Sonlight Newsletter 2018

SUMMER 2018

Transforming Lives

with Love and Solar Power

THE NEXT CHAPTER François’ journey to attain
his master’s degree isn’t just
A Welcome from the Executive Director unique – it is inspiring.

I love graduation ceremonies. When it comes to college graduations, If you’ve been following
there’s just something about the march to Pomp and Circumstance SonLight Power on social
that stirs my reflective side. media, opened our periodic email newsletters, or received an appeal
I can’t help but pause to consider how that one moment is the letter in the past year, you’ve probably learned about François and his
culmination of an intensive pursuit of something special. It’s the amazing testimony. [And if you haven’t, here’s a shameless plug to follow
end of a chapter marked by an extensive investment (perhaps SonLight Power on social media and sign-up to receive our newsletters on
this sentence should stop here) in time, work, study, relationships, the SonLight Power website.]
overcoming adversity and maybe an intramural softball team
along the way. The against-all-odds story of François growing up without electricity
But almost always I’m reminded that commencement is the in Haiti to earning a Fulbright Scholarship to study engineering with a
beginning of something new. focus on renewable energy at the University of Dayton to his eventual
Recently, I witnessed the graduate commencement ceremony hiring by SonLight Power to inspire the next generation of Haitians has
of François Vibert at the University of Dayton. As much as I tried God’s handwriting all over it.
to remain focused on the event itself, I once again found myself
reflecting on what the moment must have meant to my dear Now, get ready for the next chapter. I invite you to read on and
friend and colleague. witness for yourself how God is using SonLight Power in miraculous
ways to write the next chapter for François and those served by
MISSION the mission.

SonLight Power uses solar power to share As always, thank you for marching boldly with us in your prayers, your
God’s love with the world’s most vulnerable participation, your investments – the following stories are possible
because you let your light shine!
children, families and communities.
Kevin Sasson
VISION SonLight Power Executive Director

To be a life-changing organization, transforming P.S. Make sure to subscribe to the SonLight Power
lives through the sustainable power of the Son/sun. YouTube channel and watch Francois’ Story for
yourself. Feel free to be inspired.
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PUERTO RICO:
LIFE-SAVING IMPACT AFTER MARIA

You are saving lives with love and solar
power after Hurricane Maria

by John Stowell, SonLight Power Contributor

Hurricane Maria wreaked havoc on Puerto Rico and many, many residents
of the island still have no electricity.

“Can you imagine that happening here?” Craig Kindell, Missions
Coordinator for Spanish River Church, asked incredulously from his
office in Boca Raton, FL. Over the past several years, SonLight Power has
equipped Craig and the congregation at Spanish River with the training and
equipment needed to implement solar projects aligned with the church’s
mission strategy.

SonLight Power and Spanish River teamed up earlier in the year for
a mission trip to share solar-powered ministry with residents of the
American island territory.

“They’ve cleaned up a lot of the destruction from the storm,” Craig said,
“but there are still power lines dangling from above and it’s especially bad
out in the rural areas away from the cities.”

The largest project on the list was a church in the southeastern town of
Humacao – the Tabernaculo de Restauración – where Maria first made
landfall as a strong Category 4 storm.

The church, Craig said, had operated as a food bank for the communities
around Humacao and the storm had flattened it. “We knew the church
well and [Spanish River] had raised $54,000 in October and November
for their food bank.”

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SonLight Power’s Allen Rainey coordinated delivery of the solar “If you’re in need of a little encouragement or just want to know
equipment to the island. The equipment for the church and food that your contributions to SonLight Power add value to something
bank, donated by Alternative Energy (altE) Store, had originally been greater, just look at these life-saving examples of impact,” Kevin
designated for a clinic but was repurposed for the church Sasson, executive director of SonLight Power, said.
after the storm.
“These powerful stories and images remind us why we do what we
Solar systems were also installed for three Puerto Rican residents with do. And, our partnerships with Spanish River and altE are invaluable
critical medical needs: and show how we’re able to expand mission impact effectively
through collaboration,” Kevin said.
• 96-year-old Rosaura Gonzalez, the mother of Tabernaculo’s
u To learn more about how you can help Puerto Rico,
pastor, requires power for her hospital bed and an air compressor visit Puerto Rico: Life-Saving Impact After Maria at
for her mattress. She lives in the mountainous region that is www.SonLightPower.org/news.
difficult for electrical utility workers to access.

• A small system was installed for an elderly woman named

Dennisse who lives in a remote area near Naranjito in north
central Puerto Rico. She requires a feeding machine for her daily
nourishment.

• A third system was installed at the home of a young man,

Jorge, who needs a refrigerator to store his insulin.

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FROM VISION TO REALITY

SonLight Power Solar Academy in Haiti due to launch this year

by John Stowell, SonLight Power Contributor

Haiti has become a special place for SonLight Power. It is a place Only about 4 in 10 Haitians have access to electricity and many of
where God has called us to share light and hope with one of the them put up with frequent power outages. Economic development has
world’s most vulnerable countries. Now, having directed over 50 suffered, in part because of the lack of reliable electricity. There is a
solar power installations throughout the country, SonLight Power is critical need for skilled labor to rebuild the nation’s infrastructure after
exploring its next commitment to Haiti: Establishing a solar academy recent catastrophic earthquakes and hurricanes.
for Haitians.

In February, Clay Luna, SonLight Power Director of Programs,
and François Vibert, SonLight Power Solar Engineer & Programs
Coordinator based in Haiti, led a first-of-its-kind solar workshop
at the Extollo International training center in Bercy.

The objective of the workshop was to equip Haitians and partner
organizations with the fundamental skills required to install and
maintain solar power systems. It was also intended to raise awareness
and interest in future SonLight Power solar workshops in Haiti.

SonLight Power Executive Director Kevin Sasson said the response to
the first-ever workshop exceeded expectations. It attracted more than
30 participants from 10 mission organizations throughout Haiti.

Extollo International was an ideal partner to host the workshop.
Extollo is a California-based non-profit that has worked in Haiti for
years training Haitians in the construction and electrical trades. The
Extollo training center in Bercy offered a convenient locale to share
our knowledge and experience.

...Continued on page 6 5

From Vision to Reality...Continued

However, one natural resource Haiti has in abundance is sunshine,
the key ingredient for solar power. In partnership with Life Connection
Mission in Montrouis, SonLight Power plans to launch a permanent
facility to train Haitians on best practices to install and maintain solar
power systems.

What’s more, we can use our growing pipeline of solar projects in
Haiti as an extension of the classroom, where students can apply
what they have learned under the guidance of SonLight Power
solar installers.

“Over the long term, we’re looking to apprentice more and more
Haitians and equip them with the skill sets they need to get good jobs
in Haiti,” Kevin explained. “The pilot workshop in Bercy was one of
the first steps toward making that vision a reality.”

“God has shaped SonLight Power into a ministry where we can foster
faith-based hope and generate the kinds of opportunities that will,
in turn, create jobs to break the cycle of poverty that has hindered
Haiti for so long,” said Kevin.

u For more about the SonLight Power Solar Academy in Haiti, THE SON & THE LUNA
visit From Vision to Reality at www.SonLightPower.org/news.
A story only God could write

by John Stowell, SonLight Power Contributor

The Spanish word for “moon” is “luna.” Only God could script a
story where a Luna would spread the light of the Son/sun among
so many.

The Luna referred to is Clay Luna. And a few years ago, Clay said
he felt he was “missing something.”

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His deep faith in Jesus had grown ever stronger Clay eagerly joined his first SonLight Power
through a family crisis and then a blessing: mission trip, comprised of a four-person team
becoming the father of twin girls. His business – serving in Cap-Haïtien in north Haiti. He said
180-Solar in Lawrenceburg, Tennessee – was a the team worked efficiently and finished the jobs
success. He was an active member of Thousand quicker than expected.
Hills Cowboy Church.
After that trip, Clay said Allen wanted more.
“But I saw others doing more and I wanted to do So did Clay. “Over the next six to eight months,
more, too,” he explained. “I am better with my I worked on quotes, designs and volunteered
hands and I know the solar industry. Those are for more mission trips. When Kevin mentioned
my talents and gifts.” a part-time role to fill a gap, I realized with the
flexibility I had as a business owner, that I could
Clay’s wife, Melissa, googled “solar-based do that.”
missions,” and SonLight Power was at the top of
the list. Today, Clay is SonLight Power’s Director Clay’s plans for SonLight Power’s future will focus
of Programs. He moves into the role created by on accelerating the solar training program with
SonLight Power Founder Allen Rainey while Allen the goal of attracting dedicated technicians who
transitions into a part-time emeritus advisory can lead mission teams. “My goal is to find other
position. people like me who are devoted Christ-followers
with the skills we need and fitting them into our
Like Allen before him, Clay brings unparalleled projects.”
credibility to meet the needs of SonLight
Power mission partners. Allen was a pioneer in u For more about Clay, visit The Son and
solar power for missions, having designed and The Luna at www.SonLightPower.org/news.
installed over 190 off-grid solar power systems
worldwide. Clay is a NABCEP-certified solar u Clay also serves as the lead instructor
installer with experience working on a wide range at SonLight Power Solar School – go to
of environments and solar-powered applications www.SonLightPower.org/solar-school to
that few possess. learn more and register for Solar School.

Executive Director Kevin Sasson said, “Clay 7
has built on the foundation that Allen started,
helping grow SonLight Power’s reputation as the
trusted partner for solar power among mission
organizations.”

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“ Let your light shine before
others in such a way that they
may see your good works, and glorify
your Father who is in heaven.”
– MAT THEW 5:16

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USA: NEWEST SONLIGHT POWER MISSION FIELD

How you equipped a small-town church with a big vision for a bright future

by John Stowell, SonLight Power Contributor

On the edge of Kentucky coal country, there “When people think of SonLight Power, they “generations of families here at Campton
is a church. It lies at the bottom of a hill, which often think of our mission activity overseas. Baptist will have zero carbon footprint.”
provides a good vantage point of the church’s But there’s a need for our mission in this
roof and the 80 sun-drenched solar panels country as well,” said Executive Director, SonLight Power volunteers were joined by
that now adorn it. Kevin Sasson. members of the church community and were
given access to a bucket truck supplied by the
The church is a stunning sight for the small “We’re honored to bring Gary’s generous Licking Valley Energy Cooperative, the local
town of Campton, whose economy was once gift to life for the people of Campton,” he electric provider.
based entirely on the black mineral pulled out continued. “We’re also excited about the
of the Appalachian soil. enormous partnership potential of this “It was awesome to see the people of Campton
project. Partnering with the community on come together on this project,” Kevin said.
A SonLight Power team, joined by local future mission projects and area schools on “Contributions from community members
volunteers, installed the 22-kilowatt system on the advancement of STEM education will were vital. Our team was nourished with home-
Campton Baptist Church over five days last multiply the impact of the solar power system cooked meals and warm hospitality.
August, thanks to the generosity of long-time we just installed together.” And the trucks supplied by Licking Valley EC
supporter Gary Booth. allowed us to work efficiently and safely on
The original Campton Baptist Church building the rooftops.”
Gary grew up in Campton. Now is 121 years old, but through the years, the
retired, Gary was a highly- church added two wings on whose roofs the And as someone who supports SonLight Power
successful Procter & solar panels were mounted. Energy generated through prayer, financial giving or as a volunteer,
Gamble executive who from the solar panels will provide all the you’re an essential part of our team as well.
celebrates his love power needs of the church, saving $120,000 Thanks to your support, children and their
of Jesus by regularly in electricity costs over the next 40 years. families living in energy poverty have hope for
giving back to the Excess electricity produced by the panels a brighter future, both inside and outside the
community. The will be sold back into the grid. United States.
solar installation at
Campton Baptist Church deacon Zach Collier is also a science u To learn more about the
Church, where Gary and aeronautics teacher at the nearby Campton, KY, installation, visit USA:
met Jesus as a young Wolfe County High School. He sees the Newest SonLight Power Mission Field
boy, was his idea. installation as both an excellent learning tool at www.SonLightPower.org/news.
and an inspiration for his students, noting
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GOOD TO GREAT Dana led the group each morning to reflect on selected biblical
passages, getting everyone in the right mindset to serve. Then, in the
SonLight Power re-writes the book on mission trips evening around dinner, she would lead a discussion about the day.

by John Stowell, SonLight Power Contributor Despite the intense poverty of Haiti, Keith and Nancy Brown saw
so much good in this week-long trip. “Haiti is another world that you
Good to Great is the title of Jim Collins’ influential book on really can’t prepare for,” Keith said. “It was a culture shock to be sure
management. It’s also a phrase that could describe the transformation and things don’t always go according to plan. But we saw evidence of
of SonLight Power mission trips. faith in God everywhere you looked.”

“We’ve been called to be great at two things: ministry and solar The spiritual leader pilot program, he said, was wildly successful.
power,” said Executive Director Kevin Sasson. “Our recent trip “We were all seasoned believers so there was an expectation that
to Haiti ensures we’re fulfilling the promise of the SonLight Power God was present and active, and this was His deal,” Keith said.
mission on both fronts.” “We trusted Him and kept going even though it was hard work.”

SonLight Power’s unique solar ministry is being boosted with the “When you preach the Good News, it is often affected in skeptical
addition of a designated spiritual mission leader for future trips. cultures,” Jim said. “So, what we’re doing here is presenting the Good
A November 2017 trip to Haiti served as the backdrop for the launch News first in practical terms. That starts a whole spiritual good news
of this program, bringing together 10 long-time supporters and future conversation and opens eyes It’s a natural duality. Be the good news
spiritual mission leaders. first before preaching the Good News.”

“We provide a tangible work product through our solar energy u Read more about the spiritual leader program by visiting
systems that has attracted a lot of people to our mission and that’s the story Good to Great at www.SonLightPower.org/news.
good,” SonLight Power board president Jim Cochran explained.
“But I feel we have an opportunity to leverage those obvious tangible
benefits to create an even greater spiritual impact on our trips.”

Having solar technical leaders and spiritual mission leaders allows
both roles to concentrate entirely on their specific contributions to
the overall mission trip.

Dana Cochran developed the new program and served as spiritual
mission leader for the Haiti team. Along with mission partners at
World Hope International, that team equipped two schools and a
church with solar energy for critical applications.

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12

“ The light shines in the

darkness, and the darkness
has not overcome it.”

– JOHN 1:5

Children at rural school in Honduras watch the
Jesus Film for the first time on multimedia
resources powered by solar energy.

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LIVE FROM HONDURAS…IT’S SONLIGHT POWER

One Trip, Two Stories: Going [Facebook] Live & Father’s Day from the field

by John Stowell, SonLight Power Contributor

You’ve helped SonLight Power close-in on an important milestone: in the Honduran
200 mission projects installed. mountains, near the
El Salvador border.
In the process, you’ve shared hope and opportunity with hundreds of
thousands through the love of Jesus and impact of clean solar power. Long-time mission
You see the photos when our teams complete their mission trips – team mobilizer from
smiling children, grateful parents, uplifted communities. Cobblestone, Gary
Antonius, served as
But last June, you were able to witness it live. For the first time ever, Facebook Live host, giving you and other Facebook followers in-the-
SonLight Power used the Facebook Live feature to transmit scenes moment vantage points at how your mission investment changes lives.
of love and hope in real-time, directly from distant project sites in
Honduras. And, we have been using Facebook Live as a mission tool “This was my first mission trip outside the U.S.,” volunteer Matt
ever since. Weiskittel said. Matt, then a rising senior at The Ohio State University,
was majoring in engineering. He said he enjoyed learning the practical,
The mission team in Honduras, comprised mostly of members from on-the-ground aspect of his coming career. “I never had to drill
SonLight Power partners Cobblestone Community Church (Oxford, eight holes in cement before,” he laughed. “We didn’t learn that in
Ohio, USA) and Vida Abundante [Abundant Life] Church (Tegucigalpa, engineering class.”
Honduras), installed solar systems at three schools in remote villages

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Matt joined his father, Dr. David Weiskittel, on the trip. Dr. Dave is a veteran of
medical mission trips and got involved in the Honduran mission after talking with
SonLight Power board leader, Jim Cochran, at a chance meeting in a Cincinnati
restaurant. The idea that solar power could improve medical care intrigued him.

Dr. Dave admitted he knew nothing about solar power and he’s not a handyman.
“After they saw me handle a screwdriver, they got me a stethoscope,” he laughed,
crediting SonLight Power’s partner, Vida Abundante, with giving him an opportunity
to examine several patients who needed medical care. Dr. Dave even administered
to a man whose fibula had been fractured in a machete accident.

It was a rain-soaked mission but SonLight Power founder, Allen Rainey (no relation
to the weather), said it didn’t stop the mission. “God had a stopwatch,” he said,
noting the rain would stop just long enough to get the jobs done before opening
back up again.

Matt and Dr. Dave spent Father’s Day together attending Spanish-language church
services at Vida Abundante, with English interpreters’ voices in their headsets bringing
them an inspiring message.

How did Father’s Day 2017 rate? “I didn’t get a tie,” Dr. Dave replied. “We ate refried
beans and drank fresh orange juice together and it was wonderful.”

u For more about Matt, Dr. Dave and an eventful Father’s Day, visit
SonLight Power in Honduras, June 2017 at www.SonLightPower.org/news.

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Transforming Lives

with Love and Solar Power

SUMMER 2018

7100 Dixie Highway / Fairfield, OH 45014
CONNECT WITH US:

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Phone: 513-285-9960
E-mail: [email protected]

SonLight Power is a 501(c)(3) non-profit