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Dear Prayer-Partners,
"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble" (Ps
46:1). Our country of Haiti is having lots of trouble right now...they
are on the verge of civil war! Many have been killed and there is so much
disorder in the large cities. Please pray for Haiti and for God's care of
the faithful believers there.
I spent five days in Port au Prince trying to buy a truck. I had to get a
Haitian identity card and that took some doing. I have filled out the
forms and it looks good for getting that within a couple of days when I
return. Some great news...with the Ford on the market there it has driven
the price of the Toyota down to be more competitive...I could have gotten
a Ford and driven it off the lot...the Toyota dealer did not have any in
stock but said if I would order one he would sell it to me for the same
price as the Ford...I made the deal and am so thankful. I plan to return
to Haiti the 22nd of March and pick up the truck. Please pray for the
Lord to work it out that I can get the card and get the truck out of the
city safely. Many are asking and the answer is yes...it was dangerous in
Port au Prince...we could hear gunshots at night and we had to avoid those
areas as we drove around the city each day. I could not go look at
motorcycles as the area where they are sold is right in the heart of the
city where there was a lot of trouble. The Lord has been faithful to
protect me. I will carefully evaluate the situation before returning in
March. PROJECTS
We had a small group come and help with work projects...my son Luke along
with brother Bob and brother Bernie accomplished much during the ten days
they were there. Our greatest need right now is the finances to finish
several projects that we have started. Doors, windows & benches for
church at Tanais ($1000). We have $1000 toward building a church at
Martineau ($4000 still needed). We need another $1000 to finish Pastor
Eric's house. We have more churches to build but these are the main
projects right now. I also have two orphanages that are in great need of
assistance. If any family or church is interested in helping with any of
these projects please let me know (remember...you don't have to do the
whole project...any amount is helpful).
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Communion sets
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Bicycles ($120 each)
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Lanterns for country churches
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Keyboards & guitars
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Two microphones for city church
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Drum set for city church
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Monthly support
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Undesignated...some of the best gifts have been those given to be used
wherever the greatest need is...we thank the Lord for such gifts.
On this last trip I experienced one of the saddest situations I have ever
seen. One night a good preacher friend from out in the country came to my
house...he had rushed his 1 1/2 yr old son to the hospital...there is no
medicine in our hospitals...they gave him a prescription...he had no money
so he came to me...I gave him the money but he could not find the medicine
that night...next morning early I took him to the hospital early on my
motorcycle only to find out his son had just died...WHAT A HEARTACHE! I
spent the day with the family and preached the funeral that afternoon. At
the hospital when he had just found out his son had died...he walked over
to the bed and fell to his knees and started weeping and praying...he
said, "Lord, I don't know why you allowed my son to die...but I will never
quit following you and will never quit trusting you!" That scene and
prayer will be etched in my mind for the rest of my life!
I preached in my home church here this last Sunday...next Sunday I will be
in two churches in Southern Missouri...the next three Sundays after that I
will be in California...I will then be home for a day and a half and then
head for Haiti.
* I will be returning to Florida the middle of May to officiate the
wedding of my second son, Mark and his fiance, Lacey Freeland...I think I
am looking forward to that day as much as they are!
Thanks to all for your prayers and support...God bless.
In Christ our Savior,
Pastor Dave
For tax-deductible gifts please make check to:
Beth’El Baptist Church, Box 437, Green Forest, AR 72638
Pastor Dave Stockeland's contact
information:
204 Arkansas Place,
Green Forest, AR 72638, Home:
870-438-4599, Cell: 209-747-4616
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