DavidRayMinistry.org - Blog , UncategorizedDavidRayMinistry.org - Blog , Uncategorizedhttps://www.davidrayministry.org/blogs/UncategorizedMon, 26 Jan 2026 18:33:03 -0800http://zoho.com/sites/<![CDATA[January 2026 Ministry Updates]]>https://www.davidrayministry.org/blogs/post/january-2026-ministry-updates

Introduction

 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast. 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:8-10 NKJV 


As indicated in the ministry story on this site, I went to college in 1974 to follow a call as an agricultural missionary. This was mostly on hold in the middle of my career after starting on this call briefly after college.  


Over the past couple of years, I've been working diligently on supporting Christian agricultural development work  in Africa and the Caribbean from here in Texas.  Now, the months of December 2025 and January 2026 have been a time of progress and transition. 

  • A Haitian Agronomist has been hired to oversee garden training projects under our partner organization, Evangelical Mission of Northern Haiti (Mission Évangélique du Nord d’Haiti (MENH)),  to oversee School Garden work. This is a realization of a goal that we have had for a while. 
  • This ministry has been able to pass on a donation from a church in California to help  with financial challenges as our partner organization, MENH, starts the school year in Haiti.
  • I have continued to provide technical advice and friendship to James Israel of Justice and Integrity Farm in Haiti. 
  • I had a successful visit to the Dominican Republic to participate in sustainable agriculture curriculum training. 
  • I am in the process of reducing my involvement in Uganda.  The explanation is provided below. 
  • Here in Texas, I continue to maintain friendships and learn from local farmers and organizations. 

New Agronomist at MENH school

A gardening project has been in progress in the MENH school system for some time now.  In addition to support for the new agronomist David Ray Ministry is working to find or help develop appropriate curriculum in Haitian, Creole, and/or French to support work with not just the schools but local farmers. 




Introducing Valestin Francio who is a graduate of the MENH school system, as well as from a local agricultural college. I am looking forward to supporting him in his work with technical information.  This ministry is providing funds toward his salary and  if possible funds for supplies and curriculum.   While initial funds are on hand, additional funds are needed to continue his support.  Please feel free to make one-time or continuing contributions as the Lord leads through the donate button to this ministry for this and other projects. 



Financial Assistance for MENH School System.

As was stated earlier, this ministry was able to pass on a generous donation from a church in California to help start the school year in the MENH system.   While this type of assistance is not within the main focus of this ministry which is Agricultural development, I chose to ask for help for them at this time.  Without good education it is not going to be possible for these children and youth to move forward with their lives.  My prayer for the Haitian people is for them to be able move forward successfully as true partners with us.  I can really say that with regard to Christians  like Ebed and James (Justice and Integrity Farm) I already have strong men of God as my partners and friends. I pray for those in authority in Haiti and beyond so that people can live in peace and health, and the Gospel can be extended.   

Quote from the director, Ebed Paul, November 14, 2025.

“When people think of a country like Haiti, they often expect to see young people who are struggling or discouraged. Yet the reality is very different. Our students radiate confidence, curiosity, joy, and a playful spirit, thriving through positive and meaningful interactions with their peers.

This vibrant energy reflects the dedication of our administrators, teachers, religious leaders, parents, and the wider community. Together, we cultivate a learning environment where children are inspired to grow, explore, and imagine a future full of promise.”



Projects Progressing at Justice and Integrity Farm

There always seem to be interesting projects going on in Justice and Integrity Farm.  The goal is to provide affordable food to the community while training local farmers and students. Besides the beans and vegetables growing under plantain plants there are rabbit and beekeeping projects along with chickens.   For those who don't know, I would call plantains cooking bananas. I provide James with help with efforts like finding farm management resources and helping to find the best price for cage wire for the rabbits. There is another interesting project on the horizon that could have wide-reaching impact for small farmers even beyond Haiti.   I hope to find funds to provide additional staffing for this organization as well 



Please be in prayer for James and his wife as the welcome their first child soon!


Facebook link for J & I Ferme Agricole (Justice and Integrity Farm)

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100079551394573


Trip to the Dominican Republic.

The purpose of  my trip was to participate in training to to be able to present the Equipping Farmers International curriculum on sustainable agriculture to small farmers.  The trip was super special since I traveled to this event with my longtime friend and college roommate, Christian Elliott. 


Link to website for Equipping Farmers International 

https://www.efi-intl.org/  


There was also an opportunity to meet people then I might collaborate with on future work, particularly in both Haiti and the Dominican Republic. 

The class took place on the Cultivo Ministries farm near San Juan de la Maguana.   This was my first opportunity to actually see the Syntropic form of sustainable agriculture in practice. 


Cultivo Ministries Facebook link 

https://www.facebook.com/p/Cultivo-Ministries-61550949483921/


The microscope and microscope camera that I took along turned out to be useful when the opportunity arose to provide consulting service to a local farmer by examining the microorganisms in his soil and compost tea.  We did wind up turning the living room of the house we were staying into a makeshift lab, as you can see. I am keeping in touch with Zach to pass useful information on to him. 

Reduced involvement in Uganda

I had been providing technical advice and a small amount of financial assistance to some farmers in Uganda. There was also some contact with local leadership of a certain denomination. I am convinced that I would need to physically go to visit these people to continue or expand my involvement.  I am not physically or financially able to do that at this time.  Contact is being maintained with several people as a friend and prayer partner. 


To answer the question "how is the situation in Haiti different, since it is also very difficult to enter that country?"  

  • I have known the director of MENH, Ebed Paul, for over 25 years.
  • I maintain communication and coordination with the US church that is the primary support for Justice and Integrity Farm. 

Continuing Education and Ministry in Texas

As usual I am pursuing continuing education for my work as an agricultural consultant. This has included  participation in monthly sessions at the University of Texas RGV Sustainable Agriculture Program's Urban research and teaching Farm.   In addition, I recently attended attended training on citrus and other tropical and subtropical fruits at the Texas A&M Research Farm here in Weslaco. I plan to meet soon with a Texas A&M researcher working with Dragon Fruit, which has important economic potential here and is an important crop in the Dominican Republic.   I continue to find ways to lean from local farmers.  Also, the Spring planting plan for the property here in Texas integrates what I learned in the Dominican Republic.   What I learn form this  growing season will be applied to my international work. 


As I live my day in fellowship with God, I am seeking to find ways to witness and minister in the course of normal social interactions.  My international work can often be a good conversation starter. 


The plan for 2026 is to continue helping people in the Caribbean to move forward with their lives through Klear-Vu Initiatives as the Lord enables. 


]]>Wed, 21 Jan 2026 00:42:50 +0000