THE ONE-YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF AN ILL-FATED CONCERT COMES AND GOES

          Last March, as Corona virus panic gripped the developed world, Andy Stump was forced to make a last-minute decision about a concert that was scheduled for March 15th.  The host church, Bethlehem United Methodist in Dallastown, had agreed to go ahead with the concert…calling it the final group activity before closing the church doors due to the virus. On the Friday before the concert, Andy decided to cancel. That Sunday morning, members who attended the morning service at Bethlehem blessed ASAPH Teaching Ministry with a very generous offering.
                Since that day, March 15, there have been no official ASAPH fundraising activities. It has been more than a year now. Ministry, however, has continued. While Andy was stuck in PA, a few ASAPH activities were happening. When Andy returned in August, activities resumed slowly. By September, things were just about back to normal. The new year 2021 so far is what we call “Haitian normal”. There are threats of roadblocks…and real roadblocks. Prices have risen while the exchange rate has plummeted (making each dollar of support that ASAPH receives worth less than before). Life is tough, but not much different than it has been for the past 25 years.
                In 2019, Andy (with ASAPH dollars) paid for a fiber-optic cable that brought the internet into his home. From anywhere in his yard, Andy could do a video call to anyone anywhere. The NATCOM company that hooked up the connection maintained if for about one year. In late November, the connection fell. Technicians urged patience while they worked to get it going - - “This weekend!” Now several months later, those technicians say the system may not be functional again.
                Andy has gone back to paying a motorcycle taxi to take him to the highway every couple of weeks so that he can find a signal. Sometimes that works. Sometimes the whole day is in vain.
                As a result of those communications issues, the one-year anniversary of the cancelled concert passed in silence.
                Remember ASAPH this month. Our annual concerts are the mission’s biggest source of support. Without them, we rely on the memory of our regular sponsors.  I take this opportunity to remind you about the work being done hear daily. Support as you are able. Thank you. 

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