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ZPC MISSIONS MOMENT – Learn. Be inspired. Serve!

The situation in Haiti has been volatile and unstable with widespread gang violence leaving many in desperate need. ZPC-supported Fondation Momprince Thomas (FMT) remains a beacon of hope in the midst of great upheaval.

Jill and Mike Robertson’s concern and care for the Haitian people spans more than a decade. In 2011, Jill joined Craig Fuhrman in traveling to Haiti to learn more about Dr. Etzer Thomas’ ministry, Fondation Momprince Thomas (FMT). The staggering conditions haunted her. A 2010 earthquake claimed the lives of more than 220,000 people which devastated the infrastructure and left many homeless. Jill witnessed families living without electricity or running water, using community outhouses because there were no bathrooms in the homes. People did not have access to medical attention nor proper education. Children were malnourished as shown by their hair being a different color than other children’s. “It’s hard to figure out,” she says. “You see all this poverty and just, ‘What can you do? How can you help them?’”

FMT consists of many ministries, all resulting from Etzer’s carrying out his mother’s dream of helping the community in Haiti. Due to Haiti’s 50% literacy rate, a school was built as well as a computer classroom, a library, and a well for close by water access. Teenagers originally learning alongside kindergarteners due to their low reading level are now in age-appropriate classes. Two hundred forty students currently attend classes, providing them education, hope, and opportunities that they did not previously have.

In addition to the school, ZPC-sponsored Vacation Bible School (VBS) is extremely popular. Children enjoy Bible stories, prayer time, snacks, crafts, and recreation. The first summer, word-of-mouth increased the starting group of 60 children to 90 by the end of the week. Now, VBS averages 500 children each summer.  

Guiding and equipping the next generation are also important aspects of FMT. Etzer’s wife, Maggi, leads a girls Bible study. In addition to scripture, participants learn about manners, ethics, appropriate ways to dress, and living a more moral lifestyle. (Please see below for information on the T-shirt dress making ministry.)

Youth in their teens to mid-20s are also trained to be leaders. These young men and women have become self-governing with a board empowered to make decisions. They are now also able to run VBS.

When 17 Christian missionaries were abducted in October of 2021, these young people were deeply troubled and wondered at the rest of the world’s perception of Haiti. The leaders asked Jill and Mike, “The evil that’s going on, do they see everyone in Haiti that way?” Mike was overcome as he recalled that conversation. “There are times they feel like God has forgotten them… And if we just go down and provide a little light….”

Mike and Jill reassured the leaders of their compassion for them and emphasized their upset at Haitians living in fear and in desperate need of food and clean water. (Five of the missionaries were later released, with the remaining twelve safely escaping.)

With the recent reopening of Haiti’s international airport, it is possible to again send goods and supplies to FMT. Financial contributions continue to be needed as buying food in country costs less than shipping it from the U.S. Please prayerfully consider how God may be calling you to make a difference.

How to Help

Please contact Jill Robertson [317.439.8990] for more information on any of the needs listed below.

• Financial contributions are needed on an ongoing basis. Food and medical care are current top priorities.
• Please pray - Etzer asks for prayer that the Lord would intervene for Christians and church goers to not lose faith, for safety for them as well as the missionaries scattered throughout the country, and for provision of food for those in need.
• The T-shirt dress ministry is an ongoing ministry that answers the need for church-appropriate clothing. These colorful dresses cover the shoulders with the ideal length being below the knee. One batch was previously sent to Haiti with the next batch of dresses being sent to Uganda in September. After September, dresses will be sent to Haiti and Egypt. Packets of materials and instructions are currently under the Welcome Center desk or you may contact Jill for instructions to be emailed to you.
• Come to VBS preparation which involves pre-cutting materials for sending to Haiti. This year, VBS preparation will happen in the fall with an anticipated trip in December or early January.
• Consider a future visit. Anyone is welcome. Jill also envisions a group of active or retired teachers visiting to possibly offer insights on the school’s programming.

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