Howard and Ruth Van Dam and family serving with Christian Reformed World Missions and Sous Espwa

Sous Espwa represents all the ministries of the Christian Reformed Church of North America in Haiti. (World Renew, CRWM , and BTGM I)

“Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain.” Psalm 127:1

Dear Family and Friends,

Last month we shared how we had opportunity to participate in many exciting activities. Now as we reflect back on September, we again are filled with awe and thanksgiving for the privilege of being a part of God’s Kingdom work in Haiti.

The Christian Reformed Church of Jacquet, the first CRC congregation in Haiti has moved to a new location on their own property and in a large sanctuary. What an exciting day September 29th was when we could celebrate this huge milestone.

It began with a march from the old rented sanctuary situated on the second story of the pastor’s home to the new sanctuary in a new community.

We joined over 200 people parading in time with band music that morning.

The new roomy sanctuary building was packed full with many visitors and special guests from the U.S., Canada and all over Haiti. The first pastor and his whole family from Orlando, FL, Obelto Cherubin, Raymond and Gladys Brinks, retired missionaries from the Dominican Republic, Dan VandenHoek our former missionary colleague, representatives of Sonbeam International and Trinity CRC of Goderich, Ontario who helped fund the building project were a just a few of these special guests.

This capped over 10 years of prayer, fund raising, and building. Thank you to all of you who have prayed and given towards this event. The Jacquet members themselves gave well over $10,000 U.S. Praise God with us!

Earlier in September, we had another celebration as we witnessed the baptism of five young people at Quisqueya Chapel. Howard and I each
had opportunity to mentor one of the youth and so it was especially touching to hear them share their testimonies and pray with them after their baptisms. God is faithful!

Howard and his mentoree, Brunis

Ruth’s mentoree, Edline with her mom and little sister

Thank you for partnering with us!

Love, Howard, Ruth, Natasha, Micah and Malieke Van Dam