Greetings from the Dorce's...

Greetings from the Dorce’s in Haiti: April 17, 2010


Berea Christian School in Carries opened for school last week (as did all schools in Haiti) ... the first week of school since the earthquake. There were 12 students the first day, 25 the second day, 32 the next day, then 51 and then 62 in attendance. The numbers will continue to grow until the school averages close to 200 students.

We've been praying about and working toward having a lunch program for the school kids, and although we've not been able to establish that quite yet, we have been able to give the children MRE's several days. It is a real treat for everyone!

In addition to school, construction and clean up are still consuming our days. Progress comes slowly here, but we remain patient. Some of the projects we are tackling or will soon be able to complete are things we've waited for years. We are excited! We are encouraged! We are thankful for everyone who is part of it.

And one very special, overwhelming thank you to all of you who helped acquire the Backhoe for Blessing Hearts International. Quite frankly, this piece of equipment will revolutionize what we can do for the mission, for the school, for our housing and for the betterment of all the little villages we serve. There are a few key individuals who were instrumental in this labor of love. You know who you are, and we trust that the Lord will reward you for your hard work, diligence and love for Him and for the people of Haiti. Thank you. (At the time we are writing this note, the Backhoe along with a 40-ft container are in route to Haiti.)
THANK YOU.

We do need to work quickly. It is urgent that we complete the concrete floors, purchase the metal to weld the frame of the buildings and purchase the tin to cover the buildings and make the walls. The urgency is due to the impending rainy season. Classes would have to be canceled if we didn't have enough room to accommodate everyone. Our old building is fractured and the columns and the rebar in them were twisted and shaken. The Ministry of Education looked at our facilities and would not approve our former school structure; thus the urgency to build and enclose areas sufficient for school.

One more noteworthy update ... fuel is in short supply. Gas usually costs about $50 Haitian. It is now up to $80 Haitian, which is about $10 US ... per gallon! And we're thankful when we can buy it at all. Pumps at gas stations are frequently empty. We have a welder, construction projects, generators and vehicles that require gas. Pray for the fuel shortage to subside.

We are humbled and moved and grateful beyond description for your response to and trust in this ministry. We've been in Haiti for almost 17 years, and in many ways, these days of devastation and hardship are proving to be the most productive in all our time here. None of this is possible without you responding to the need, so again, thank you and God bless you.

We continue to count on the Lord for the wisdom to do what He wants with every resource He provides. Our commitment to you is that we will continue to work tirelessly to reach the people of rural Haiti with the Gospel and to educate a new generation of Haitians who will have the opportunity to grow up knowing there is a God Who loves them and desires a personal relationship with them. Continue to pray for revival in Haiti.

In His service,

Dee and Wilckly Dorce'


** Please see the attached pictures of the first day of school, new construction and a line at the gas pump.