“May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”  – Romans 15:5-6

Over the 16 years since Mission Encounters International was founded, we trust we have been listening to God’s plan for the Helene communities and faithfully, with your gracious support, been completing His plans. Looking back, we have seen strong Christian growth in the communities, along with significant and lasting infrastructure, providing a foundational service platform.  In addition, the transformational impact of over 100 Short-Term Mission trips and thousands of brothers and sisters in Christ interacting and serving the communities.

We have completed (or near completion) countless projects together, such as; a new school for the community 12 classrooms strong, a Medical clinic – providing for numerous doctors and dentists to serve, created the Helene English Christian School, trained local teachers, established a purified water system, a vocational training center, assisted in development of community leaders and a community governing body.

So why continue on? Helene is changing daily and is coming into its own. In the next five years a lot of change will continue for Helene. Helene will become a self–sufficient community in the near future.

Over these past years, we have faced many physical projects together and have been able to witness the fruit produced. In the beginning of every project excitement reigns, but as we come to the end, endurance and determination makes things happen. However, the hardest part of any project is for the last material to be purchased, the last nail to be driven. I love the book of Romans, let’s review this passage 5:3-5, “Not only so, but we also glory in our suffering, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given unto us.”

Some of the capital projects we look to finish include: Vocational Training Center, Medical Clinic updates, Children’s Soccer field, big boat topper, etc. It is also a time of year we have a lot of cash outflow for multiple annual needs, such as our English school, desalination plant expenses, boat repair expenses, replacing pumps and other maintenance expenses.  Your ongoing faithful support is needed today and will help us finish 2019 well.

When you give, we can make things happen together through God’s redeeming grace.