Felipe Rodriquez wakes at 5:00 a.m. from a bed he shares with two of his brothers in a small room. He has his breakfast of coffee and bread. Though at times, this is the only food he has until he returns home at night, Felipe’s ministry in Haiti of bringing Children’s Bibles and Bible study to Haitians in rural areas is what keeps him motivated and moving throughout his long day.It is a very difficult task Felipe faces each day. Traveling by foot in the rain or hot sun while crossing escalating slopes and small rivers - all with Children’s Bibles and study materials in hand - seemingly endless miles of muddy paths consume Felipe’s days. Almost always his clothes and shoes are worn out, but still he is determined to reach the families. And when he does, they eagerly wait for him to study God’s Word with them.
The Creole Children’s Bibles Felipe delivers are always such a blessing to the kids who receive them! The children love to hear Felipe read them stories of Jesus as they learn how to follow Him and live better. They sing songs together and learn Biblical principles to help them grow in their faith. The Children’s Bibles they earn when they complete weeks of study become their dearest treasure.
The families of the children Felipe reaches are taking a real beating from life. Many of the parents have no jobs. They are peasants without land—abandoned to the whims of nature.
Living in huts without access to potable water, desperate poverty defines their lives. Hygiene conditions are deplorable; and they eat staples like beans and rice. But when Felipe comes, it is pure joy for the children to take a break from their daily chores. For many of them, studying the Children’s Bible is the only “schooling” they will ever receive.
When Felipe brings the Children’s Bibles to his countrymen, he is bringing not only the Gospel, but also bringing them hope. The adult and children’s Bibles in their heart language of Creole truly are a gift for these people.
Approximately 60 percent of Bible League ministry in Haiti is in rural areas. In the last seven years, more than 450,000 Bible studies – with both adult and Children’s Bibles – were completed in Haiti—despite the surrounding despair.
Children in Latin America love to show off their Bible study completion certificates in their hands along with their Bibles. One group of children recently completed a Bible study using Children’s Bibles in a slum area—an area infiltrated with drugs and crime. Police don’t even enter these areas. But the Bible League has strategically honed in on – and remains committed to – these communities.
Bible Planters like Felipe learn to lead Bible League programs all over the island of Haiti and indeed, around the world. As they are equipped with training, Children’s Bibles, and other Bible study materials, they are armed to reach the children. The promises of the Gospel found in the pages of Creole Children’s Bibles and placed in the hands of His precious children in Haiti are equipping the next generation of Latin America and we have great hope for them.
“…Jesus called the children to him and said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” Luke 18:16 (NIV)
