It's out there. No "beating around the bush." Right to the point.
If you need some back story, its coming. But, let me tell you how you can give:
Online Check the box 10 Vision Campaign
By Mail or Bank Bill Pay:
RLMI
P.O. Box 846
Rutherford College, NC 28671
Mark Vision Campaign in the Memo/Comment
The first $11,000 will get school started on time.
Now, the back story.
We launched our Vision Campaign on August 10. The goal of $115,500 breaks down this way:
- $47,500- Launch Real Love Academy
- $52,000- Open Real Love Medical Clinic
- $16,000- Payoff Orphanage Loan
So, I am writing this blog on August 21. School starts September 18. 155 students are enrolled in Kindergarten 1, Kindergarten 2, 1st, 2nd & 3rd grades. An opportunity for education that otherwise would be off limits to them because of costs. You see, in Haiti, there is no taxpayer-funded public education system. Schools operate on tuition paid by students' families ($900/year is one school's tuition). When the average income is less than $2/day, paying for school is low priority. Many schools end up closing for periods of time because they have no money to pay teachers and provide educational resources.
Real Love Academy's model is to charge $30/year so there is still a family investment in a child's education (scholarships can be awarded for need). The rest of the budget will be raised from generous monthly contributors.
(You can be one for $30/month. Make your first gift here.
or use the mailing address above. Mark 05 Real Love Academy Operations.)
But, first we need a school building.
We broke ground this Spring with initial gifts totaling close to $20,000......months before we were ready to launch our Vision Campaign! In June, we had a team of U.S. teachers who helped prepare the educational program and screen potential staff and students. Our staff is in place and 155 students (80 girls & 75 boys) have been enrolled!
But, I know what you are thinking. I thought the same thing. Why didn't you wait until the building was ready? Why recruit students and staff and set a start date when the building is still under construction?
That is how I would do it. That's my way of planning and organizing. In Haiti, not so much! As uncomfortable as it is for me, I find it refreshing and challenging to my own mentality. In Haiti, its about faith and trusting in God's provision. You take what God has given you today and you run with your vision as far as His provision will take you and then you wait until more comes. That is what our Haiti Board is doing. We had money generously given so, the school construction was started and the plans kept advancing.
Now, in August, our Vision Campaign is underway. Some of you have already been praying and asking God to direct your giving. To be blunt, I am asking you to step forward and give to this whole campaign. Help us provide education, much-needed medical care, and free up funds for other ministries. BUT, help right now to get school started on Sept. 18!
We still have a lot to do to finish the school building..... roof, flooring, plastering, etc. So, school is going to start in our Chicken House!! The $11,000 we raise right now will buy teaching materials, uniforms and put up some temporary walls in our Chicken House so classes can start while we finish the building! Sounds crazy, right? Not in Haiti. Make do with what you have and move forward!! God knew we needed to use the Chicken House for a school before we needed it to raise chickens!
God does His thing to His glory!
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| Proposed School Building |
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| Temporary School Building |
So, you don't have to scroll to the top, I have made it easy for you!
Online Check the box 10 Vision Campaign
By Mail or Bank Bill Pay:
RLMI
P.O. Box 846
Rutherford College, NC 28671
Mark Vision Campaign in the Memo/Comment
AND DON'T FORGET......
Ongoing support for $30/month. Make your first gift here or use the mailing address above. Mark 05 Real Love Academy Operations.
It's good to launch something new. It's even better to keep it going!!
Thank you in advance for making education a reality for 155 students this year! This is only just the beginning of providing great education for all ages!!
Russ Van Nest
Ministry Catalyst, Haiti
Real Love Ministries International
russ@reallovehaiti.org
PS. All funds are processed by Crosslink Church with 100% given directly to RLMI.