Andrew Pomeroy

August & September

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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.

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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

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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

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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 5th 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 4th 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

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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

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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. 

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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.