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Junior is free! Junior est libre! Junior libere!
Thank you for praying! Our HTC staff member, Junior, has been released. I cannot help but celebrate God's promises in Psalm 18. Part of this Psalm is paraphrased below: The Lord is our rock, our fortress, and our deliverer; God is our rock, in whom we take refuge. We called to the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and Junior was saved from his enemies. From his temple, God heard our prayers; they came before him, into his ears. The earth trembled and quaked, and the foundations of the mountains shook. The Lord thundered from heaven, and the voice of the Most High resounded. He reached down from on high and took hold of Junior. He rescued him from powerful enemies, from foes who were too strong for him. The Lord was Junior's support. He brought him out into a spacious place; he rescued Junior because he delighted in him. Thank you, Haiti Teen Challenge family, for praying. Our God is faithful and good. Vicki Jefferis HTC Board Chair Dear Friends,
Many of you are reading on social media and in the Miami Herald about an attempted kidnapping of Pastor Julio this morning. Pastor Julio is safe. This past week has been a week of focused prayer for Haiti at Haiti Teen Challenge (HTC) and Rendezvous-Christ Church (RVC). God heard the prayers of His people. Though ruthless people tried to do evil, God protected Julio. Details are still being confirmed, but a very detailed kidnapping plot unfolded early this morning during the first service at RVC. The HTC/RVC security team’s attention was drawn to several individuals entering the church. One sat behind Pastor Julio. When security realized this individual had a gun, security escorted him towards the exit, where he acknowledged that a plan to attack and capture Pastor Julio was underway. Pastor Julio was immediately taken to a secure location. The attackers (gang members), dressed as a Police SWAT team with large guns, entered the church, forced the members to lie down, robbed people in attendance, cut off the livestream of RVC, and stole equipment. Julio had this to say, “It was a terrible experience, but God is faithful and what Satan meant for evil, God will use for good. Our staff are all safe except for one HTC staff member who was taken hostage. Please pray for his safety and return and for his family." Today was a day of worship. The prayer passage focused on Psalm 86:9-10, “All nations you have made will come and worship you, Lord; they will bring glory to your name. For you are great and do marvelous deeds; you alone are God." As Psalm 86 continues, it says, “For great is your love towards me; you have delivered me from depths, from the realm of the dead. Arrogant foes are attacking me, O God; ruthless people are trying to kill me – they have no regard for you. But you, Lord are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness. Turn to me and have mercy on me; show your strength on behalf of your servant; save me because I serve you. Give a sign of your goodness, that my enemies may see it and be put to shame, for you Lord, have helped me." God is in control. Thank you for your prayers. We will keep you posted. Vicki Jefferis HTC Board Chair
And the work of HTC is revealing that Haiti is developing the capacity to change itself for the better... June 4, 2022CLICK HERE TO LEAVE A NOTE OF ENCOURAGEMENT OR A PRAYER FOR OUR GRADUATES! Transformation is defined in the dictionary as "an act, process, or instance of transforming or being transformed." One of its synonyms is "metamorphosis" which is defined as "a striking alteration in appearance, character, or circumstances."
Both words describe our most recent 29 graduates. On June 4th, 2022, the world witnessed the expression of true change and metamorphosis. 14 young ladies and 15 young men stood proud as they testified of God’s transformative grace in their lives. Through this program, God showed them a new way. Instead of a life of gangs, drugs, alcohol, trafficking, and violence, they now have a new identity in Christ, plans for a future they never dreamed possible, and a commitment to serve others. It is not an easy feat for these young men and women to stand before strangers and estranged family members and share their deepest, darkest experiences. The fear of being judged is real, but the knowledge that they are seen, known and loved—new creations in Christ—brings hope and healing. He who has begun a good work in each of them is still working, and will continue until that work is complete. Their future is a bright and full of hope. As these graduates go forward, they do so as leaders in their communities, their families, and ultimately, in their nation—one that desperately needs them. Annie Herr Haitian Development Director Ten Year AnniversaryThe 10th anniversary of Haiti Teen Challenge and Rendezvous’ 5th anniversary weekend is easily described as Holy Spirit led. The collaborative servant spirit of not only the staff and church leadership, but also the gratefulness exuded from HTC grads crowned the event. The Haitians gave God the glory in humbling ways. Over 150 graduates participated in a block party/expo after RVC’s service on Sunday. They showed off their life-skills in furniture making, handmade soap, painting, some very delicious Haitian fried food, jewelry, and coupons for car engine work. I asked Edner about what he saw as outcomes: a) For many of the grads, it is a great introduction back into the community, b) the graduates are adding value as they re-enter their neighborhoods, c) helps boost self-esteem of the graduates and show them their worth, d) the event was a beacon of hope for the community during a time of deep national insecurities, e) and finally, it was great exposure for the restoring methods of HTC. They presented the need: there is a 2 year waiting list for entry into the Teen Challenge program. Their heart is to expand. Pastor Julio is building a leadership team at Rendezvous. Three pastors were ordained on Sunday along with 37 baptisms to help the work. The service was joyful and celebrated God’s faithfulness. During a time when many churches have diminished or even closed their doors, RVC is standing as a hub for a larger network of churches. They are leading the way in Haiti for Christ and it’s evident to the people of Haiti. Julio was interviewed by several major TV and radio stations. George Kenworthy, Chief Development Officer As we tune into the daily news, there seems to be a growing number of giants appearing. In 1 Samuel 17 the Bible tells us that as the Israelites battled their enemy every day, the giant Goliath would stir up fear. His size, his threats, and the possibility of losing everything they loved terrified them.
But with one small stone Goliath was brought down. David knew where victory would come from and he proclaimed, “I come against you in the name of the Almighty God!” As we pray and fast together with our brothers and sisters in Haiti today, let our prayers be stones against anxiety, fear, sickness, violence and disorder. Let us pray against darkness and for the power of the gospel to transform the lives of those that are broken and without hope. Please also join us in praying for:
Philippians 4:4-7 says, “Rejoice in the Lord always, I will say it again; REJOICE! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The LORD IS NEAR. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace that passes all understanding will keep your hearts and minds in Christ.” Blessings, Vicki Jefferis
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