After a few months here, we have been reflecting a lot on what has been happening at the guesthouse, all the people we’ve met, and all the wonderful things God is doing through Heartline. The guesthouse is a unique ministry in that we are not out directly “in the fields” going to orphanages, building houses, digging wells… But we have been affirmed time and time again from different guests how important the guesthouse is for the people who are here doing those things. After a long day of hard work, physically and emotionally, giving all that they can, groups can come back here to be refreshed, get a good meal, shower, and rest. We talk through their days, try to help them process things and answer their questions, and tend to any other needs that they have.
For those of you who don’t know, besides providing a “sanctuary” for guests to come home to, the other purpose of the guesthouse is to help support Heartline’s other ministry sites. Heartline has a maternity center where women can come to get education, medical care, and deliver their babies. We also have a sewing center where women learn how to make purses and jewelry, learning a skill and supporting themselves. We have also opened a cooking school and literacy program this year. It has taken off and we will soon need to expand our facility to accommodate all that is happening there. Also, Heartline is starting a men’s discipleship program, and opening a bakery that the men will run. It is so encouraging to know that our ministry at the guesthouse is helping fund all of these tremendous programs that are changing the lives of many Haitians.
We are humbled and tremendously thankful for all of you who have been praying for us and supporting us financially. God has showed us his provision and care for even our littlest needs time and time again. Thank you for following our journey through the blog, and for all of your comments and encouraging words! That really keeps us going during the hard times.
We have a request for those of you who are with us on this journey, but may not be supporting us financially. In order for us to be here, we need to raise our own funds for things such as health insurance, travel costs, a portion of our house payment back in the States, general living expenses, and even retirement. The amount needed is about $1,500 per month, and currently we have about 1/3 of that amount coming in regular donations. Though Haiti is a third world country, it’s actually about 25% more expensive to live here than in the U.S.
Due to the fact that God called us so quickly to come to Haiti, we really did not have much time to raise funds before coming. We are asking you to pray about either making a one-time donation to our ministry here, or becoming a regular monthly supporter. It is our hope that after the few months we’ve been here, you can see that God is here and working in the lives of the Haitians! Your support will make it possible for us to stay here and continue our ministry in the guesthouse. You can easily give through our secure website, and become a one-time or regular supporter. We thank you in advance for your part in this ministry! Please email us if you have any questions (ryan.alberts@heartlineministries.org).
6 responses to “A Time of Thanks and a Call to Give”
Ryan & Melissa: So sorry I haven’t sent a note until now. We are truly inspired by your willingness to serve God and your dedication to helping people. You are both very special to us and God!! Your experiences will be treasured for a lifetime. Things have been very busy here as usual. You probably heard by now that Brandon & Kellie are engaged. Wedding date set for July 7, 2012. Brandon would love to have you play piano for the wedding, Melissa. But we certainly understand your situation. We didn’t send any money right away – thought maybe the donations would come right away so we waited. We sent a little something to Heartline on 11-28. Our thoughts and prayer are with you. Just want you to know how much we admire the both of you and how amazing your faith is in the Lord. Love to hear what’s been happening in your life-keep up the blogs. Love you lots and lots. Leonard & Sheri & Boys
Sheri! It is so great to hear from you! We are so excited for Brandon, and I’m sure you’re ecstatic too! How fun to plan the wedding. We would love to be there, but it’s hard to say if we’ll be able to fly home for that. I guess we’ll have to wait until it gets closer. Thank you so much for your encouraging words. We are all called to different places, us to Haiti, and you to raise your family in the Lord in SD! Thank you also for your prayers and for supporting us financially so that we can be here serving at the guesthouse! You guys are so generous, and we pray that the Lord blesses you in every way. Can’t wait to see you next, whenever that may be 🙂 Say hi to the rest of the family for us!
Hi Ryan & Melissa: Can’t believe its been so long since my last email. Sorry – its not that we haven’t been thinking and praying for you guys. How are you both doing? We pray you are healthy, safe and happy. So sorry to hear what’s been going on with your parents, Ryan. Not sure how to help! I guess, prayer is always a great place to start. Just wanted you to know we are thinking of you and send lots of encouragement and love your way!! Wished we could have seen you when you were back in the states earlier this fall. Time goes so fast! Can’t wait to see you! Love you lots and lots. Leonard & Sheri & Family
Sheri,
Thanks for your words! It is so encouraging for us to hear. We miss seeing you all so much! It’s the hardest thing about being away. How can we pray for you guys? I see facebook posts from Nick & Michael every so often. It’s very tough with what’s going on with my parents. Please continue to pray for them. It has caused many tearful nights but I know that God can still do miracles. Blessings to you all! We love you so much!
Mesi,
– Ryan
Just a friendly hello and to let you know we think of you often. You were especially in our thoughts and prayers at Thanksgiving time. We love you and miss you. Sheri & Leonard
Just want to wish Ryan a Happy Belated Birthday! Hope you had a very enjoyable day!! You can’t believe the weather here. Yesterday it was in the high 50’s. Absolutely amazing! We know it won’t stay. But we will take every nice day we get. It certainly makes the winter go faster. Just wanted you to know we are thinking of you. Leonard & Sheri