Hard to Keep Up!…
There are so many great things happening with our work in the Mississippi Delta and in Haiti that it’s hard to keep track of it all. God continues to guide and bless our work in countless ways. Below is a small sample of all that is happening.
Economic Development in the Delta
We are getting great traction in our efforts to create jobs, businesses, and other economic opportunities for the residents of Jonestown, MS and the surrounding communities.
Stan and the Galmore Group, the first business of CEDbi
Our new sign for our recently opened Center for Economic Development and Business Incubator (CEDbi) was installed a few weeks ago. I’m standing with members of The Galmore Group, the first business to move into CEDbi.
On April 9, 2021, we held the Grand Opening and Dedication service for CEDbi. I welcomed everyone and shared how God brought us to this point.
Mayor Burnett of Jonestown, MS speaking at the grand opening of CEDbi
We were blessed to have the Mayor of Jonestown speak at the Grand Opening. Mayor Vivian Burnett shared an encouraging word. We are so thankful to be able to partner with Mayor Burnett as we move forward together to make a difference in Jonestown.
Grand Opening of the Economic Development Center
Over 40 people attended the Grand Opening service as we read Scripture, prayed, and dedicated this building to the glory of God and the economic well being of Jonestown. Those in attendance included Wade Hinton from the Mississippi Secretary of State’s office, Dr. Valmadge Towner, President of Coahoma Community College, a Supervisor from the Coahoma County Board of Supervisors, Jonestown City Council members, BGM Board members, key donors, and many others.
New commercial cleaning business
We are currently working with a local Jonestown resident to start her own commercial cleaning business for Jonestown, Clarksdale, Cleveland, Batesville, and surrounding areas. We are blessed to be partnering with a cleaning business from Atlanta and a cleaning business from Chicago whose owners are investing large amounts of time and expertise in helping this new business get started and be as successful as possible. Last week, the new business was cleaning a warehouse in Clarksdale (see photo above) as they began the process of starting their new business.
One-day Business workshop
We recently hosted a one-day business workshop at our Hope Center in Jonestown. The workshop was designed for people who are interested in starting a new business. The topics that were covered included: hiring an accountant and bookkeeper, licensing and permits, selecting the most appropriate business structure, business insurance, and opening a business checking account. Seventeen people took the course, both in person and online.
Business Management Flyer
In addition to the one-day course mentioned above, we are also hosting a 90 day Business Management Workshop. This workshop is being taught by a Business professor from Ole Miss. We are thrilled to be partnering with Ole Miss, Coahoma Community College, and Capital Bolt & Screw in offering this workshop.
Housing in the Mississippi Delta
We are closer than ever in our efforts to begin construction on two new houses in Jonestown.
Last week, former BGM board member Wayne Comans and I picked up a load of lumber from a generous donor in Vicksburg and drove it to Jonestown. This lumber will be used for one of the new houses we will be building soon.
One of the young men who has been trained to operate our forklift at our Center for Economic Development helped unload the lumber.
All the lumber inside the Center for Economic Development
Education in the Mississippi Delta
We continue educating precious children in Jonestown at our Montessori school and through our After School program.
This little girl was recently learning to count to 9.
During the week leading up to Easter, the children colored the cross of Jesus and other concepts related to Easter.
The children at the Montessori colored Easter eggs during the week leading up to Easter Sunday.
Two little girls working on their MaxScholar reading test at our After School program in Jonestown, MS.
Haiti Happenings
The pandemic and civil unrest have continued to cause food shortages for many citizens of Haiti. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, we were able to hold a food distribution recently in Galette Chambon.
Vladimir did his usual great job of organizing the food distribution. And how ’bout those shorts!!!
People were thrilled to receive rice and beans so they could feed their families.
New classroom at our school in Mathias.
Our dear friend and missionary, Terry Warren, passed away last December. He left instructions for his family to build a new classroom at our school in Mathias. I am thrilled to report the new classroom has been built and will be ready when we add a new grade in September.
We now have over 1,000 children who are being sponsored each month at our schools in Haiti! This is one of the most effective ministries we have. The children get to go to school and receive an education. They receive a uniform and school supplies, and they get a meal every day. In addition, the sponsorships help pay the salaries of teachers, principals, cooks, security officers, and others. Everybody wins and it’s only $37 per month! To sponsor a child, click
HERE.
10th Anniversary, September 16, 2021
Our special 10th anniversary celebration for BGM will be on September 16, 2021 at First Baptist Madison, MS. We plan to have many of our Haitian friends in attendance as well as current and former missionaries. More information to come, but for now, SAVE THE DATE!
Best Way to Help
One of the best ways to help is by joining our Givers of Hope. The Givers of Hope is a giving club within BGM in which people give the same amount each month. They give anywhere from $5 to $200 monthly.
It’s easy to sign up. Just click
HERE. Also, for more information about the Givers of Hope, click
HERE.Finally, I ask for your prayers for wisdom and energy for our Haitian staff, our Delta staff, our American staff in Haiti and the U.S., and our Board of Directors.
Can’t Wait To See What God Does Next,
Stan Buckley
Executive Director
