In Luke 10 at the end of the parable of the Good Samaritan Jesus says “which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of the robber? The expert in the law replied the one who had mercy on him. Jesus told him go and do likewise.”
Pastor LeRoy and Evelyn Dick went to Haiti in 1981 and ministered there for over 35 years. The Haitian people became the “neighbors” of Vine Ministry. While Haiti is a beautiful tropical island, it is a dangerous place. Currently 150 rival gangs are in control of about 80% of the capital. 200,000 persons are displaced from their homes, kidnappings are up 2700% and inflation is over 50%. At the end of July all Americans were ordered out of Haiti.
Anne Ashley Community Church has a long and productive relationship with the Dicks and Vine Ministry. The Dick’s first came to visit and share in 1995. In 2001 we took our first of 3 mission to trips to Haiti. 24 persons traveled to Haiti.
Vine Ministry is currently responding to the needs of those who are our neighbors in Haiti in three ways:
- Through support of Vine Church pastored by Rev Dr. Daniel Telfort since 2011.Worship, choirs, Bible studies, along with food and medicine distribution and the proclamation of the Good News of Jesus Christ are hallmarks of this vital NT church.
- Through the ministry of student support. Since 1994 Vine Ministry donors have enabled young people to attend elementary, high school, trade school, and university. We now have 230 kids in school because of your support. They are beautiful kids eager to learn.
- Through the ministry of six affiliated churches. Last fall donors placed three teams of oxen/plow into rural communities, purchased land for a future church/school and provided a rural pastor with a motorcycle. Soon church leaders will gather for a week of training, study, and fellowship.
How can you be involved? 1. Pray. 2. Give. 3. Connect
Vine Ministry has sought to fulfill the command of “Go and do likewise” by looking upon our brothers and sisters in Haiti with such compassion that we are moved to action; to look upon them with such care that we are compelled to respond; and to look upon them with such love that it moves our heart to share. Thank you for your support.
I look forward to sharing with you in worship on November 12. God bless.
Pastor Greg Golden,
Executive Director, Vine Ministry