Monthly Ministry Updates
April 2022HELPING THE REFUGEE“If you pour yourself out for the hungry and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, then shall your light rise in the darkness and your gloom be as the noonday.” — Isaiah 58:10
POLAND![]() Some of you reading this have traveled with me to Poland. Pastor Jan Tomczyk has been a friend for many years. In his younger years, under Soviet rule, he smuggled Bibles into Russia, started a seminary, a church, and a camp in Poland. In many ways, his service for Christ has been a wonderful example to me through the years.
When I heard of the refugees crossing into Poland, I asked him if he was involved. He responded quickly. He told me of some of the terrible things happening to Ukrainians crossing the border. DSM sent some financial help and I posted on Facebook in case others wanted to help. Thank you for your quick and generous response. Pastor Jan reports that more and more people are arriving and needing help. The needs include transportation, places to live…everything! He asked if I had $20,000 to purchase a van. I said no, but we can pray. A few days later, a check came from a church for $20,500 - enough to purchase the van and help with the insurance!!! Please pray for Pastor Jan as he is not well himself. He says that his heart is functioning at 40%. To date, $66,000 has been donated for refugee relief. Most of it has already been sent, and you have our pledge that 100% of all funds designated for this purpose will be sent. Those coming to the church for physical help will also be given a Bible. Thanks to all of you who have sent a contribution. And, yes, this is an ongoing need if you would like to contribute.
HAITI![]() BY JULIE MCFADDEN
With all of the unknowns in Haiti, God has been teaching our staff all about TRUST. I have always loved this chorus in the song, “Trust His Heart.” God is too wise to be mistaken God is too good to be unkind So when you don’t understand When you can’t trace His hand Trust His heart We as a staff have been learning to trust His heart. We are getting back to “normal” in our Haiti world. With Haiti ranking 7th as the least happy place in the world, we have much work to do to bring the joy of Jesus to a desperate people. We need your help! We are praying that some of you will be joining teams in 2023! We are also praying that in October of 2022 some of you might consider an internship through our Venture Program. This is a three month internship and discipleship course. We are so excited to have Hailey Pierce, a former intern, back serving full time in Haiti. We also have David and Jennifer Nelson arriving to manage Our House of Hope this September. Please be praying for all of them. There is much work to be done in Haiti. If you are interested in bringing a team, joining a team, or being a part of Venture, please email haiti@dsminternational.org. March 2022
INDIA
ASIAThrough the gifts of a generous donor, we were able to help purchase property in Myanmar to establish an orphanage and church. We also began a work in Pakistan helping the very poor. Friends, there is no lack of need in this world, but the greatest need is to know Jesus. Through Zoom Don has played trumpet at large conferences in Pakistan. When possible, should the doors remain open, we hope to participate there soon, live and in person. Now there is a prayer request for you! Thank you!
ROATANOur team of 7 leaves this month to travel to Roatan, Honduras, to work on their new ministry center. Check it out in the picture! This is where our future mission teams will stay when ministering on the island.
HAITIWe are very excited to announce that Julie McFadden is now raising support to serve full-time with DSM overseeing our Haiti ministries. Actually, she has been putting in the time, now we want her to be rewarded for it. It is easy to sign up to be a part of her support team! Just go to go to the giving page and click on Julie’s name. And…thank you!!!
![]() HAITI REPORT FROM JULIE MCFADDEN
Thank you for your continued support of DSM International. As hard as Haiti can be, I am so blessed to be the Haiti Director. I would like to introduce you to one of those blessings at our special needs home, DSM International: Jehovah Rapha House. This is Andrice. Andrice came to us with many lifelong delays, both cognitively and physically. What makes Andrice so special is his irresistible and unconditional love. Andrice just loves to love you. As soon as he meets you, he will tell you that he loves you in Creole as well as in English. He cannot walk, but he will reach out to you from across the room with his sweet smile, arms outstretched, beckoning for you to sit with him, in a way that no one can resist. He will hug and kiss and snuggle with you for as long as you would allow him to. Whenever I am in Haiti, I always make sure to just sit with Andrice. He loves me unconditionally. He doesn’t care if I am sweaty or dirty. He just loves me. He overwhelms me with his hugs and kisses. I think often that he loves me like Jesus loves me. He just loves me for me with no conditions attached. Andrice gives his love freely. I am reminded that God uses Andrice to spread His love in this world, all while sitting on a bench, unable to move. I ask myself how well am I loving others like Andrice does, like Jesus asks me to? And how much more does my Heavenly Father love me? February 2022
NOT SO GOOD AND UNEXPECTED:
We are still waiting for all the details, but our work in Vijayawada has been shut down. Please pray for the orphans and widows this will affect. God knows about this. He does not ignore the orphan and widow! We are deeply concerned for those who might be affected by these developments, and will continue to do whatever we can. ![]() HAITI:
While things are beginning to settle down politically, Haiti remains a difficult place to minister. And yet our children at our special needs orphanage are oblivious to the chaos around them as the highlight of their day is gathering together to worship God. Several of our staff were in Haiti in January. Mission teams are signing up to stay at Our House of Hope, DSM’s Haiti Ministry Center, in the months to come. Please continue to pray that we will be safe and effective as we continue to share the Gospel message and help those in need. FROM DON SHIRE:
Once again I want to thank our prayer and financial partners. It sure seems like Jesus will be coming soon! We are willing to go and serve in this crazy world but we must be sent! You are as important to this ministry as those who go, and you are very much appreciated! January 2022 A NEW YEAR TO SERVE
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such
a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” —Hebrews 12:1-3 SOME THINGS TO LOOK FORWARD TO AND TO PRAY ABOUT
1. INDIA
While our India permit which we need to transfer money to our Indian partners has not yet been renewed, Pastor Prabhu said he is not concerned. He is certain that the delay is the result of government officials not showing up for work due to the new Covid outbreak. We wired the January money early so another delay will not hurt as much. Please understand that one way or another we will continue supporting our orphans and widows! If the day comes when we cannot send funds and if we will not be sending further funds we will let you know promptly and clearly. However, at this time there doesn’t seem to be much concern on “if” it will happen, the only concern is “when”. 2. HAITI
We are praising God that the missionary team kidnapped and held for ransom in Haiti are now free! While Haiti continues to be a difficult place to minister, the need for us to help is greater than ever. Our Jehovah Rapha House children are safe and doing well. Our House of Hope USA staff is back in the States but counting the days for when they will be able to return. We are considering moving some of our JRH children to OHOH to ease the crowded conditions. Please pray with us about how and if we should proceed.
4. HONDURAS
We are excited to be planning a mission trip to the Children’s Home in Roatan, Honduras in March. We will be helping in the construction of a Mission Center which will house mission teams in the years to come. Don is president of the Sandy Bay Lighthouse Ministries board that runs the home. As we plan for the future, we remember how God has miraculously provided in the past through our faithful financial partners. We can plan with confidence that God, as we seek His direction, will continue to provide for us to share His plan for salvation as well as to care for orphans, widows and those in need. Thank you for partnering with us!!!
December 2021
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INDIA
Our children will celebrate in India with song and dance. The dance will be choreographed to Christian music telling the story of Christmas. There will be a special cake prepared. The children and widows will celebrate together with a candlelight service. Their Christmas present will be a special outfit made especially for them. We are so thankful that the pandemic has kept its distance from our India family! Please continue to pray for God’s protection. |
MISSION CRUISE
Our Mission Cruises for January have been canceled, but that did not keep members from our Mission Cruise leadership team from traveling to Cozumel, Mexico in November to encourage our partner churches there. Dan and Jane Pierson, John and Diane Windle and another couple led seminars and children’s meetings. It was a great encouragement to those struggling because of a lack of tourism to the island. |
HAITI
Please continue to pray for Haiti. You have no doubt heard about the kidnappings by the gangs. In addition, they are hijacking the delivery trucks keeping supplies from getting to the stores. Water and gas is difficult to find, and prices are escalating. Happily, our children at Jehovah Rapha House are oblivious to what is happening outside their gate. Last month they celebrated several birthdays with singing and cake. In December they will hopefully enjoy a special Christmas party. Every day we pray that the provisions for that day will be found. Every day God provides for those needs. Thank you for your faithful financial and prayer support. |
HONDURAS
Don continues to serve as president of Sandy Bay Lighthouse Ministries. We are organizing a team to help in the construction of their new mission center, the future home for mission teams visiting the island. Would you like to join us in March? Write Don at don@dsminternational.org for details. May your Christmas be blessed in every way! We want to thank you for your support in 2021. Thank you for remembering us with your year-end giving. It is what helps get us through the lean months. We look forward to serving our Lord in 2022! |
The Lord Giveth:
Last month a doctor brought a small boy to our Jehovah Rapha House. Meet Fernando! This little boy’s mother died while hospitalized from a gunshot wound. She brought her son to the hospital with her. After her death he was found wandering the halls. So far no living relatives can be found. Would you like to be one of his sponsors? Go to the Sponsorships tab for information. |
Celebrate a Miracle With Us!
Last month we sent the final payment for Our House of Hope, our “mission base camp” in Haiti!!! We praise God for providing despite what could have been a devastating couple of years. Yes, GOD gets the credit, but so do you for responding to His leading with your generous gifts to make this seemingly impossible venture possible! WOW!!! We look forward to many lives being changed forever through this exciting ministry! |
Julie McFadden
We are so grateful for Julie as she deals with the many (almost daily) situations that arise with our ministries in Haiti. She is doing an outstanding job and we feel she is God’s provision as she watches over DSMI Haiti for many years to come. Please put her on your daily prayer list. |
Don and Kathy:
Yes, we moved to Virginia, but only in the new house for 2 weeks before packing up the RV for 2 ½ months of ministry in the Midwest. We love our Midwest friends and family, but we also are excited to see what plans the Lord has for us in Virginia and beyond! Again, we appreciate your prayers so very much! |
INDIA:
COVID-19 continues to ravage India. Pastor Prabhu recently reported that there are about 300,000 new cases in his state. While COVID surrounds them, none of our orphans or widows are sick. Please continue to pray for their protection as school is about to begin. |
DON IS LEADING A TEAM TO HAITI IN JANUARY |
JANUARY IN HAITI!
Don is leading a team to Haiti in January. Come for one or two weeks. Our primary focus will be to help at Jehovah Rapha House with the children and fix whatever might need fixing. We will also be seeking opportunities to serve with other mission organizations in Port au Prince. The dates are January 8-22. Come for either week or for both weeks! We ask that you raise or donate $1,000 per week to cover your expenses. (Any money left at the end of the trip stays in Haiti for our ongoing ministry there). You are also responsible for purchasing your own tickets for air travel. Once you arrive in Haiti we provide all transportation and food. This includes picking the team up at the airport in Port au Prince and getting you back. If you are interested, go to the missions page. Click on “Apply to join us”. You will need to set up an account with “Managed Missions”. There is an application there for you to fill out. |
PLEASE PRAY FOR OUR INDIA MINISTRY |
INDIA
You don’t see a lot of India updates on our Facebook page as we have learned the government is monitoring our updates. They continue to do what they can to discourage Christians from sharing the gospel. Our orphanages and widows homes are visited often and interrogated by government officials. One of the questions frequently asked is whether we force them to become Christians in order to live in our homes. We have made it clear that our doors are open to all, regardless of religion. Accepting Christ as Savior is a free choice they make, it is not forced on them. Recently a teacher at one of the schools asked some of our orphans what they do at the orphanage. The children shared that they had just helped clean their rooms and pulled weeds on the property. The teacher reported us to the child welfare department for breaking the child labor laws. This has resulted in Pastor Prabhu being called in for a series of meetings to defend our ministry. (Can you imagine being reported for making your child clean his/her room???) Please continue to pray for our India ministry. |
WITH THE LORD INDIA:
Five years ago, Miriyamma was living on the streets of Vijayawada. Her husband died and her three adult children shunned her and put her out of the home because of Hindu tradition. A local polititian, wanting her off the streets, sent her to our home. Two years ago she accepted Jesus Christ as her Savior. She was a hard worker and a good helper with our orphans. Last month, Covid took her life. Thank you for your prayers, and thank you for making it possible for us to help her and show her the way to her heavenly home! |
If God is for us, who can be against us! Yes, we have an enemy, but he is no match for God almighty! In the past months we have seen obstacles thrown before us and we have seen God’s awesome hand in providing. And so we anticipate some great things for the future of DSMI.
We are in the process of getting the deed transferred for Our House of Hope in Haiti to DSMI. This could happen quickly or it could take up to one year! Please pray it can be quick. While Haiti as a country still is having major issues, we see God’s hand in placing us in a country where we can truly represent Him in many ways. Our teams come home with gratitude for the safe place to sleep at Our House of Hope as well as great opportunities for ministry. We have just completed the first season of our intern program. What a blessing it is hear and see how God worked in their lives. Please remember our staff daily in prayer. |
COVID UPDATE
I can no longer say that our orphans and widows are COVID free. One of our widows passed away this month due to the virus. Her eternity in Heaven has begun. Others have been sick and recovered. Thank you to all those that support our orphans and widows. The widow that passed heard about Jesus after moving into our widow’s home. Thank you for your part through prayer and finances in pointing her to heaven! |
JEHOVAH RAPHA HOUSE
We named him Jacob. He was abandoned on the street, laying in the sun for hours before one of our interns discovered him. After hours of unsuccessful attempts to find his home, we reported to the police that he was in our Jehovah Rapha House. He is about 5 or 6 years old. He is blind and has other special needs. His smile does not fade as he soaks in the love and attention he is receiving in his new home with us. Again, thank you for making this possible! Just a reminder that all of our children at JRH need sponsors. |
INDIA:
Naveen was brought with his little brother to DSM Children’s Home 8 years ago. He does not remember his mother. His father was suffering from paralysis. He came often to beg for food at our DSM home. 6 years ago his dad went to be with the Lord. He gets very good grades in school. He is sponsored Young Naveen Older Naveen and DSM placed him into a pastor’s home. As you can see in the pictures he has matured into a fine young man. Thank you to all of you who pray for these young people and to those who faithfully sponsor a child into a pastor’s home! |
OUR HOUSE OF HOPE:
We are getting there! We currently need about $60,000 to meet our final payment for our beautiful base camp and ministry center. We have two donors who have offered a total of $12,000 in matching gifts for this fund in March. Can you help us turn $12,000 into $24,000? |
HAITI:
The mission teams that have visited Our House of Hope recently have had wonderful trips. Now is a good time for you to schedule your mission team to Our House of Hope. Our children at Jehovah Rapha House are doing well and we thank God for their continued protection from COVID. |
OUR GOD IS A WAY MAKER!
Some of the words to the contemporary song “Way Maker” are:
“Even when I don’t see it, You’re working. Even when I can’t feel it, You’re working. You never stop, You never stop working.” We are seeing this at DSM! Our God is orchestrating hearts to pray for us. Our God is leading people to give at just the right times to provide for our many ministry expenses as we care for hundreds of orphans and widows. This month a church is being built in India because God prompted a few people to give specific gifts to make it happen. Interns are now in Haiti and being discipled in missions and the Christian faith through Our House of Hope. To date, none of our orphans or widows have contracted COVID-19! “He Never Stops Working!!!” Don Shire and Julie McFadden recorded this wonderful song and it will be sent via email to anyone that contributes before September towards our final payment for Our House of Hope in Haiti. Please take a few moments to watch the YouTube video that Arol McFadden put together using the song in the background as he tells the story of DSM in Haiti through his original artwork. It is amazing! |
In Other News
INTERNSHIP PROGRAM
Venture is underway!!! Three interns have arrived safely in Haiti and have started their 4-6 month internship at Our House of Hope. We are very excited for this new “venture”! HAITI BASE CAMP Arol McFdden in his video referred to Our House of Hope as our “DSMI Haiti Base Camp”. We like that! Don’t be surprised to see that come up more in the future. MISSIONS AND TRIPS We are now receiving teams in Haiti for ministry trips. We had 4 teams in recent weeks and they were all won-derfully successful. We will guide you through the travel guidelines, pick you up and return you to the Haiti airport, prepare your meals and take care of you during your ministry trip. Contact haiti@dsminternational.org with questions or to reserve your dates |
INDIA/HAITI COVID UPDATE:
As we go into September, we are thrilled to report that although COVID-19 surrounds our ministries in India and Haiti, not one of them has been infected. Thank you for your prayers and please continue. Children in both countries will soon move from studying at home to physically attending school. Please pray for their protection against COVID-19 as bringing it home to the widows and to the special needs children could be serious. |
ONE YEAR AGO a terrible storm wreaked havoc on our home in Wisconsin. Hundreds of trees came down in our neighborhood, there was no electricity for days and damage was extensive. As we worked to clean up the mess, we thanked God for His protection, and trusted Him to provide what was needed. God was faithful! The storm is now a distant memory. This year there seems to be a different kind of storm wreaking havoc around us. We will not be afraid! We remain focused on loving the Lord and trust His perfect plan to unfold as we serve Him.
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COUNTDOWN TO SEPTEMBER PAYMENT: Despite difficult times, we are pleased to say that God is providing toward our next payment for the purchase of Our House of Hope. We still need an additional $75,000 by September. After that we have only one more payment!!! Praise God for what He has provided! Thank you to all who have helped us get this far!!
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BLESSED IN SO MANY WAYS!
Our House of Hope DSM Haiti Ministry Center and Jehovah Rapha House were blessed in January by a visit from Mission Bible Church in Minooka, IL. They were led by our awesome DSM Haiti Director, Julie McFadden. One of their many accomplishments was to build an outdoor kitchen at JRH. This keeps the heat outside as our cooks prepare meals for our JRH family. Michael and Reese Spencer (our full time hosts at Our House of Hope) hosted the team and did an outstanding job! We still have some weeks available in 2020 if your church would like to take a mission trip to Haiti. We can help you plan your trip or simply host your team. Write Julie at haiti@dsminternational.org to ask about available weeks. |
PLEASE PRAY FOR OUR TEAM IN HAITI
A team of 30 from Mission Bible Church in Minooka, IL, led by Julie McFadden, is serving in Haiti until January 10. They will serve at local orphanages and clinics and at our Jehovah Rapha House. They will meet our newest child, Alexis who was brought to us by Haiti social welfare. Notice the clean sheets, nice outfit and diaper? Those were not available before we adopted this orphanage. Thank you so much for helping us to care them! |
NEW CHILDREN AT JEHOVAH RAPHA HOUSE
Bianca (top) was born without eyes, with a cleft pallet, and a small brain. Philsma (bottom) was born with hydrocephalus. Both were abandoned by their parents at the hospital. The hospital tried several orphanages, trying to find them a home. All refused. We took them. They deserve to be held and loved. Both are responding well to their new home. Please pray for our caregivers as these little girls require a lot of special care. |
INDIA: Sumulamma, one of our widows, died in July from severe burns when her clothes caught fire near an outdoor cooking fire. She was 85. She is now with the Lord! Thank you for making it possible for us to show her the way to eternity with Christ!
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WOW!! Our neighbors, Silver Birch Ranch, had about 400 young people on its grounds during the storm. Hundreds of trees were uprooted. Praise God! They were well prepared and had no injuries. If you are familiar with their ministry please pray for them and possibly send a special gift to help them through this difficult time of cleanup and repair. www.silverbirchranch.org
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Do you remember Pastor Bendji? He was the child at our Faith in Action House in Haiti that prayed for all of us when we spent time at the orphanage. His grandfather now has employment and came for Bendji and his siblings, Chinailove and Job . We cried many tears to see them go but at the same time we are very happy they will be with their loving grandfather.
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This girl, Deepika, is one of our orphans. She lives with her grandmother. She has scoliosis and is severely disabled. Doctors tell us that with surgery there is a possibility to correct the paralysis so she can sit on her own and even use the toilet which she currently cannot do. Her grandma is overwhelmed. The surgery will cost $13,000. We will help as God provides.
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“Dear Don Tataya (Grandfather Don) Thank you so much for your prayers. Today my 10th grade results were released. I found that I got first in class. I was so happy. My pastor Dad and family are so much happy. I cried with happiness because of you Don Tataya. Because of you now I am having this life and family. I am thankful ever. And also I want to go further studies. Thank you for prayers.
Your son, K. Suresh”
ROATAN: Last month, Don took a team of 12 to Roatan, Honduras where they focused on building walls, running electric wires, and spending quality time with the children at the “Greenfield Home for Children” run by Sandy Bay Lighthouse Ministries where Don Shire is president of the board. We had a great week and fell in love with the children. More info can be found at their website: www.sblmroatan.net
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I feel frustrated,” president and CEO Santiago “Jimmy” Mellado told CT.
That’s because Compassion has worked every angle to try to stay open in India since last February, when India’s Ministry of Home Affairs put it on a list of organizations needing prior approval before transferring funds into the country. Then the government refused to grant such approval.
The government’s move can be traced back to 2011, when it changed its Foreign Contribution Regulation Act so that it could regulate NGOs it disagrees with philosophically, Mellado said. The move was seen by many as another step toward Hindu nationalism since 2014. India is now No. 15 on Open Doors’ list of countries where it’s hardest to be a Christian, up from No. 31 in 2013.
Compassion channels about $45 million into the country every year, more than any other charity.
Almost 40 percent of the local Indian churches that Compassion partnered with are still working with the children, albeit without the financial support.
“The local church is not going away,” he said. “They were there before us; they’ll be there after us.”
After all, this isn’t the first time Compassion has been forced to leave a country. In 1985, after 17 years serving children in Indonesia, Compassion pulled out “in order to maintain its commitment to financial integrity.” But by 1988 it was back, and “some of the children in the programs were pastors of the churches that helped bring us back,” Mellado said.
My husband Matt and I live near New Holstein, WI where we raised our two sons. I first heard of Don Shire Ministries when Don played a concert at our church, but the most significant "contact" came through a woman who attends our church. She asked if we would be willing to financially sponsor an Indian orphan so the child could be adopted by a Christian pastor. We agreed to sponsor two boys feeling this was how God wanted us to use His money and excited to be able to make a difference.
The sponsorship program was fairly new and I felt led to contact Don to offer to help coordinate this sponsorship program in some way-if he needed help. His reply was that he really needed help coordinating mission trips and the rest is history! I will only add that it is very fulfilling to be involved in work that is so clearly God's work. It is a joy to partner with Him.
Current Needs and Prayer Requests:
· We desire to provide a Christmas present for each orphan and widow in our care. Please consider a gift to our Christmas fund. · We are now scheduling concerts for Don in 2017. Is your church or group interested? Write concerts@donshire.com. Ruth is waiting to hear from you! · Continue to pray for Hema, our girl with leukemia in India. · We are still looking for property in Haiti to build a new orphanage. Please pray for God’s leading. |
![]() Colton is back in Haiti for a few months. Please pray for him as he is leading a church Bible study and counseling. He is also making plans for teams that will be visiting in the months to come. They will be building homes for widows.
Colton put together a very nice video report on the earth-block business we helped to launch while in Zambia. The business will help to support the Zambia national AWANA program. Here is a link if you would like to see it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QSMdi-wzWeU |
Crystal DeLong
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I moved back to Virginia in 2012 after serving overseas for six years. Teaching in Turkey and Morocco had forever changed me and a passion for missions was still there when Don visited our church, Trinity Baptist, early in the spring of 2013. I had been looking for ways to serve now that I was back in the states. Don had visited our church several times before, but this time he mentioned a specific need; someone to send out his newsletter electronically. I knew this was a way that I could help serve. I love how God answered both of our prayers; God is good!
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