Pastor Dieupie’s Defense for Justice
“Shining a light into the darkness.” Within the first few hours of political service, Pastor Dieupie found himself taking a stand for justice! This is how the narrative unfolded. Senator Latortue from another department (state) came to Jacmel the very day of the election last October with his finances and influence to join forces with his two incumbent senator friends in the Southeast, intending to defeat Pastor Dieupie. Together, their enticements and bribes to the voters were intense – but to no avail, because God’s plan would prevail!
Prior to January 11 (the day of installation) enemies of Senator Latortue brought charges against him to the Parliamentary Procedures Committee seeking to affect his incumbency—and it looked as though they were going to win. On installation day, the spokesman for the committee refused to validate Senator Latortue based on the alleged claims, although election documents were in order and his win was according to the court. Following the spokesman’s announcement, live discussion broke out in the audience, with arguing back and forth. Parliamentary procedures were seemingly about to be violated. Realizing that justice was being abandoned, Pastor Dieupie took the floor to speak a word of wisdom to the crowd. He spoke based on justice and principle and not about the person. The crowd was calmed and Pastor’s intervention made it possible for Senator Latortue to be validated. Pastor’s statement amazed those who were present as well as the TV and radio audience, because many knew of Senator Latortue’s strong opposition to Pastor’s election. This single incident has opened doors and is giving Pastor opportunities on TV and radio to distinguish himself as “a pastor” who stands for truth and righteousness, and NOT a politician!
“For a great and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.”
(I Corinthians 16:9)
March 2–9 is the date we have set to complete the reroofing job at Camp Bossier, as well as to cover four new classrooms at our school in Lavanneau. The church in this area was the project we completed six years ago—just one day before the 2010 earthquake. At that time, there were no educational efforts in the entire community, so the public came together and pleaded with Pastor Iva to begin a school. We made the effort and thus started the school in the church building. This has proved to be a wonderful source of evangelism and education for the community, and the completion of these classrooms will enhance the school’s growth. Please join us to help accomplish these two very worthwhile projects.
We look forward with great anticipation to Camp Bossier’s annual retreats (ladies, March 11-12, and men, March 18-19). Mary Garton and Andrea Pisarcik from South Carolina and Cynthia and Lydia Putney from Poland, New York, will minister to the women; and the two pastors who will minister to the men are Jason Little and Bill Eisaman from South Carolina. God always uses these events to bless and renew the hearts of all.
Sarah leaves for Jacmel on February 29 until March 25. We covet your prayers for her.
We thank God for each of you,
Tom and Sarah Bennett
