August Newsletter

What’s been happening with FPSM?

Over the past month, FPSM has been providing a Bible study for the residents in Milot every Sunday.  The Bible study takes place in the chapel and its attendance has grown steadily over the weeks, averaging 25 adults and around 60 children.  Marcot, Margerit, and Melanie teach the adult classes, while Mouslyne and Vero teach the youth and children.  What is particularly special is that some of the leaders from the summer camp in July have volunteered their time in order to help teach the youth at the Bible study!  The Bible study has served as a means of providing safe and meaningful community while also encouraging the residents of Milot to grow in their knowledge of who God is.

This past Sunday, Mindy Deangelis and Shannon Miller hosted the first FPSM youth committee meeting for the 2017-18 school year.  11 students (7 American, 5 Haitian) ranging from ages 9-16 have committed one full school year to advancing the mission of FPSM.  On behalf of the foundation, we would like to welcome Mia, Hayden, Oliver, Ella, Anna, Kyla, and Ansley (Ansely pictured below) to the FPSM team stateside along with Caleb, Campbell, Debra, and Abbie from the Haitian youth.  These students will not only have the opportunity to build relationships with one another, wrestle with concepts such as poverty, giving, and governmental corruption, but also develop projects that can help lead to sustainability.  Last week, three students on their own accord- Ansley, Noah, & Jack Kamienski (pictured below) held a lemonade stand in their neighborhood and raised $203.02 to go towards education in Haiti.  FPSM has been so encouraged by the commitment of the next generation.

This month FPSM began registering new students for the second year of the literacy program.  We are pleased to announce that 35 students have  registered for the upcoming year!  15 students will be entering Base Alfa (the beginners class) and 20 students will be entering Alfa 1 (Literacy 1).  Additionally, FPSM received a donation of reading glasses, which will be distributed to the men and women of the literacy program who need special assistance with their eyesight.

What’s NEXT for FPSM?

October 28th, 2017 will be the inaugural Durbin Trail Mix race, which encompasses a 5K walk/run, an 18-mile run, and a 3-person 18-mile relay.  It is being held on the beautiful, scenic trails in the Julington-Durbin Preserve in Jacksonville.  The race is being organized by Empower Coaching & Fitness, LLC.  This year’s proceeds from the race will benefit FPSM.

 If you would like to register for the race, here is the link to do so: http://www.itsyourrace.com/event.aspx?id=9551.

Additionally, if you or your business would like to be a sponsor for the race, please contact: [email protected].

FPSM will be initiating the Sports Program in the Fall. We are looking to enroll up to 50 participants. Shannon Miller and Sarah Kamienski will be traveling down to Haiti in order to deliver the equipment and meet the participants of the program.  Currently, the government in Haiti is discouraging sports programs for students who are not actively enrolled in school.  Vero, Marcot, and Shannon are working on a proposal for 16 youth in rural Milot to be enrolled in school this fall.  These students consistently attend the Bible study and other FPSM programs.  If you would like more information about the Sports Program, please e-mail [email protected].

On Sept 24th, FPSM will host a Prayer Gathering at the Platko’s house from 4:00-5:00 pm.  We will also be continuing FPSM’s Youth Committee at that time.  During this meeting, the youth in both the US and Haiti will have an opportunity to get to know one another as they begin to partner together in the ministry of FPSM.

Partnering as we move forward…

FPSM is still looking for individuals who would be interested in hosting a vision night to help raise awareness and support as we move forward with Phase 3. If you would be interested in hosting a vision night on behalf of FPSM, please contact [email protected]

Please join FPSM in praying for the following:

  • Pray that the Holy Spirit would work within the hearts of the men, women, and children in bringing them to Bible Study
  • Pray for resilience for the evangelism team
  • Pray that leaders would arise within Milot that would be empowered to help with FPSM’s mission

 

To date, we still need $250 a month in pledges for the 2017 operational budget (which is $2,000 per month in total).  Please continue to pray about contributing to FPSM on a monthly basis!

Additionally, FPSM is seeking to raise $50,000 in 2017 in order to purchase a Mitsubishi Fuso. $30,000 has already been raised on behalf of the purchase of this vehicle.  This capital expenditure will be used to transport large groups of ministry team members as well as construction materials in a much more efficient manner.

It is such a privilege to be a part of something that is bigger than yourself! FPSM thanks God first and foremost for His sufficient grace and each and every one of you for serving alongside of us as Christ draws people home!