The pilot prayed with the passengers before they left the airfield. For Walnes this was his first experience flying MAF and he said, “They were very professional.”

During the three days on the Mission Grounds, the crew repaired some of the leaks and enclosed the roof vent on the Community Center. It was a relief to us all that there was no water situation. The marks on the installation that we saw on the pictures were created by shadows. Therefore, the solutions to keeping the water out was to enclose the 8-inch space leaving only 2 inches for ventilation.

They also had to rebuild a temporary set of stairs going out the back of the building. This was completed along with applying a coat of paint. They took measurements for the sceptic and will draw up plans for the placement so it includes the deck footing as well.

We are also planning to install security cameras inside and outside the building, which can be monitored from a cell phone in the U.S. and in Haiti. We are still searching for an electric meter. In Haiti, there are no extra meters to purchase. You have to wait to get one from someone who has not paid their bill. We have been waiting since last March for a meter. I share this with you to give you a perception of, “everything being hard in Haiti”

However, the most important thing I want to share is that we continue to move forward even if they are little steps, to continue to serve our friends in Haiti. We are the hope for all the families whose lives we touch. They continue to feel God’s presence when they enter the Cabrini Community Outreach Center grounds.

AS IT STATES IN THE VISION STATEMENT

“WE ARE DOING LIFE WITH GOD DAILY, WITH PRAYER AND THANKSGIVING.”

Our bible classes, water project, adult education classes, food Program, medical needs and leadership training continue to function because of the generous funding and prayer support from the Cabrini Community. Revision of the Singing Moms of Jacmel is a work in progress. In addition, of course, the building of the Cabrini Community Outreach Center, which we focus on life skills through the power of God. We are so blessed to have the spirit of love from the Cabrini Parishioners.

We ask for your prayers as a two-person mission team continues to prepare for this year’s trip, March 24 – April 3. GOD WILLING, THE HOLY SPIRIT WILL CONFIRM IF WE ARE IN GOD’S WILL. If you have any questions about anything please reach out to Marianne at 262-338-8845 or email marianne@mboehme.com

2021 – November & December Updates

January 16, 2022November 22, 2021 by Andrew Pomeroy

Marianne Boehme

Haiti Outreach Ministry

Update-November & December 2021

Food Distribution Report November 5&6. 2021

God continues to make a way for Cabrini to serve the families in the southern city of Jacmel, Haiti. On November 5 & 6^th, our leadership team delivered food to our 37 families. The moms were so happy to see Carmelo and Eral on one moto-bike and Emmanuel and Gephte on another moto-bike loaded with food. Because of the safety issues, we decide it would be better if four men went together as there is safety in numbers. They delivered rice, beans, spaghetti, sardines, seasoning and a precious one-gallon of cooking oil.

Gephte said to Carmelo when he saw the food stacked at the Center, “How did you get all of this food to the Community Center with the gangs controlling the road that the trucks use to go up and down the mountain into Jacmel? You are really lucky!” Carmelo replied, “Luck has nothing to do with it. Cabrini‘s ministries are blessed because they bless others.” A WISE FAITH-FILLED LEADER FOR SURE!

Carmelo also shared in his report, comments from many of the mothers. They said, “The food always comes when we have nothing to eat.” One of our young mothers with three children started to cry when she saw the leaders coming to her house. She had been waiting for her neighbor to finish feeding her family in hopes they would give her food for her three children. Sometimes it is only a cup of rice but that means they will have something in their stomachs so they can sleep that night without pain.

Many of our parishioners who have traveled to Haiti over these past 30 years have seen this reality for themselves. Thank you for the funds collected these past months. We were able to do this food distribution for $3000.00. We are only able to provide this every 2 or 3 months because we need to maintain the other ministries and continue projects to complete the Cabrini Community Center. So, please remember the crying mother waiting in hope for her neighbor to share what little food her neighbor has left. It is also difficult when the schools are closed for safety concerns, as most schools feed the children at least one meal a day.

CONSTRUCTION HAS BEEN ON HOLD FOR THE LAST TWO MONTHS

Due to an acute security crisis, we are presently waiting for a break in the violence to get a construction crew up the mountain and down the mountain to Jacmel. The leadership team along with RCI construction has developed a list of objectives that we hope to complete in the next 6 months of December through May. Completing roof repairs, painting the steel security grids and the inside steel beams. This is part of building maintenance to protect the rust from forming. We will develop an architectural plan for the deck, gazebo and the two chambered, concrete septic tank. Estimated costs for railings on the deck and front porch to match the railing on Trinity school. There will be a Pergola over the 10-foot deck for shade. Once these projects are completed, we will begin work inside of the building, dividing the rooms. The electrical meter will be purchased and installed. We will also plan for solar panels to be mounted on the backside of the roof of the Community Center.

Please pray for God’s intervention in forming a government that would allow us to move forward. Prayer moves God. Please pray the Haiti Prayer published on the web site. God does answer prayers and we know He is with this ministry. The population of Jacmel continues with their lives the best they can in spite of the lack of gasoline, food and water. The absence of these basic human needs is because the lack of government infrastructure. All persons that are part of Haiti Outreach Ministry in Haiti are managing their personal situations. Cabrini will be informed daily to make sure of that.

WATER PROJECT CONTINUES TO SERVE OUR FAMILIES WELL

The water systems are checked every 4 months and were last done in September, 2021. They will be checked in February, 2022. If the mothers’ system has problems, she gets in touch with Gephte and he goes to the house and checks it out. He replaces parts and makes sure the systems have been cleaned.

SINGING MOMS OF JACMEL

This ministry been delayed this fall. We are in the process of reorganizing this ministry to be more effective.

ADULT EDUCATION

Ministry Leader, MacKendy continues to do a wonderful job with the mothers that have not had a chance for elementary education.

BIBLE STUDY CLASSES

We began classes the week of Oct 5, 2021. Session 1 will continue weekly, with two weeks off at Christmas until the end of January. 2022. We started reading the book of Romans this session. Some of the moms have been ill in one group but they are slowly returning. The leaders do a written report each week for Haiti Outreach and they always include prayers for Cabrini’s people.

THE HAITI OUTREACH MINISTRY

We are very grateful for another successful Mission Appeal. We continue to serve each other even in the hardest of places. We continue to build networks in West Bend and Jacmel as well. If you missed the Mission appeal on Sunday, September 19, 2021, you can hear Fr. Nathan’s message on Haiti through the Haiti Outreach website at: www.haitianmission.com Scroll down on the Home Page to: Homily-Sept. 19, 2021 – Fr. Nathan Reesman (Cabrini Appeal). Fr. Nathan preached a very powerful teaching about our hearts being in order. I have always said, “Our God is a God of order. “ We thank Fr. Nathan for such a spiritual, insightful teaching!

PLEASE REMEMBER HAITI OUTREACH IN YOUR YEAR END GIVING. CHECKS SHOULD BE MADE OUT TO: SFC HAITI OUTREACH. BLESSINGS TO YOU ALL. WORKING TOGETHER WE CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST WHO STRENGTHENS US!