Newsroom

PRAY FOR OUR 21 PASTORS IN HAITI

June 9, 2009

Pray for our 21 pastors in Haiti by name.

1 Birey, Pastor Jean Panel Louis
2 Bord Mer, Pastor Rodrique Estinphort
3 Brach Gilles, Pastor Antoine Gilles Saint.
4 Brach Milot, Pastor Jean Milot Francois
5 Concrab, Pastor Fednel Oscar
6 Darbonne, Pastor Dantes Benoit
7 Darbonne Chateau, Pastor Ppaul Joseph Fanfan
8 Flon, Pastor Marc Arthur Nestor
9 Fond Jacques, Pastor Gesner Middy
10 Laferony, Pastor Jean Michelet Philippe
11 LaSalle, Pastor Jean Rigal Alcidas
12 Leogane Guillame, Pastor Guillame Jean
13 Leogane LeRoy, Pastor Ernst LeRoy
14 Mare Chal, Pastor Anislus jean Gasnel
15 Masson, Pastor Richard Gay
16 Santo, Pastor Marc Onel Elisca
17 Signeau, Pastor Anouce Sauveur
18 Ti Boukan, Pastor Joseph Elifete Eliane
19 Ti Riveria, Pastor Denis Plaisimond
20 L'Acul, Pastor Minois Eliassaint
21 Vieux Court, Pastor Michel Souverain

NEW MISSIONS LAUNCHES CHRISTMAS SHOEBOX DRIVE

April 30, 2009

Orlando-based ministry New Missions announces the launch of its 2009 Christmas Shoebox Drive, which will impact the lives of children in Haiti—the poorest country in the Western hemisphere. New Missions has more than 9,000 Haitian students from pre-school to high school enrolled in its 21 schools. Individuals, churches, businesses and schools can participate by hosting collection drives between May and November when the boxes will be packed for shipment to Haiti. New Missions has a dedicated shoebox drive website at www.shoeboxdrive.com where promotional campaign posters, displays and church bulletin inserts are available at no cost.

“Last year was our first Christmas shoebox drive and we collected an impressive 4,000 shoeboxes,” said New Missions President Tim DeTellis. “This year we are maximizing social networking with a Facebook fan page for the shoebox drive along with videos posted on YouTube using search term ‘Christmas shoebox drive’ and a special Twitter account.”

New Missions, headquartered in Orlando, Fla., is one of the largest mission organizations working in Haiti. With more than 9,000 students in school from pre-school through high school and over 300 full-time Haitian staff, New Missions is one of the largest employers in Leogane, where its mission is located. New Missions has worked in Haiti since 1983 where it currently provides education, medical care, food, and has established 20 churches across the Leogane Plain. New Missions also serves the North Coast of the Dominican Republic in Sosua.

NEW MISSIONS RELEASES MINI-DOCUMENTARY TRAILER
THE MARIE CHANTAL STORY

April 2, 2009

Orlando, Fla. – Orlando-based ministry New Missions released today a mini-documentary trailer for The Marie Chantal Story, which can be viewed online at www.mariechantalstory.com, Facebook.com and YouTube.com. Marie Chantal was rescued from poverty, sickness, hunger and voodoo worship while “growing up” in Haiti—the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere. Now director of a medical clinic in Haiti which serves more than 1,000 patients monthly, Chantal changes one life at a time. Chantal graduated from a New Missions school, and is now an emerging leader shaping positive change for Haiti.

“By releasing the mini-documentary The Marie Chantal Story this fall, New Missions hopes to demonstrate the power of one and how a child can step out of poverty and make a difference. As the poorest and most illiterate nation in the Western hemisphere, we see education as the tool to rescue children from poverty along with the power of the Gospel and the partnership of child sponsors,” said New Missions President Tim DeTellis.

New Missions, headquartered in Orlando, Fla., is one of the largest mission organizations working in Haiti. With nearly 9,000 students in school from pre-school through high school and over 300 full-time Haitian staff, New Missions is one of the largest employers in Leogane, where its mission is located. New Missions has worked in Haiti since 1983 where it currently provides education, medical care, food, and has established 21 churches across the Leogane Plain. New Missions also serves the North Coast of the Dominican Republic in Sosua.

ORLANDO-BASED MINISTRY DELIVERS 3,500
CHRISTMAS SHOEBOXES IN HAITI

December 19, 2008

Orlando, Fla. – A 40-foot tractor-trailer container loaded with 3,500 Christmas shoeboxes sent in by child sponsors from California to Maine arrived at the New Missions headquarters in Leogane, Haiti at 8 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 12. The next morning at 7 a.m., distribution to waiting children began in the village of Bordmer. Additional distributions in other villages have been taking place throughout this week. Filled with toys, hygiene supplies, and other gifts, New Missions has been collecting the shoeboxes in Orlando since September. This was the organization's first year coordinating a Christmas shoebox drive.

"Just after 8 p.m. a loud horn blew and the tractor-trailer headlights rounded the curve at our Haiti headquarters. The mission team and Haitian workers unloaded the entire truck in one hour," said New Missions President Tim DeTellis. "We are very pleased with our first ever shoebox drive. It took a lot of prayer. What's really amazing is our last container shipment took nearly three months to arrive, but the Christmas shoebox container arrived in just three weeks."

New Missions, headquartered in Orlando, Fla., is one of the largest mission organizations working in Haiti. With nearly 9,000 students in school from pre-school through high school and over 300 full-time Haitian staff, New Missions is one of the largest employers in Leogane, where its mission is located. New Missions has worked in Haiti since 1983 where it currently provides education, medical care, food, and has established 20 churches across the Leogane Plain. New Missions also serves the North Coast of the Dominican Republic in Sosua.

HURRICANE IKE UPDATE

September 10, 2008

Hurricane Ike came to Haiti and delivered another round of pounding rain. Late Saturday night Charlie and the visiting mission team had to evacuate the mission due to our low elevation, and a major threat for flooding. The team moved to our High School campus for the evening and returned Sunday morning to the main mission campus. Again, the stream next to our mission overflowed its bank and flooded our school yard and a few classrooms. This requires some clean up - which is well under way. However, we still need to replace the roof on the school in TiBoukan.

As Hurricane Ike was approaching the North coast of the Dominican Republic, our missionary team and church members did take a proactive measure and took down both of the ministry tents. This preemptive act served well to avoid potential damage.

Thankfully, our school children and their families are all safe in both countries. Again, your countless prayers do make a difference!

Serving together,

Timothy DeTellis
President, New Missions
timothy@NewMissions.org

P.S. We welcome your support toward the "Love Your Mission" offering at this time of repair and rebuilding.

HURRICANE UPDATE

Friday, September 5, 2008

With great determination, the roof on our High School office building is repaired. This was urgent due to the oncoming threat of Hurricane Ike. Here is a photograph of the new and improved facility. Thank you for your support which makes this all possible.

HURRICANE UPDATE

Thursday, September 4, 2008

Dear Friends of New Missions,

I wish I could stop the wind, the rain, and the suffering. However, the storms keep on coming and I ask for your prayers on behalf of the entire island of Hispaniola. As Hurricane Hanna approached, more rain arrived making life in the poorest country in our hemisphere even more difficult. Now Hurricane Ike is looming. What will happen next? More rain - which is the greatest threat for flooding.

We have a mission team arriving in Haiti this Saturday for one week. They will be a great support in the midst of these storms. Please keep them in your prayers for safety and productivity. The major concern we have is for the Leogane River at the main highway. As you can see in the photo below, it is very close to breaking the banks and more rain will elevate that threat. If the Leogane River overflows, then major damage will take place. Please pray for a pause in the rain before Hurricane Ike arrives. We need your prayers. The people of Haiti need your prayers. We will continue to keep you updated at our newsroom online at www.newmissions.org.

Serving together,

Timothy DeTellis
President, New Missions
timothy@newmissions.org


You can mail your "Love Your Mission" offering to:
New Missions
P.O. Box 2727
Orlando, FL 32802
Please note: "Love Your Mission" on the memo of your check.
You may also give online under the donations page.

"But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you." -Psalm 5:11

PRAY FOR OUR PASTORS

September 1, 2008

Please pray for our pastors in Haiti by name..

1. Birey Church: This pastor is being replaced at this time.
2. Bord Mer Church: Pastor Johnny Fontaine
3. Brach Gilles Church: Pastor Anotoine Gilles
4. Brach Milot Church: Pastor Jean Milot Francois
5. Concrab Church: Pastor Louimat Innocent
6. Darbonne Church: Pastor Dantes Benoit
7. Flon Church: Pastor Marc Arthur Nestor
8. Fond Jacques Church: Pastor Gesner Middy
9. Lafferony Church: Pastor Jean Michelet Philippe
10. LaSalle Church: Pastor Jean Rigal Alcidas
11. Leogane Guillame Church: Pastor Gullame Jean
12. Leogane LeRoy Church: Pastor Ernst LeRoy
13. Mare Chal Church: Pastor Anislus Jean Gasnel
14. Masson Church: Pastor Richard Gay
15. Santo Church: Pastor Marc Onel Elisca
16. Signeau Church: Pastor Anouce Sauveur
17. Ti Boukan Church: Pastor Joseph Elifete Eliane
18. Ti Riveria Church: Pastor Jeanot Deceus
19. L'Acul Church: Pastor Minois Eliassaint
20. Vieux Court Church: Pastor Michel Souverain

HURRICANE GUSTAV UPDATE

Thursday, August 28, 2008

Dear Friends of New Missions,

Hurricane Gustav came and went, but what it left was rain. For three days it rained and then on Wednesday, August 27th, the stream by the mission overflowed and flooded our schoolyard, classrooms, and school kitchen. In addition, the TiBoukan school roof was greatly damaged and requires a full replacement and a tree fell on the office building at our High School. We anticipate the cost to be nearly $15,000 to repair the roofs and buildings, however, we will rebuild and make the necessary improvements immediately. Charlie is in Haiti evaluating the situation. Your special gift at this time to the "Love Your Mission" offering will make this possible. Thank you for your support as we rebuild, clean up, and repair after Hurricane Gustav.

Even with this damage, God truly spared us. The large river on the main highway washed out half of the bridge, and the river came close to breaking it's bank, but did not. Knowing this, we thank God for His protection, as major flooding would have impacted villages near the mission - along with numerous schools and churches. Thank you for praying! We will continue to keep you updated at our newsroom online at www.newmissions.org.

Serving together,

Timothy DeTellis
President, New Missions
timothy@newmissions.org

You can mail your "Love Your Mission" offering to:
New Missions
P.O. Box 2727
Orlando, FL 32802
Please note: "Love Your Mission" on the memo of your check.
You may also give online under the donations page.

"But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you." -Psalm 5:11

HURRICANE GUSTAV UPDATE

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Charlie DeTellis called and the update from Haiti is that the mission survived Hurricane Gustav. Today, he will travel to our High School campus for an inspection. Just prior to the storm, at the office in Haiti, they began to elevate the school uniform material and school supplies to higher shelves in case of flooding.

Again, your prayers made a difference! We will post updates here in our newsroom.

HURRICANE GUSTAV REACHES HAITI

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Dear Friends of New Missions,

Just ten days after tropical storm Fay reached Haiti, we are now bracing for hurricane Gustav. The concern with these storms is flooding due to large amounts of rain.

We need your prayers at this time. Our mission is located on the Leogane Plain, a coastal plain which can be susceptible to flooding. The highest location of any of our school locations is our High School campus which is directly on the main highway in Haiti.

We will keep you informed on how this storm affects the people that we serve. Future updates will be posted at www.newmissions.org under our newsroom page. You are greatly appreciated and your prayers do make a difference.

Serving together,

Timothy DeTellis
timothy@newmissions.org

TROPICAL STORM FAY UPDATE

Monday, August 18, 2008

From Haiti, Charlie DeTellis has confirmed with his staff at the mission that all of our 20 school and church locations including the High School campus are safe from any storm damage. Thankfully, our school children and their families were protected during this storm.

Thank you for your prayers because they do make a difference.

TROPICAL STORM FAY REACHES HAITI

Saturday, August 16, 2008

Dear Friends of New Missions,

Overnight, tropical storm Fay reached Haiti. The rain and wind can become life-threatening to the poorest of the poor living in abject poverty. Driving rains can enter mud huts and dampen the few personal belongings someone may have along with delivering a threat of flooding.

Just after 10am this morning I spoke with my brother Charlie who is in Haiti at the mission along with his entire family. He told me that the mission is safe and they have diesel fuel on hand to run the generators. He said that it was still raining. He will have a report of how our surrounding school areas weathered the storm later today and tomorrow. After I hung up the phone with Charlie, I called my mother, Jeanne who is at our mission in the Dominican Republic. She confirmed that they are safe and that today was looking to be a beautiful day without a major threat of rain.

We must pray for those that live in such extreme situations. The fact is, for many Haitians, daily survival is a reality and

when a storm comes, it's just another day. They are strong people, however, if destruction comes, we want to be ready to respond specifically with those that we serve. On the Leogane Plain in Haiti, we have 20 elementary schools and 20 churches.

You will be informed as we continue to inspect the surrounding areas. Additional updates will be posted at www.newmissions.org under our newsroom page. Thank you for your faithful prayers and support.

Serving together,

Timothy DeTellis
President,
New Missions
timothy@newmissions.org

PASTOR GEORGE JOHN DETELLIS BIOGRAPHY

MESSAGE FROM JEANNE DETELLIS

June 27, 2008

Dear Friends,

On Thursday June 26th, shortly after we waved George's white chariot good-bye, and Hospice came to pick up George's hospital bed from the family room in our home. Tim and I were off to the funeral home to make the final arrangements.

I thank God that I can fly on the same plane with George to Boston. I will have to return from Boston alone. When we got into the car to go, Tim offered to drive. I, then, sat in the passenger side. And, there on the floor, were my husband's slippers.

For months, his feet were swollen so that he could not wear shoes. In the last two months, we could not always wear the extra-sized slippers, but we kept them there. I hugged the slippers and they may have to stay there for a long time.

After the funeral home, Tim took me to the Orlando mission office. Our staff are precious, and I thank God that we could gather together and they wanted me to tell them of God's mercy and grace and George's homecoming. When our time together was over, we had prayer. I always have risen higher with the support of our Orlando staff. I loved when one of them asked me what was my dream, I answered, to follow God. Then she asked again, well what do you want to do now, and I said, "Not cook." I want to spend time hearing from God. He has placed a desire in my heart to help the Bible School in the Dominican Republic. I know my husband wants me to do some preaching. I know I will still get that urge to take out the biggest pot and make Italian spaghetti sauce. I must follow Jesus in His spirit of hospitality as well as His calling us to bring others to Him.

When my husband's health was declining, he longed to have all of his children with him. Even days before he stopped speaking, he asked again for all of his children to come. Charlie is in Haiti with the ministry of the mission with his wife and 4 children. He called often and wanted to come. Our son George, Jr., is in Massachusetts directing a children's summer camp. We thank God that Timothy had finished traveling and he and his wife were with us the last week. We thank God for our daughter Mary Ann who made 7 trips to be with us, the last trip which was 7 days. She tenderly ministered to her father, and he was touched. The day Mary arrived on her last trip, she had an Italian pizzelle iron in her hand. Certainly, her father would eat homemade Italian anise cookies.

God held me this day, and He will hold me tomorrow. I want to serve God and I want to follow my husband's example of courage and focus and sacrifice.

Love,
Jeanne DeTellis

MESSAGE FROM JEANNE DETELLIS

June 26, 2008

Dear Friends,

I have been on a mission with my husband George to believe God for healing and to seek the best medical knowledge for the past nine years. Since May l, of 2007, George has had cancer pain. I have been by the side of a brave faithful soldier. Even in his last moments of being able to express himself, his thoughts and desires were to ask for extended time to do a little more work for God.

In the last days, when he could say a few words, he would ask for a paper and pen to write. He could not hold the pen and write, but only could make some marks on the paper. Then he would explain that he had a sermon - "God Has Done Everything For Us." There were many times in the last few months when George prayed and believed God for his healing. He never asked for time for personal pleasure or for any desire to travel or do anything. Each time he would hear reports of the mission in Haiti or the Dominican Republic, he would get more excited about doing a little bit more. Finally, in the end, when for days he was not talking or opening his eyes, we would have loved to have heard one more word from Pastor George. But he did speak. He did preach. We did hear. And many heard in Haiti and the DR. It's now our time to talk to God and find His purpose for us to do the work of God.

When George left us, he never opened his eyes or said another word or squeezed my hand, but he quietly took a few breaths and left, right in the middle of the night at 3:45 am. We dressed him in his mission logo shirt, prayed with him, and loved on him, and waved at him as his white chariot left our home. I do thank God for the special moments we had during the last two months while George was under the care of Hospice. George always enjoyed when I pushed him in the wheelchair around the community and as far as neighboring communities. I loved being with him and I loved the exercise.

George loved taking a nap outdoors on the patio, and he enjoyed having his feet washed and massaged. His appetite for food was great until June 16th when he had his last meal. Besides his favorite Italian spaghetti sauce, George enjoyed lobster, Indian, Chinese, Dominican and British fish and chips on several occasions. He was awake and fully alive on Father's Day on June 14th. I had bought him new clothes. Our daughter Mary Ann and our grandson Jacob were with us - and we went out and enjoyed Latino street food.

We made precious memories with our children and grandchildren these last days. The last few days, we loved holding hands around the hospital bed and praying. I know where George is, and God is taking care of him. I thank you for sharing in our sufferings and now our time of celebration as we remember the good solider and look to our Captain to get our marching orders. I hope to see many of you soon and thank you for your love and prayers for us during our time of saying good-bye to my husband and Pastor George.

Love,
Jeanne DeTellis

PASTOR GEORGE DETELLIS HEALTH UPDATE

June 25, 2008

Dear Family & Friends,

Today, George and I are celebrating our 48th wedding anniversary. We have great memories of joy working together for God. We have served in ministry together now for almost 50 years. During our courtship George pioneered Hillside Evangelical Church in Medford, Massachusetts.

Our first shift nurse, Seth, gives us an update: "George continues to progress in the dying process, getting closer to God. His face reveals that he is very comfortable (no signs of pain, such as facial grimacing or furrowing of his brow). His hearing has not changed from when he was well, but he is unresponsive."-Seth Cohen, nurse with Hospice.

I woke up this morning and changed the words to a familiar song, "Because He lives, I can face this day."

Love,
Jeanne DeTellis

PASTOR GEORGE DETELLIS HEALTH UPDATE

June 24, 2008

Dear Friends,

Today, pastor George's body continues to fight the good fight against the cancer. Throughout the night he had some fever and some fluctuations in his blood pressure and pulse rate.

Hospice has sent crisis care nurses to work at our home around the clock to bring George into a level of comfort. George is resting and he is calm. He does not respond to my loving gestures or any greetings or messages, but I keep talking to him. I thank God that he is here today, and I have the assurance of knowing where he is going.

This photograph is of Pastor George when he started our first church in Haiti under the coconut trees with the banner that reads: Haiti hope in God!

Thank you for your love and prayers.

Love,
Jeanne DeTellis

PASTOR GEORGE DETELLIS HEALTH UPDATE

June 23, 2008

Dear Family of God,

George and I left the Dominican Republic on April 28th, and are at our home in Orlando. He has been under Hospice care for his cancer.

Beginning Wednesday, June 18th, George has had accelerated pain and is no longer able to eat or drink. His eyes are closed and he says few words. Last night, some words were, "Forgive me. Forgive me. I need to go home." This morning he called out "Healer...Healer!" His doctor came this morning and prayed with him for healing in the Name of Jesus.

All of George's vital signs are normal (his heart, blood pressure, circulation) and he is fighting a good fight! The pain of the cancer continues and we know that the battle is the Lord's.

We love you and count our blessings to know that you love us and pray for George at this time.

Love,
Jeanne DeTellis

MIDDLE SCHOOL GROUND BREAKING

June 2008 – Timothy DeTellis, President of New Missions, will travel to Haiti early June to spend one week there with his brother, Charlie DeTellis. While in Haiti a visiting team will be there involved with the on-going mission work. Charlie and Timothy will share in the ground breaking ceremony for the Middle School construction. This new building will become home to over 500 Middle School students that currently attend school at our High School campus.

To make a special donation for the Middle School construction project, please call Shirley or Hannah at 407-240-4058 or visit our donation page. Thank you for your support.

FOOD PRICES RISE IN HAITI

May 2008 – Food shortages are ravaging Haiti, the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere. One-third of Haitian children die before their fifth birthday, and life expectancy in the country is only 50 years. In April 2008, rioters in an uproar over food prices had to be put down with tear gas, as people demanded their President's withdrawal. In turn, Haitian President Renè Prèval, broadcast a radio address on April 9, acknowledged the suffering of the people due to skyrocketing food prices. But he ominously warned that the police could no longer tolerate violence and chaos.

New Missions is still purchasing rice, vegetables, oil, and continues to cook food for our school children in Haiti. Your faithful support of makes this possible, even when food prices are rising, and the country of Haiti depends on importing 75% of the food consumed. To make a special donation for rice in Haiti, please call Shirley or Hannah at 407-240-4058 or visit our donation page. Your support is GREATLY appreciated!