News & Updates

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ICDM: October Newsletter

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One person can make a difference…
 
One person who made a huge difference in the lives of thousands of Haitian children is Francois Philippe. A little over 34 years ago I asked Francois if he would help me teach the children of Bayonnais, Haiti. He sat down under a mango tree with a handful of students and began what would become ICDM’s Henri Christophe school which now serves over 800 students, Pre-K—Baccalaureate (grade 13) annually.
Francois Philippe
Francois Teaching in the Early Days
Over the years many other “one persons” have made their differences to help make the school successful but I focus today on Francois Philippe who was called home to be with Jesus this past week. I am not sure either of us fully understood what God would do with that mustard seed of faith planted under a mango tree 34 years ago, but we believed in the God who can grow trees out of mustard seeds and so we planted. I am so glad Francois lived to see the fruits of his labors and I know he received a “well done, good and faithful servant” upon his arrival in heaven a few days ago.
Some of Our Students Enjoying Lunch
Some of Our 800 + Students Preparing for the Day
I tell you Francois’ story to remind you that each one of us can make a difference. Throughout the years many individual Haitians and American partners have invested themselves in the work of ICDM and their efforts have made a great impact on the community of Bayonnais and the country of Haiti. You have heard about Haiti’s recent troubles with gangs and violence, and I am sure it saddens you as it saddens me. But I have not given up hope because our hope is built on Jesus Christ and over the years Jesus has empowered ICDM to make a tangible difference in the lives of children. Not only do we equip them for a better future through education, we introduce them and their families to Jesus Christ who is the hope of the world.
 
We have been successful in doing so because people like you have said “yes” to Jesus’ call to make a difference. I thank you for your faithfulness. You never know where your “yes” will lead. I invite you to say “yes” once again by sponsoring a child at the Henri Christophe School. Some of you already do so and I thank you. But others have yet to experience the joy of making a difference in one of our children’s lives. I invite you to sign up today at https://icdm.us/educate/sponsor/. For only $40 per month, you can provide instruction, books, uniforms, and supplies for a student who may make their own difference in the world. It is a great investment in a life and who knows how God will grow that investment?
 
 
If you have been sponsoring at the $35 level and would like to up your contribution to the $40 level, please contact Doug Terrill at dlterrill45@aol.com.
 
Although your gifts are important, your prayers are even more important. As we have expanded our school and other ministries over the years we have faced many challenges. I am sure we will face more in the future. But because of you, I know I am not alone. And because of your prayers, and the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, we have witnessed many powerful breakthroughs and miracles. I also ask you to join me in praying for Francois’ family and the Bayonnais community as we all adjust to life without Francois’ physical presence. Thank you for partnering with us in ministry.
 
Your brother in Christ,
Yvan Pierre
Founder and Director, ICDM