LaGonave Alive, a ministry that has grown since its start in 2010 to include a healthcare, outreach for women, the elderly and children, is going to build a school.  A team will travel to Haiti next week to the island of LaGonave to begin the building process.

LaGonave is a nonprofit organized to serve God and to bring hope, health, and happiness to the people on the island of LaGonave, Haiti.  It is a ministry that conveys the message of Christ through the areas of education, healthcare, and ministering to those in need, especially women, children, and the elderly. Bruce and Sharon Blumer, Embace church, Tea, South Dakota are co-directors of the ministry.

The school will start small, serving just three or four grade levels, Bruce Blumer said. But, as funds flow in and support grows, so will the school. Blumer estimates it will cost approximately $30,000 to complete the project.

The Rob Marchand Education Center will open in the fall of 2017.  In total, the school will be able to house up to 25 students in each grade, with the potential to reach up to 200 kids each year.  The school is named after Rob Marchand, 21-year director of the Mitchell Recreation Center and Mitchell High School girls golf coach in South Dakota. Marchand died in August 2014 after a battle with prostate cancer.

The name is not by chance.  Dr. William Hyppolite, who received support financially and in many other ways, from LaGanove Alive to become and doctor and begin heath care services and clinics on the island of LaGonove, suggested the name.  Hyppolite has become a good friend of the Blumers and visited the Dakotas several times.  The doctor spent time with Blumers in Mitchell and saw the close connection and bond between Bruce Blumer and his friend Rob Marchand, so he suggested the name to honor both of the men he as grown to love.

 “Rob was my best friend,” Blumer said. “He was a great guy so it’s really been an honor for me … It was very heartwarming and it’s a great way for us to honor his legacy.”

Fundraising efforts are happening through social media and through requests to individual donors.  The team would like to bring as many funds as possible when they travel on January.  To fund the school you can purchase a brick for one dollar or donate any amount. Click here donate.

Churches can consider making a yearly commitment for expenditures like scholarships, school supplies, books, uniforms and other ongoing expenses.  Contact Bruce Blumer by e-mail or phone 605-770-5156.

If you cannot give financially your prayers are requested for the team and the school.  The team will leave for Haiti on January 28 and be gone for ten days.  Follow their progress on Facebook.