Hello,
We are sending up many prayers for you who are reading this update and also for the people of Haiti. So much has happened this past spring with Restoration Ministries; we just continue to push forward and help in any way possible. When I met Pastor Lafleur over 10 years ago I didn’t know the project would lead to this, but I am blessed in so many ways by all of the people who have worked to make this happen. When I first moved to Nashville I was invited to a bible study led by a music industry veteran, Darren Tyler. Having someone to talk to about the industry, about God, and being able to attend the bible study, was a blessing as someone in a new town in his early 20s. I went to Haiti in 2005 and this December will mark our 5-year anniversary of that first trip. During the Bible study I was blessed to learn much about God but also to be in a place that would allow me to walk out this dream in Haiti. I have researched for a few years about starting a non-profit. In the Fall of 2007 an answer was given when Darren started the Conduit, a 501C3 which allowed the Haiti mission to take another giant leap forward. 2010 has been another big year for the country of Haiti. As you know the earthquake hit in January leaving the country devastated, however this was also an opportunity for the eyes of the world to be turned to our little country of Haiti. Earlier this fall, before the earthquake hit, Darren began making plans to start Conduit church and I had begun working with a team of people to finish up the application process for the 501C3 “Restore Haiti”.
So this is an official e-mail to let you know that the paper work has been filed and we are clear to receive money as Restore Haiti. I am extremely grateful to have spent so many years with Darren and to be a part of Conduit. They are moving forward as a church, continuing to partner with us and Restoration Ministries, and taking on projects to be worked on as a group. As Restore Haiti moves forward, we will be focusing on missions trips as well as the child sponsorship program.
In the next few weeks will we be working on our website, posting dates for upcoming trips, letting you know about new children who need to be sponsored, as well as giving you information about other projects that are on the horizon. This spring has been a busy time for us. In just the last few weeks over 50 new children have been sponsored, with more being added all the time. Our feeding program will now need to go to two shifts just to fit all of the sponsored children in the building! Since March 27, we have seen over 65 people travel with us to Haiti to assist with earthquake relief efforts, participate in medical and vision clinics, work at the feeding program, and help with construction efforts. In the next few weeks another 38 people will be arriving in Haiti to continue the work. Trips are forming for this fall, and we are pleased to announce that we are now beginning a sign up list for an October 19-24th missions trip. If you are interested in going, email info@restorehaiti.com.
Thanks again for all who have supported and those who have traveled with us to Haiti.
For our friends in Haiti,
Philip Peters