Hello Everyone!
Transformation continues to take grip and be revealed in the city of St. Marc. Transformation is not defined by perfection, but change! This is what we have been experiencing and the future things I see coming together are even greater.
The Entrance of our city, built by the Christian Community, is now official open and manned by the local Police of St. Marc. This event happened and was planned in coordination of April 25 festivities.
April 25 is the annual day of celebration for our cities existence. As a result it seemed fitting that the new entrance be officially opened during this time. Since the Entrance had already been committed to God just prior to the war of 2004 a simple passing of the keys with Pastors, Mayors, Vice Delegate and Police Chief was demonstrated. This ceremony was then broadcast live on the local Television Station Dynasty. The New Entrance was immediately manned after the ceremony! The Entrance was built to promote a more favorable welcome to visitors, promote economic environment and added security.
For picture and video clips click on this link: http://www.ywamhaiti.org/photogallery/entrance/default.asp
The Fish Market was also prayed over and placed into action on April 25. This market was in response to the outcry from so many that had been suffering, trying to sell fish in the hot sun while watching their fish spoil.
There had been no official location or facility to sell fish. Fish stands were set up where ever there was place to be had. As a result the majority of merchants began flooding into the Beef Market/Slaughter grounds. This was creating many problems with overcrowded conditions and sanitation issues. Seeing this problem a former Mayor of the city appealed to us. This was the response from the church. For photos click on this link: http://www.ywamhaiti.org/photogallery/fishmarket/default.asp
The new facility is 90x75 located on the ocean where locals use to dump their trash. There are 30 stalls that could accommodate as many as 60 venders. Each vender will be charged a small fee that will go for the up keep and care of the structure while also creating a job for three people to provide for their families. In the future we hope to see a ramp that will run into the ocean to allow local fisherman to bring the catch of the day directly into the market!
The Beef Market is our next step. Since the war it has not been able to be recovered. Damage to the property due to overcrowded conditions and the past war has left many things broken. Once being amply supplied with water for sanitation it now has a broken pump and some missing and damaged wiring that must be repaired.
In addition the Agriculture Department has not had the funds need to guard the proper procedures of the slaughter of beef, pork and goat. Unvaccinated livestock tends to be the choice for the current butchers. The most feeble and sick animals are being the providers for the whole meat industry of the city. This must change.
We have already begun repairs and plan to setup a veterinarian station directly in the slaughter arena to assure that healthy livestock are the choice commodity not the ones that are about to die due to illness. Stay tuned as we will give a future report of the transformation that will be taking place in this most important area in the near future.
For photos of current conditions click on this link: http://www.ywamhaiti.org/photogallery/currentbeefmarket/default.asp
We continue to work to establish principals and values founded in the Bible. We believe that the only answer for a changed Haiti can be found in the hand book to a successful life, “The Holy Bible!”
Thank you for your many prayers! Through your giving to “New Beginnings” we are see the reality of the New Beginning works of the Kingdom of God being established in this nation!
Terry
PS for information on how you can be involved in giving to this ministry click the following link: http://www.ywamhaiti.org/Staff/ContactUs.asp
Thank you!