Janaury & February 2022

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.

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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

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 & 6th, 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. 

Motorcycle-1

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. 

Motorcycle-2

 

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!

2021 – October Update

Marianne Pix 2014 cropped AP

By Marianne Boehme

 

Haiti Outreach Ministry

Updates: October 2021

September 18 & 19 – Haiti Outreach Mission Appeal

We shared with the parish this year’s video “Do Life With God.” In the video our friends and supporters saw how the Holy Spirit directs the ministries in Haiti to bring people to salvation. In addition, through the power of the Holy Spirit, families’ lives were changed because of Cabrini’s years of faithful support. We believe that the Lord will continue to provide the financial support needed going forward with the Cabrini Community Center and to maintain and grow the ministry programs that bless the poorest of the poor.

We have come to understand that giving to others means we treat everyone with dignity and give them hope for a future.  Many little miracles happened during this mission appeal weekend. One is a note we received from a visitor to Cabrini. “We were delighted by the welcoming community and the work that the Haiti Outreach is doing. One day we might be able to join in a trip to Haiti as we are looking to relocate to the West Bend area.” What an encouragement and affirming sharing to all of us.

You might have noticed members from Cabrini Outreach Committees handing out giving envelopes as you exited the church. Praise the Lord for their dedication that weekend.  Each member was present at ALL the masses on the weekend, to staff the doorways and spread the spirit of Haiti to all.

THANK YOU TO ALL OUR SUPPORTERS AND THOSE WHO WILL JOIN US THIS YEAR.  THE VIDEO WAS MADE NOT JUST FOR INFORMATION BUT ALSO FOR THE REVELATION OF THE LORD’S SERVICE.      

SPAGETTII DINNER SEPTEMBER 25, 2021 – An evening of community and fellowship

Every other year Haiti Outreach does a community gathering of Haiti Supporters with a spaghetti dinner and raffle baskets.  Most years, our Haitian brothers Bill Nathan and Walnes Cangas do a presentation but this year they were not able to get their renewable Visas to enter the United States from the American Embassy in Haiti. However, Walnes was able to do a face time visit.  Which was a great celebration to see and hear him share!

The dinner was sold out as almost 200 people attended or took carryout.  We ran out of food. Our Chef James Jones once again made the best food ever.  We had many new volunteers as well and a few of our old faithful servants. A great group of people attending, helping and especially the young school families that volunteer for set up, to clean up and anything they could help with. These volunteers gave me and a few of our long-term committee people inspiration for the future of the Haiti Outreach Ministry. The best part was the sharing of the winners of their gift baskets. Paying the basket forward when they saw someone who would have liked the basket more than they did.  Christianity is action paying it forward. We had eight wonderful baskets valued at $100.00 or more donated as well. Start thinking about the next dinner in 2023 unless the Lord moves to make it an annual affair. We ended the evening singing “Let There Be Peace on Earth” and a few tears were shed.   GOD IS SO GOOD.

PLEASE CONTINUE MONTHLY TO CHECK OUT OUR WEB SITE FOR ARTICLES AND PRINTED COPIES IN THE NARTHEX.  YOU CAN DONATE ALL YEAR LONG. HAITI ENVELOPES ARE LOCATED IN THE NARTHEX DISPLAY OR FIND THE “THREE WAYS TO GIVE” LISTED ON THE WEBSITE. HAITI IS A BLESSING TO CABRINI, AS WELL AS CABRINI IS TO HAITI.

Update: August 18, 2021

By Marianne Boehme

 

EARTHQUAKE HITS HAITI FOR THE SECOND TIME IN 11 YEARS

 

August 18, 2021

We wanted all of our supporters to know that our friends in Haiti – Bill and Walnes and their immediate families are safe in their homes in Port au Prince. However, they both have extended families that were not so fortunate. They live in La Cayes and Jeremie two of the larger cities that were hit by the earthquake on Saturday 8-14-21.  Please pray for them.

The tropical depression named Grace that dropped huge amounts of rain (5-15 inches) on all of Haiti on Monday night, (8-16-21), forced many survivors in the South Western part of Haiti to sleep in the rain.

Walnes’ parents, grandparents and aunt lost their homes. Bill’s wife, Lillie’s cousin was killed and another cousin was seriously hurt. Their homes were destroyed as well. The 2010 earthquake affected many people in Haiti as an estimated 300,000 people died at that time. Memories are difficult to deal with now.  Please pray for all of Haiti. They just can’t seem to catch a break.   

As a side note, Cabrini’s Haiti Outreach Mission Center in Jacmel sustained no damage and none of our leaders and our mothers were injured. We are grateful to Lord Jesus for his protection. HOWEVER, LIFE CONTINUES TO BE HARD IN HAITI, WHICH IS THE POOREST COUNTRY IN THE AMERICAS!

It you want to help Bill and Walnes directly please contact: marianne@mboehme.com

Please see map below

Elementor #668

Marianne Boehme

Haiti Outreach Ministry

July  2021 – Update

Dear Friends of Haiti Outreach,

We are saddened by the recent death of President Moise of Haiti and we pray for the First Lady’s complete recovery. Our programs continue to function and we are more committed than ever to succeed in our calling to serve and raise up the Haitian families.   We are in daily communications with our leadership and they continue with their duties of ministry to our mothers and the children of the Jacmal community.

“We keep our eyes on Jesus who is the author and perfector of our faith.” (Heb. 12:2) Politics or Pandemics will not keep us from “the mission” which is the restoration of the family.

We have learned through the last 33 years in Haiti that our Haitian brothers and sisters are resilient, strong and hopeful. They won’t give up and neither will we.   Cabrini’s Haiti Outreach confirms our commitment to empowering the people of Haiti, to improve their physical and spiritual lives.   We’re grateful that our supporters are joining us in the journey.

In God’s Love,

Haiti Outreach Ministry Team

June – 2021 Update

Marianne Pix 2014 cropped AP

By Marianne Boehme

 

Mission Trip News Continues

Updates: June 2021

“FOOD INSECURITY” ROCKS THE NATION OF HAITI

MOTHER’S DAY COMES A WEEK EARLY FOR CABRINI’S HAITIAN FAMILIES IN HAITI.

           

Mother’s Day is the last Sunday in May in Haiti. Our leaders delivered the June food distribution on May 24th and 25th 2021. Several donors contributed funding for this distribution. We were grateful to them for helping us meet the need once again. We were able to ease the food insecurities that the mothers face daily. This time we gave them 3 large cans of sardines. This was a special treat adding protein to their diets. Carmelo and Eral delivered the food to their homes with the motor bike. Some of our mothers do not have the strength and stamina to handle the large bags of rice and beans. This also shows them the respect we have for them.  It also provides a way to check on the homes and the family situation every few months. We started the food program in 2017 and have done it 4 -5 times each year. In 2017 the budget was $1700.00 per distribution and presently in 2021 It is $3,000 for the same food and amount.

                             

WATER PROJECT TESTING OF FILTERS TOOK PLACE IN MAY ALONG WITH  FOOD DELIEVERY.  CABRINI’S HAITI OUTREACH CONTINUES TO PROVIDE BOTH FOOD AND WATER TO OUR FAMILIES, BOTH OF WHICH SUPPORT LIFE.

I am happy to report that at the end of May we have completed the outside of our 4,000sq ft. COMMUNITY OUTREACH BUILDING – LIFE SKILL CENTER. We have found a general contractor, in Haiti, that has built many steel structures in Haiti. Our Haitian construction team worked alongside with the skilled contractors for 8 -10 hour days in the heat of the Caribbean at the end of May.  We now have windows, doors, soffits, rain gutters, down spouts and a screened roof vent. As you can see from the picture, it is beautiful. The general contractor hand manufactured the parts that were needed to complete the outside structure. The building will now be protected from the elements.

           

WAYS TO BECOME INVOLVED

BY PRAYING, FINANCIAL SUPPORT OR GOING ON A MISSION TRIP.   WE HAVE OPENINGS FOR 2 PEOPLE FOR OUR NEXT MISION TRIP ON FEB. 4-12, 2022. PLEASE CALL MARIANNE.  262-338-8845 FOR MORE INFORMATION.

PLEASE WATCH THE DISPLAY IN THE NARTHEX FOR HARD COPIES OF THE MONTHLY UPDATE AND THE WEB SITE. TELL YOUR FRIENDS. ALL FUNDS- 100% – GIVEN TO HAITI OUTREACH ARE USED FOR SERVING THE POOR.  LOOK TO THE NEWS ARTICLE IN JUNE ON FOOD DISTRIBUTION AND OUTREACH DIRECTLY TO OUR HAITIAN FAMILIES.

2021 – April-May Update

Marianne Pix 2014 cropped AP

By Marianne Boehme

 

April 2021 Mission Trip News

Updates: April 2021 – May 2021

“THE POOOR STRETCH OUT THEIR HANDS TO US, BUT IT IS GOD WHO RECEIVES WHAT WE GIVE THEM”

By St. Louise De Marillac

During my recent trip to Jacmel to participate in the ministries at the Cabrini Community Outreach Center, I found a warm welcome from our leaders and the Cabrini Community that has grown in Jacmel these past 12 years. I will attempt to share some of the fruits that the Lord allowed me to see and experience during this visit and in the next few months. Please check out the web site: haitianmission.com  or click on  the E – bulletin on Cabrini web site.The first three days “we”, (Bill, Carmelo, Eral and myself) updated the family records of our 30 ladies in our two Bible Study Groups. These two bible groups are the foundation that all of our ministries have sprouted from these past 7 years. As we all know, it takes time to grow any garden that will sustain and become an inspiration to the gardener and all who visit the garden. Our Mothers shared the changes that have taken place in their families since the 2018 update family record session. Children have grown up and moved to middle school and high school. Some of the mothers have become grandparents, some have buried family members, just like many of us in the United States.  The poor also share the cycle of life with us.

When we asked the question “How has the bible study changed your life?”  They all smiled and shared with us.  One mom told us that she learned how to look up scriptures by chapter and verse.   Learning the stories has empowered her with knowledge and given her confidence to ask questions in a group setting. Two ladies were encouraged to go back to school for reading so they can now read out loud when called on by the Bible study teachers. Another mother who can’t read told us her 14 year old son helps her by reading it to her so she can prepare for the meeting. This is all GRACE.  We are building more than a building. The building is what brings everyone together and provides a visible sign in the community.

CABRINI’S ASSIGMENT FROM THE LORD IS TO DO BOTH!  BUILD THE BUILDING AND BUILD UP THE COMMUNITY BY BUILDING UP THE MINSTRIES!! CABRINI IS DOING IT!  BUT WE ARE IN A RACE AND IT IS A RACE WE MUST WIN. THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR PRAYERFUL, CONCERNING SUPPORT FOR THESE GREAT NEEDS.  AS I SEE IT GOD HAS GIVEN CABRINI THIS OUTREACH AS A BLESSING FOR OUR COMMUNITY.SO IF YOU HAVE NEVER THOUGHT TOO MUCH ABOUT HAITI, PRAY FOR THE POOREST COUNTRY IN THE WESTERN HEMISPHERE. THE LORD WILL LEAD YOU TO ACTION, I AM SURE.

WAYS TO BECOME INVOLVED   BY PRAYING, FINANCIAL SUPPORT OR GOING ON A MISSION TRIP.   WE HAVE OPENINGS FOR 2 PEOPLE FOR OUR NEXT MISION TRIP ON FEB. 4-12, 2022.

PLEASE CALL MARIANNE.  262-338-8845 FOR MORE INFORMATION. Some of us have always wanted to be missionaries this is a way to get your feet wet.  Don’t be concerned if you feel you have no mission skills God will take care of that He doesn’t ask what your qualifications are but He looks at your heart and He will equip you. Go with a renewable open heart and God will fill it.

Covid was not a concern in Haiti. I just went and had to be tested coming and going, all went well. I took Ivermectin, an anti-viral drug, plus my Malaria medication and came back the healthiest in the last five years of traveling there.  We don’t travel open roads we fly to Jacmel as security is something we always have to deal with.

PLEASE WATCH THE DISPLAY IN THE NARTHEX FOR HARD COPIES OF THE MONTHLY UPDATE AND THE WEB SITE. TELL YOUR FRIENDS. ALL FUNDS- 100% – GIVEN TO HAITI OUTREACH ARE  USED FOR SERVING THE POOR.  LOOK TO THE 

NEWS ARTICLE IN JUNE ON FOOD DISTRIBUTION AND OUTREACH DIRECTLY TO OUR HAITIAN FAMILIES.

 

December 2020 – March 2021

Marianne Pix 2014 cropped AP

By Marianne Boehme

 

Partnership Empowers Someone To Dream

Updates: December 2020 – March 2021

Uncertainty is something that the peoples of our world have found themselves dealing with this past year. Even the poorest of the poor in third world countries.  But, we as Christians know that God is still in charge and we continue to move forward in doing His work.

The Haiti Outreach has been blessed with prayers, faithfulness, and funding during this difficult time.  As our moto says “The Lord Will Provide”. Our faithful partners have empowered us to feed 36 families with our food distribution programs, (each feeding costs $3,000 US), in early December and now again in March 2021.  We have also been able to continue our Water Systems inspections every 3 months and provided the mothers with bleach, detergent and sponges to keep their water system clean.  In April we will be testing each of the 36 filters for E-coli. We do that twice yearly. That testing program is $200.00 each time. The testing kits are sent to Haiti by team members or when Bill and Walnes return in September. 

We are hopeful that Bill & Walnes be with us this coming September once again.  When we know for certain we hope to gather in the Cabrini Church Hall for a spaghetti dinner on September 25. Please save the date.  Volunteers call Marianne at 262-338-8845.

We also have great news to share. On March 9, 10, 11 all the windows at the Cabrini Community Center were installed. The Singing Moms of Jacmel met on March 10th and were very happy to see the windows.  When they see progress on the building, they are thankful because it gives them a sense of security that they have a gathering place.  Within the month of April, we hope all the doors will be installed as well. Then we will be able to secure the building and not have to move things back into to the containers for safe storage after the meetings.  Partnership makes this all possible.  Remember, there is a Haiti Display in the Narthex of church. Check it out. Donation envelopes and hard copies of articles to (take home) are available there.

On April 16th- 24th I am traveling to Jacmel with my traveling companion Jesus, to continue to put in place a strong leadership program that will continue to grow in stature. Prayers are very much appreciated!!!

 The Bible studies and Singing Moms of Jacmel will have finished their first 10 week term. The second term will begin in April through the end of May. The ministries do not meet during the hot summer months of June, July, and August.

If you find value in what the Haiti Outreach does and you want to change peoples’ lives here are 3 ways to partner with us.  We thank our partners that continue to collect quarters for Mission Quarters. We have collected about $4,000 during the past 5 years.

2020 – November & December

Marianne Pix 2014 cropped AP

By Marianne Boehme

 

Thank you For Being

“The Blessing For The Haiti Outreach Ministry”

Update – November & December 2020

After the weekend mission appeal on September 19 & 20, we began a time of waiting. Waiting to see the response to the video. Waiting to see if Fr. Nathan’s words reached the people at the masses that weekend. Mass attendance was much lower than we have ever seen due to the virus. So we prayed and trusted God that we had followed His directions and we would accept God’s will.

We didn’t have to wait too long, the week after the appeal we had a contact from a family that was very touched by the video. They stepped up and gave a large donation that would allow us to distribute food to 36 of our families on Oct. 9 & 10th in Jacmel. Because of our wonderful leaders in the US and Haiti we were able to put the food distribution together very quickly which was another miracle.

As the weeks passed we were so grateful that many of the Cabrini parishioners also stepped up and gave from their hearts so we can begin our ministries once again in Haiti. We will be starting with Bible classes before the Christmas season. The other classes will begin in January if the Covid 19 virus and the political situation remains under control in Haiti. So please continue to pray for the government in Haiti. Below are the words of gratitude and thanksgiving that come from just a few of our mothers. Written as spoken to us.

 

 

“My idea is that Cabrini Mission never forget about us in the hard time. Now life is really difficult. So many problems but GOD will never forsaken his kids. Thank you again.” Marie Jeanette Lubain

 

 

“Thank you so much because each time I see Mr. Carmelo and Mr. Eral carry these food on their shoulders my family is happy. Thank you again I will continue to pray for you.” Roselaure Boyechio

 

The mission appeal goals were met but the Haitian needs are ongoing during the year. We cannot survive only on the appeal. We pray that the Cabrini parishioners will continue to give from the heart during the year. Now without bulletin articles it is more difficult to get the updates out. The web site will be updated each month, or hit click in the e-bulletin article to connect to the web site. Hard copies will be available in the Narthex Haiti Outreach Display. If you have any questions email Marianne at marianne@.mboehme.com or call 262-338-8845.

Thank you, “YOU ARE THE BLESSING” REMEMBER JESUS LOOKS AT THE HEART.
He understands the commitment and sacrifice that your gift represents. THAT IS WHAT TOUCHES HIS HEART.