Updates

“Piti, piti, wazo fe nich li. / Little by little the bird builds its nest.” -Haitian proverb

DISCIPLE-MAKING SUMMIT

Our Disciple-Making Summit will be remembered as one of those pivotal events that thrust ISA toward making a more significant and enduring difference in Haiti. Disciple-making is the heartbeat of ISA; the Great Commission has been our call since the beginning. Tom Katenkamp and Jim Wilson, two experienced disciple-making leaders, directed our team of Jean-Mario Michel, David Cheeks, and Michael VanHook. Two immediate outcomes from their leadership are that ISA will be more united with other disciple-making movements around the world and more united in our prayer engagement. Jean-Mario will receive additional training through the "Contagious Disciple-Making" course.

NEW AGRICULTURAL PROJECT

ISA launched a sustainable agricultural initiative in collaboration with Hope Seeds International, Sonje Ayiti, and our church in Pignon. When harvested they will feed families and supply financial stability. Thank you to our strategic partners.

FEED A SOUL CHRISTMAS PROJECT

Thank you to all of our supporters who gave so generously to ISA's FEED A SOUL CHRISTMAS PROJECT. Through your gracious gifts, we were able to provide food for over 335 indigent families in Pignon. Pastor Ysaac and his church distributed care packages of beans, rice, and oil to widows, orphans, and the handicapped.

ISA LEADERSHIP TEAM RETREAT

On the weekend of November 10-12, five uniquely gifted and experienced individuals came together for three power-packed days and departed with "One Heart, One Mind, One Love, and One Vision." ISA's Leadership Team is David Cheeks, David Michel, Diane Shaffer, Michael VanHook, and Jean-Mario Michel. Throughout the weekend, Haiti was always part of the conversations. We love the Haitian people, and we are resolved to show them God's love.

LIMONADE STUDENT CONFERENCE

ISA was honored to sponsor the Limonade Student Conference. It was led by Pastor Guerby Deronvil who stated, "You really had to be there to see this event. . . the presence of the Holy Spirit really opened to us." The conference stood in stark contrast to the prevailing event in Haiti, Fèt Gede- Festival of the Dead. Our "Fertile Soil" manual was used throughout the conference for instruction and reflection.

MEDICAL SCHOOL GRADUATES

Please join us in celebrating the lives of Wendeline Noel and Marie-Clara St-Hilaire as they graduate from medical school in Pignon. Wendeline and Marie-Clara are a faithful members of our Esther Initiative, led by Diane Shaffer. We are proud of them because we know their genuine character and passion for serving others, and we are confident that God will use her in significant and enduring ways to make a difference in the lives of others and bring hope and change to Haiti.

STUDENT CAMP

ISA was very proud to sponsor a Summer Student Camp in Pignon. University students from Cap-Haitien traveled and spent five days at a seeking to grow closer in their relationship with Christ. They used "Fertile Soil" as their study curriculum. We loved the wonderful reports.

FERTILE SOIL LAUNCHED

Our proudest moment during the mission trip was launching the "Fertile Soil Project." A dream and a legacy that began with Gregg Shaffer in 2002 now lives in the lives in Haiti. Gregg lived his life to give it away to others by observing the instructions in 2 Timothy 2:2, "The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful people who will be able to teach others also." In a very emotional moment, Gregg's wife, Diane, introduced Fertile Soil to the leaders of Faith Church in Cap-Haitien. At that point, we realized that the magnitude of Gregg's legacy was living on. Our tears were real, and for a flash of time, our breath was taken away.

SUMMER MISSION TRIP

Mike VanHook and Diane Shaffer returned from their mission trip to Haiti. For three-years, COVID and civil unrest and violence prevented us from traveling. But an opening in the north enabled us to visit our friends and serve in the cities of Cap-Haitien, Pignon, and Fort-Liberte. Relationships were renewed and new ministries were launched.

This Christmas, through the generous donations of our supporters, we gave 210 Bibles to members of our church in Pignon. It is their strong desire to read God's Word so they can face life's challenges with an abiding faith. Thank you.

NEW COVENANT PARTNERSHIP

ISA has entered into a new covenant partnership with Pastor Ysaac Deshommes and his church in Pignon, Haiti. This covenant partnership opens the door for us to develop it as a "regional disciple-making center."

Pastor Ysaac's church has over 340 members and a satellite church in Port-de-Paix. Last spring, the walls of the church collapsed forcing the people to meet outside when weather permitted. ISA is now paying the rent on a building as a temporary solution. We have also supported their outreach to the community during this period of severe hunger and deprivation.

The church started when Pastor Ysaac and his cousin went to an area where Vodou was being practiced. They sat with the people and shared the Good News about Jesus Christ. Many people accepted Jesus, and 28 of them formed a new church in a field. Also, many of the people were sick; they prayed for them, and they were healed.

ISA . PO Box 134 . Hebron, KY 41048 . 859.938.9070 contact@internationalstrategicalliances.org