"Field Posts"

As the year 2015 comes to a close, we wanted to give you a little update on our family! As always, we've had a busy year of ministry in Haiti, so we were appreciative of some opportunities to serve together and rest and play together. It had been a while since our whole family had been out in the country with a team. In June, we were able to join a group from Harper Church in Port Orchard, Washington to visit their sister church in Les Irois, Haiti. It was about an 8 hour drive to the westernmost tip of Haiti. For Becky, Tessa and Braden, it was their first time seeing that part of the country (Grand d'Anse region). We really enjoyed serving together as a family and were thankful to be a part of that team's ministry in Les Irois. This wasn't a furlough year for us, so we chose to spend our vacation time in the Dominican Republic. We drove with another family to Puerto Plata, DR (a looooong 15 hour drive) and enjoyed 10 days at a resort there. It was really r...

I recently had the opportunity to spend 5 days at the MEBSH Church in Ducis, Haiti, with a team from their Sister Church, The Village Church, from Bartlett, Illinois.  It was truly incredible to see how God can bring brothers and sisters together, in a long term partnership, and make them ONE. How can this happen when there are SO MANY DIFFERENCES between us? How can this happen in a world SO DEEPLY DIVIDED? How can this happen with SO MANY MILES (literally and figuratively) between us? Jesus.  The unity wasn't superficial.  It wasn't cursory. It wasn't fake, forced, or manufactured. It was genuine love and unity developed over time because or our mutual love for Jesus and what he calls us to together. "I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment." 1 Corinthians 1:10 These 2 churches have had a LONG partners...

Stillness and silence allow for the presence of God and reorientation of life. Does the volume of your life allow for the presence of God? Greatest Obstacles to Silence and Stillness… Fear, Addictions (Tech, Social Web, Entertainment Choices), Pursuits, Work Task List, Home Task List, Over-Commitment, Lack of Boundaries. It's almost like we are addicted to noise itself.  We must remember, we have the ability to adjust the the volume. Why be Silent and Still... To Hear From God… Psalm 40:6 – ““Ears you have dug for me.” He literally dug holes in our head through which His Word can pass to the heart and mind. To Talk to God… Jesus himself was “led by the Spirit into the wilderness” (Matthew 4:1), “went out to a desolate place” (Mark 1:35; Luke 4:42), and “went up on the mountain by himself to pray . . . alone” (Matthew 14:23). To Worship God…Psalm 46:10 (ESV) “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the e...

Stop and think about that for a minute. If you live in the US, is intestinal worms a disease you have to even concern yourself with? Do you watch your kids, who already don't get enough to eat on a regular basis, suffer from a constant cough, diarrhea, lack of energy, and inability to focus? These intestinal parasites are a common worry for many rural families here in Haiti, most of whom don't have even the education to understand how to prevent themselves from getting this disease and who don't have the means to see a doctor to treat this disease. For the fourth year in a row, we've been able to make yearly deworming a regular part of our Hope For Kidz (HFK) child sponsorship program. At the end of November, all school directors of the 50 schools we have the HFK program in, came to the RMI office for what is now a regular meeting and distribution of deworming medication. They have already been trained to teach worm prevention to each classroom and how to admin...

You may have noticed, but I (Becky) have been fairly silent on the blog lately. It's not that I have nothing to write about, it's mostly that I haven't had much time to put into it. I just have had too much on my plate. Most of you know I fill two roles at RMI: that of hospitality coordinator and bookkeeper. Both jobs keep me busy and engaged in the ministry of RMI here in Haiti. Two years ago, I was asked to join the school board for our kids' school, Cite Lumiere Christian School (CLCS) and a year ago took additional responsibilities as the Chair of the Board. This role is completely voluntary. I really love our little school and our kids have really thrived in this learning environment. One of the biggest challenges we face as a Board is finding teachers willing and able to serve. In order to keep costs low, we ask teachers to raise support as a missionary. These teachers have had a huge impact on our kids! This year, we weren't able to find a teach...

I've dreamed of being a professional photographer.  It's ok to dream right?  But, I am quite certain that day will never arrive. Why? Well, first, and maybe most important, I am up to my eyeballs is other endeavors.  Second, I honestly have SO MUCH to learn about photography.  Yet, I have a ton of desire to keep learning and shooting when I can (which frankly, isn't often). See an album of all my "Favorites"  here .

God is eternally faithful.  He ceases to be God in the absence of his faithfulness.  Faithfulness is not a description of God, it is the essence of who he is. Deuteronomy 7:9 “Know therefore that the LORD your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments." As we grow in our appreciation for his faithfulness, the appropriate response is personal humility and unbridled resolve for our own obedience and faithful pursuit of His glory. In the little, and the big, no matter the circumstance, in our joys, frustrations and sorrows, let’s faithfully pursue Him.  There is no folly in such a pursuit.

I am encouraging the RMI Haiti Team to have "Eyes for Excellence".  We all need to be looking around us at all times to find things that we can do better.  It takes the whole team having the same “vision”.  When something is done with excellence, let's make sure we praise that person responsible.  When something is not done up to the standard of excellence, let's make sure we help the person responsible see it too and know how they can do better the next time.  In our pursuit of excellence, we should remember.... Our pursuit of excellence should never express itself in a feeling of superiority over others. Our pursuit of excellence should never be for our own glory.  All for Christ! Our pursuit of excellence should be an expression of worship.  We do this because he is worthy. Our pursuit of excellence should always be constructive not destructive.  We want to build up ourselves and the RMI team.  Never tear down. Our pursuit of excellen...

It brings us such great joy to know we are where God wants us to be.  There is no greater blessing than serving Jesus.  Our family is “all in”.  We often hear Drew pray, “Lord, thank you that we get to be in Haiti to share the Gospel.”  How cool is that?! Recently our whole family had the opportunity and privilege to join up with Harper Evangelical Free Church as they visited their Sister Church in Les Irois, Haiti.  Just a quick 9 hour drive over the mountains! This year, the team focused on visiting and encouraging 2 satellite churches (1 required a long hike to a mountain top – totally worth it), celebrating the recent installation of the school/church/parsonage solar system, a Men’s BBQ, a Ladies gathering, a Hope for Kidz sponsored children’s gathering, and lots of fellowship/smiles/worship/encouragement. Yes the drive/hike was long.  Yes, it was dirty. Yes, it was hard.  Yes, it was sweaty.  Yes, it was uncomfortable.  Yes, it was ...

There are many uncomfortable things I’ve had to learn to do in Haiti.  Some examples include learning (and regularly speaking!) another language, driving on difficult roads, killing a tarantula and  using an outhouse toilet.  Some of these things cause discomfort because I have a lack of confidence in my abilities while others, you can imagine, are just physically uncomfortable! I am a Pharmacist by training.  I worked this profession for 10+ years in the States and it is a job I am very comfortable and confident doing.  Since coming to Haiti, I’ve had to take on many different jobs and responsibilities in order to find a place to serve and fill in the gaps.  I currently work as RMI’s hospitality coordinator and bookkeeper.  Both areas I previously had little training.  Both were uncomfortable to learn how to do and there are still some times that I don’t feel fully confident.  I am always learning. Yet, for the most part, I have come to rea...

Did you know that RMI has a blog that we often post to with stories and thoughts from the field? You may also want to subscribe to RMI’s Monthly Partnership Posts email… Here are some of the recent posts… Behind the Scenes… New Life, New Culture, New Home, New Job – The Nunemakers Have Arrived in Haiti… Will You Pray? Moving Day in Haiti RMI Office Grows No Turning Back Effective Prayer for Missionaries HFK Thank You from Maniche… McGregor Youth Changed Eternity…

If you financially give and/or pray, you are on our “Team Thompson”.  Thank you for your faithful and sacrificial support.  We are here serving because of you. For those who do not currently support us…  Would you please consider joining our team?  Click here for details. Here is an update as of August 21, 2015…

At it’s most basic level, leadership is when a person/leader knows and puts into action the following 3 principles (2 out of 3 won’t do). This applies to your life as a whole, your family, your trip, your job, and every task/project you undertake…  A leader MUST… 1. Know where they are going…   I call this the PURPOSE principle – If you don’t have a purpose, or a known final destination, you will be drifting aimlessly and won’t ever achieve the reason you exist.  One must know what they are trying to accomplish.  God put you on earth on purpose for a purpose.  What is it?  Now do it. 2. Know how to get there… I call this the PLAN principle – If you don’t have a plan, then your next step is unknown.  We must have a step by step plan if we hope to accomplish something of significance.  If your plan doesn’t have depth, which requires many steps, then your plan is too small!  There is a fine line between a realistic plan and a plan that ...

I recently had the opportunity to go with a team from The Summit Church , to visit their Sister Church, Cote de Fer MEBSH Church.  The team had come to do a construction project at the RMI Zanglais Retreat Center, but we took the opportunity to make a one day visit to their Sister Church. The day was filled with Gospel centered encouragement, smiles and tears.  We had an opportunity to meet and pray with the church deacons, visit 5 homes to provide nourishment for both the soul and the body, take a small part in the days Vacation Bible School, and have a meal together. I got to meet “Happy” (first picture below).  They call him Happy, because his smile and laugh are intoxicating in spite of the burdens he is carrying in life.  His situation is VERY difficult as the walls of his home are crumbling and his concern as he ages is growing for the future care of his adult deaf daughter. James 1:2-4 comes to mind. You can see more pictures here …

I think it’s fair to say we work hard.  From time to time, we have been known to play hard too!  These past few months have provided some refreshing opportunities to get some rest and enjoy our family and friends.  Here are a few pictures from a recent opportunity we had hiking the Glas (Ice) River.  By the way, you might remember that this is the same location where I (Rob) was stuck with a team for 4 days a few years back due to Tropical Storm Sandy. (Here is a Video .) More pictures of this hike here .

Wind swept hair, along with a wind swept spirit... Wow, lots going on. Feels like a bullet/maglev train... Trying to keep up... Pray for us as we are now about to ratchet it up to another level as we enter a wild 2 weeks... breath... breath... breath... Praying for moments of stillness/sanity/God moments... 4 teams in the next 2 weeks... McGregor Baptist work team, along with Dan and Kim, will be building 3 Homes for Haiti in Petit Goave and Mirogoane and doing lots of RMI facility work in Cayes and Zanglais.  Teachers Training Teachers (TTT) will be doing the 3rd and 4th module of seminars for 75 teachers and leaders.  Second Cape will be visiting their Sister Church in Port a Piment. They will be building 1 Homes for Haiti, distributing food, doing an open air evangelism service, meeting with the groups of the church (ladies, children, deacons, men's BBQ), plus other things. Becky's Mom is coming in with this team to stay for a month.  Vision Team - We hav...

Sorry Lise, Tessa is the new RMI Haiti Office Receptionist The pace of our life/ministry here is frenetic, but we wouldn't have it any other way.  Well, truthfully, we could probably slow down a little and we are actually working on this. ;) During these first couple of months of 2015, God has been at work through our family, and certainly through the whole RMI Team.  Here is a quick list that tries to capture a picture of what the we've all been up to... We have facilitated 7 teams so far this year. We received a container of ten Homes for Haiti homes. The first home was completed in Picot TODAY! We have distributed 64,152 general relief food meals. We have distributed 236,340 Hope for Kidz Hot Lunch meals in 18 schools. We have made progress on developing a plan for water and power at RMI's Zanglais Retreat Center.  We are thankful to Water Missions International for their partnership. We have added 2 more employees to our staff, Anderson and Macenat ....

Cite Lumiere Christian School has been such a blessing for our family.  I have seen our kids grow in their knowledge and love for the Lord in wonderful ways.  I would not be able to be involved in ministry with RMI without the dedicated teachers serving our family and kids in this way.  I am so thankful for each of them! We are looking for teachers willing to serve in our school in Haiti, starting with the 2015-16 school year.  We have seen God work miracles in providing for our students’ needs over this past year and are trusting He will provide for our upcoming school year.  Our specific needs  for the 2015-16 school year include an early elementary teacher and a 7th grade teacher. This is a great opportunity to serve missionary families while experiencing a new culture !    Do you know someone who might be interested?  Please, help us spread the word by posting this need in front of your contacts.  This can be a short-term comm...

I’m not going to sugar coat it: cross-cultural living is HARD .  It’s also hugely rewarding and we know we are right where God wants us to be.  Yet that doesn't make it easy. For us, there are two areas of life where it’s especially difficult: home and church.  While we live in a comfortable home, our home is rarely a place where we can truly rest or retreat.  There is always someone else there or outside or knocking on our door.  Church in another language is also difficult and tough for the kids.  We just really miss the ease of worshipping in our heart language and our kids really miss the joy of Sunday School in the US.  We are so thankful that our community of missionaries plans an annual retreat.  Our whole family looks forward to going somewhere where we can truly retreat and rest, enjoy each other’s company and the company of our friends, and worship and be taught from scripture in our heart language. This year we were blessed to hav...

One of the really great things about living in a place like Haiti is the fun of exploring new places and seeing new things.  Haiti is a breathtakingly beautiful country.  We happily take any chance we get to take a break and have fun as a family exploring!  We’ve especially been enjoying this as the kids are getting older and are capable of doing more. In the beginning of February, Tessa and I had the opportunity to go on a hike and campout with other moms and daughters and single ladies.  This is the same hike Rob and Drew did in the fall with other fathers and sons.  There were 12 of us all together.  We hiked 3 hours up a to the top of mountain that sits behind the Retreat Center.  It was the hardest hike I had ever done!  Of course Tessa and the other little girls are mountain goats and made it look so easy.  We packed all of our supplies (including water for the hike up, food for the weekend and tents) onto 3 mules who carried it all up...

Did you know that RMI has a blog  that we post on as well?  We almost never cross-post (post the same message on both our personal and RMI blog) so you will find all unique content over there.  If you want to know more of what is going on in our ministry, you should check it out and even subscribe . Among others posts written by others, you can read articles that we have recently posted over there like... " Teams Come and Go, Why? " " Top 10 Ways to Ruin a Short Term Mission Trip " " Ask Yourself This Question " " Reciprocal Learning " " Are We Doing the Work of the Gospel? "

We want to say thank you to all those who have supported us.  You are a blessing from God.  We have passed our 10 year anniversary with RMI, and now we are coming up on our 5 year anniversary of our move to Haiti (April 9). SO. MANY. PEOPLE. have stood with us, sacrificially and generously donating month after month and year after year.  We have a number of donors that have NEVER missed a month in over 10 years!!! SO. MANY. PEOPLE. have prayed for us, encouraged us, even brought us some essentials, like Dunkin' Donuts coffee! There aren't sufficient words to say thank you...  We are grateful.

I am a great example of how NOT to do it. For a list of some of my practical observations about American vs. Haitian culture, see  this . Great care, listening, patience, sensitivity and a generous dose of mutual trust and respect are required as we endeavor to be in healthy cross-cultural relationship and partnership. It's often a tough road to navigate, but it's a worthy God honoring and rewarding journey! When it comes to our church partnerships, this is where RMI comes in. We can help bridge the gap. RMI American missionaries on the ground in Haiti, along with our national missionaries, both with a little more multicultural experience and a developed trust and understanding, can have mutually honoring, but also frank, honest and even awkward conversations face to face, so that we can understand one another and communicate that understanding with both our American and Haitian church people . For instance, the RMI national team can ask we American missionaries stra...