social media
     
 

News

New Day Rising

Posted: 11/11/23 Updated: 2/1/24

 

You are invited to Solar School

Posted: 10/1/23 Updated: 2/1/24

 

Relight Your Passion

Posted: 9/30/23 Updated: 11/17/23

 

SUS August 2023 Newsletter

Posted: 8/21/23 Updated: 11/15/23

 

August 2022 Newsletter

Posted: 9/2/22 Updated: 9/6/22

 

A Prayer for Haiti

Posted: 8/18/21 Updated: 8/18/21

 

Solar Under the Sun News August 2021

Posted: 8/4/21 Updated: 9/6/22

 

Solar Under the Sun News February 2021

Posted: 2/9/21 Updated: 9/1/22

 

Solar Under the Sun July 2020 Newsletter

Posted: 7/27/20 Updated: 7/27/20
3rd Quarter 2020 Newsletter
Believing Jesus Christ is the Light of the world, we envision a reality where every person on the planet has access to clean, sustainable, life-changing energy.
What Good Can Come of This?
Dear Friends,
         Romans 8 is one of my favorite passages of Scripture, and I had the opportunity to preach from it lately. One reason I am fond of this particular chapter is a story that I heard as a young man about my family. My great-grandfather on my mother’s side was a Presbyterian minister in the early years of the last century. According to one of my great-uncles, when my great-grandfather was confronted by a particularly bad piece of news his response was to quote Romans 8:28, “We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.”
           I admit it takes a certain amount of courage for even the most faithful of believers to quote that particular verse in the face of disquieting or disturbing circumstances. It may seem completely foolhardy to do so during an unrelenting pandemic that is keeping so many of us sidelined when we would like to be at work in the world. What good can come of this? How is God going to turn the current situation into a blessing?
           And that of course is the point. Only God could turn the current situation into a blessing. Only God could bring true goodness out of such events. That isn’t our responsibility. Our responsibility is to trust in God, to hold fast to the hope that God offers us as events unfold.
           Solar Under the Sun, like so many other organizations, has had to put plans on the shelf this year. Because of who we are and what we do, commitments that we made months ago have gone unmet. This is extremely disappointing for us, especially when we know of so many needs that we could help in meeting and when there is so much enthusiasm among our staff, volunteers, supporters, and board members, so much eagerness to be at work.
           But for now, this must be a season of patience for SUS, a time of calm reflection. Someday the pandemic will end (it has to) and then, by God’s grace we will be able to resume our activities. At that time we will reassess the situation, adjust for the new reality, and seek to follow where God is leading. At that time we will renew our invitation to you and to others to come and be a part of our work, whatever it turns out to be at that time. But until then we will wait, we will keep the conversation going with our friends and supporters, and we will pray for God’s healing power to restore our world. And of course, there are certainly ways for all of us to help in our own communities right now and things for us to do in the name of Jesus Christ.
           May all of you remain safe and secure at this time, and may God bless us all with the patience we need.
Sincerely,
Jim Freeman,
Moderator of the Board, SUS
   

Please note our new address:
P.O. Box 5004
Jacksonville, AR 72078
   
Our Friends in Honduras
The pandemic is affecting each corner of the world in a different manner, and it is no different in Honduras. Solar Under the Sun has had multiple opportunities to learn and work alongside Alex Rodas who has shown his love and care for others time and time again.
Since the beginning of the pandemic Alex, his father Juan (who is the head of the Presbyterian Church of Honduras), and Dori Hjalmarson (the Presbyterian Mission CoWorker in Honduras) have worked closely to organize a food ministry for the congregations and villages they serve. The Evangelical Presbyterian Mission of Honduras has used funds donated from Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, churches, presbyteries, and individuals to purchase food staples (rice, beans, cornmeal, pasta, sugar, etc.) and put together food bags to feed a family for a couple of weeks. The food bags cost about $15 each and are assembled by a small number of families in the church. So far they have purchased, assembled, and delivered 1,880 family-sized bags of meals to 28 different congregations in the country over three campaigns since April. It is a small number of people putting together this monumental effort despite the serious restrictions, police blockades, and challenges.
Please pray for Alex, Juan, Dori, and the people of Honduras as they share of their love, time, and resources with each other. May we do so as well.
-Megan Rubio
Solar School Update
We were so sad to have to cancel in-person Solar School for 2020 due to the Coronavirus pandemic.
While we were looking forward to meeting new partners in ministry, we felt that it was the prudent thing to do in order to keep all of us safe during these strange times.
Please keep checking our website for an update on Solar School for 2021.
But there is something new in the works!!
We are working to bring Solar workshops to you online. Just as our school systems are learning to adapt, so are we. We want to continue learning and teaching as we seek to serve our family in Christ around the world. Our instructors are working hard on bringing content to you, so stay tuned for updates! We will make sure to get information to you as soon as we possibly can.
Did you know?
Did you know you can request a Project Number, tells us about your project, and tell us about a need on the Solar Under the Sun website? Visit here to access these links.
Solar Under the Sun
P.O.Box 5004
Jacksonville, AR 72078
Google Voice:469-379-2788
 

Solar Under the Sun July 2018 Newsletter

Posted: 7/15/18 Updated: 9/1/22
July 2018 Newsletter

Believing Jesus Christ is the Light of the world, we envision a reality where every
person on the planet has access to clean, sustainable, life-changing energy.

A note from our Executive Director, Melinda Hunt...
Greetings, Solar Saints!
I do pray you are having a wonderful summer! Solar Under the Sun is, and things are poppin’ around here!
This newsletter contains articles regarding some of the many activities happening with SUS. Among them you will find Chris McRae’s recap of our May Solar School. It was a huge success with participants coming from all over the country, as well as from Puerto Rico and Guatemala. Craig Becker, from First Presbyterian, Ft. Worth, has submitted an article regarding their team’s work with villagers in Haiti.. They installed the largest SUS solar system to date.
In May Solar School, two of the attendees were a father/son team from Shreveport. Rob, the father, trained in Solar 2, while Quinten trained in Solar 1. Quinten plans to install a system in Haiti for his Eagle Scout Project this fall. You can read more about his project in this edition.

SUS’ Board of Directors has voted to offer a Solar School in Puerto Rico in 2019. We had a survey team visit the area in March, and they determined the most useful way to assist the folks there, still suffering from Hurricane Maria’s aftereffects, is to offer training regarding how to design and install a simple solar system. We will get back to you with more on that as plans firm-up.

SUS has been well-represented at several conferences this year. We just returned from General Assembly, the national gathering for the Presbyterian Church (USA) held every two years, where we met a number of new and interested folks. In August, we will participate in the national Presbyterian Women’s Annual Conference in Louisville, KY. If any of you have conferences coming up that would lend themselves to SUS’ participation, please do let us know!
Lastly, we want you to know that Solar Under the Sun will launch a fundraising campaign during the month of September. You’ll be hearing from us during that month via email and social media. Please join me in providing support for this wonderful ministry, as it seeks to rid the world of energy poverty.

Blessings to each of you for the work you are doing to bring the Light of Christ to the world!
Melinda

What is Energy Poverty?

Energy Poverty – What does it mean?

One of the phrases you often hear or read when around our Solar Saints is that of “energy poverty.” It’s catchy, and pretty self-explanatory. But, what does it really mean?
We at Solar Under the Sun have come to define energy poverty as lacking access to electricity because it is either unavailable, unreliable, or unaffordable.
Consider this:
  • Over 2.7 billion people (38% of the global population) rely on wood, crop waste, kerosene, dung, and other forms of biomass for lighting, cooking, and heating within their homes.
  • Over 1.2 billion people (17% of the population) have no access to electricity at all.
  • More than 95% of these people are either in sub-Saharan Africa or developing Asia, and around 80% are in rural areas. In Liberia, only 2% of the population has access to electricity.
SUS believes this is a global problem that needs global attention! The issues of energy poverty aren’t on the radar for most of us here in the U.S. In fact, few of us had even heard of the term or concept prior to being affiliated with SUS. So, my question to you is, “How can you help us make "energy poverty" go viral? How can you help us raise awareness of this issue?”

Send us your ideas, or let us know what you are doing to help this cause be on the radar. It makes a difference in the lives of the people we serve.


Solar School #18...A look back 
by Chris McRae
  
  
As we anticipate the upcoming solar school #19 which is just around the corner (October 11-14), I would be remiss if I did not reflect back on what just happened in solar school #18. We had 29 students from nine states, the territory of Puerto Rico, and Guatemala. Soon, some of our trainees will be establishing our first solar installation in Guatemala! Pablo Perez, who is employed as a technician for Living Waters for the World in Guatemala, will soon be meeting a team from the U.S. who plans to install a water purification system powered by solar panels in El Chico. Pablo was trained in the Solar 2 protocol at SS #18. Guatemala will be the sixth country in which our students have established solar installations.
We had four trainees from Puerto Rico, who are on fire about the prospects of weaning this U.S. territory off their dependence on fossil fuel energy, and stepping into a green energy economy. As you may suspect, some areas of Puerto Rico still do not have power as a result of hurricane Maria. Many areas of PR are still under a boil water advisory because of a lack of adequate power to properly filter drinking water. In 2019, Solar Under the Sun has committed to provide solar training for people in Puerto Rico, as Melinda explained above. Plans for this Solar School are underway and fundraising has begun. If you would like to support this effort, please contact our executive director for more information.
Sometimes Kingdom building seems to be an impossible uphill battle. Sometimes I feel tired and just want to pray for our brothers and sisters around the world, and hope for the best. If God wills, then our prayers will break the hopelessness of energy poverty, hunger and despair that exist all around the world. I find my energy is renewed when I witness 29 points of light getting trained at solar school 18 to go out into the world and bring God’s gift of solar power to our brothers and sisters in need. Yes, prayer is necessary, but sooner or later we must put feet on our faith and bring hope to a hurting world. Hope casts out the spell of despair.

Get trained, get energized, and get out there!

Eagle Scout Service Project Planned for Haiti
by Quintan Ajluni
  
My name is Quintan Ajluni and I am a life scout working on my Eagle Scout rank. Part of that process is to complete a service project. My project is to install solar panels in the St. Matthais school in Cherident, Haiti. St. Matthias is a Haiti Education Fund school founded over 30 years ago. The school has a preschool, elementary, and high school. The solar panels will bring power to the library, computer lab, music room and 2 guest bedrooms that are used by the visiting doctor. The project will power lighting, 10 computers, microphones, a sound mixer, a printer, and more. This will give lights to the library so that the kids can read and study in the evening and on rainy days. The kids will be able to use computers and electrical instruments and allow teachers to have a printer to prepare lessons with. Many of the graduates of the St. Matthais school go on to university and become doctors, priest, nurses, etc.
My church works with the school in Cherident and I have heard a lot about it over the years from Mr. Guilbert and others that have gone on mission trips there. I really enjoy the great education that I get here in the States and wanted to do something to help improve the education that the kids in Cherident receive. I talked with another boy scout from the States that did a similar project for his Eagle Scout and that inspired me to do this project. My Dad and I went to Solar School in May and I have been busy working on the planning and raising money for the trip which will take place later this Fall.

"Let There Be Light"
First Presbyterian Church of Fort Worth installs Solar Panels in Haiti
by Craig Becker
  
  
Almost 2 billion people on the planet have no access to electric power. In an effort to provide solar-powered electrical systems to those in need, “Solar Under the Sun” (SUS) was established as an ecumenical mission ministry of the Synod of the Sun, PCUSA. First Pres began a partnership with SUS last year, and several FPC members have been trained by SUS to perform site surveys and develop covenant relationships with in-country partners, while others have received technical training on how to design and install these systems.

After completing a site survey in January of this year, four FPC members (Craig Becker, Jimmy DeFoor, Ben Osborne and Ralph Reece), along with SUS instructor Sally Smith, journeyed to Haiti for seven days in early April to install a solar power system for a high school located in the small mountainous village of Cherident. This 10-room school, which is four hours by car from Port-au-Prince, was just recently rebuilt with support from the Haiti Education Foundation, after having been destroyed in the 2010 earthquake. Extensive planning was necessary to complete the system design prior to the trip, and decisions had to be made regarding which components could be purchased in-country, and what pieces would have to be packed and flown into Haiti with us.

Upon arriving at the school on Tuesday, the team was both surprised and pleased to find 15 people ready, willing and able to lend a hand! As a result, tremendous progress was made during the first two days. Electric lights and outlets were installed in every classroom, along with two outdoor security lights. Additionally, 14 outlets were installed in the ‘computer lab’ to provide power for laptops that will soon be purchased.
There was an unexpected ‘bump in the road’ later in the week when we discovered that a key part was missing. However, our in-country partners, Lucson and Herns, provided outstanding support, and after much searching they obtained the part in Port-au-Prince within 24 hours. The part was then installed and Voila! – Let There Be Light! The system worked perfectly, just as designed!
A short training class was then held on Saturday to teach the local operators how to maintain the system. The next day we all attended the local Episcopal church service, then the entire congregation walked the short distance across the road to bless the school and the new power system.
At first, it seemed that we would finish the project early, especially with all the unexpected help we received. Then it appeared that we would not finish at all, when a key part was discovered missing. Ultimately however, with the help of all our Haitian partners (and a dose of Divine Providence), we finished right on time! Thanks be to God!
(originally published in The Penn Street Letter, July 2018)
  
New Facebook Group "Solar Saints"
We have formed a Facebook group for all solar school graduates, instructors, staff and Board as a way to assist each other in ministry. As Solar Under the Sun seeks to empower, advocate and train others to share solar installations anywhere energy poverty limits human hope, we want to also build a community among us who are affiliated with this ministry. We hope this Facebook group will be a blessing and encouragement to us all. We welcome your stories, trip plans and questions. 
To join our new group and invite anyone who has been through solar school visit https://www.facebook.com/groups/solarsaints/ 
We hope to grow and become a great resource to you!
Solar School Dates
Solar School #19: October 11-14 2018
Solar School #20: April 25-28, 2019
Solar School #21: October 10-13, 2019

Solar School is the training program for Solar Under the Sun. It is a hands-on, interactive program designed to equip team leaders with the necessary skills to form meaningful partnerships with communities in the developing world. In collaboartion with the local villages, individuals are trained to assess the need for solar power, design and install a solar power system. These skills are taught in two separate courses that run concurrently during our Solar School. A church or organization should send at least 2 representatives to Solar School, one for each course.
 
Solar 1: Leadership, Partnership Development, and Surveying
Solar 1 leaders are trained to build a mission team, establish partnerships with communities in need, plan and organize the project, raise funds, and nurture cultural awareness and spiritual development.
 
Solar 2: System Design, Installation, and Equipping Partners
Solar 2 leaders are trained in the technical aspects of solar power systems. They will learn to assess the power needs of a community, design a system to meet those needs, and lead an installation team.
 
For more information about our Solar School Program, click here.
WANTED:
An Experienced Solar 2 Graduate

There is a new team going to El Chico, Guatemala from October 20-28, 2018 who would like an experienced Solar 2 graduate to join them on a water/solar installation. If you are interested, please email rynae@solarunderthesun.org.
Solar Installation Survey

In an effort to more effectively partner with you and your mission teams, we are requesting some information from you. 
If you have been on a solar installation trip, we are asking you to complete a short questionnaire. It should only take a few minutes of your time. This information will enable us to update our records so we know what installations you have made, what trips you have planned, and how SUS might support you in your ministries around the globe.
Should you have multiple trips to report, please complete a questionnaire for each. 
SUS is blessed to have you as our partner in ministry. Please stay in touch with us, especially regarding the installations you have planned. We want to celebrate with you as you seek to share the light of Christ with others.
Click here to access the questionnaire.
Our Donors Rock!

A huge thank you to the donors who have supported Solar Under the Sun this past year. We couldn't do it without you.
Because of your support:
  • You have enabled us to continue two Solar Schools each year.
  • You have helped us to install, with the assistance of the local villagers, solar power systems in 38 of the 76 homes on the "waiting" list in Honduras.
  • You allowed us to spread the word about energy poverty and Solar Under the Sun at national Presbyterian conferences (APCE, GA, PW), and countless Presbytery and church meetings.
Together, we can make a difference! Donate today and help us bring hope and life to those who suffer with energy poverty.
  
New Mailing Address
Please note our new mailing address:
Solar Under the Sun
P.O. Box 940272
Plano, TX 75094
info@solarunderthesun.org
Google Voice: 940-489-2203 
From the rising of the sun to its setting, the name of the Lord is to be praised.
Psalm 113:3
Follow us on Facebook!!
 

The Future is Bright with Solar!

Posted: 3/28/18 Updated: 3/28/18

The Future is Bright with Solar!

By Ann Owen, SUS Board Member

Connections were made on so many levels recently when SUS supporters from three U.S states partnered with many others in country on February 20-28 to continue lighting up several small communities in southwestern Honduras.  As a result, many more families in the beautiful, coffee-covered mountains near Comayagua now have clean, sustainable power in their homes for the first time – transforming their lives in significant ways.

Arquimidez was one of the 14 homeowners that had solar installed during this SUS trip. As is required by the SUS covenant, Arquimidez made a financial investment in his system, but he also contributed a great deal of sweat equity during the week, helping with many others’ installations. He was a joy to work with, and helped many on the trip expand their Spanish terminology (martillo = hammer), while enhancing his own English vocabulary in the process!

Elida was another amazing member of the Honduran team, and her grandmother’s home was the first solar installation this trip. Elida, who had participated in previous SUS installation trips to El Horno, El Sute, and Agua Zarca, assisted with many of the other homes in February. To help install the solar systems this trip, leader Megan Rubio, of Spring Hill Presbyterian-Mobile, was joined by graduates of SUS Solar Schools from several Presbyterian churches: Second-Little Rock, Broadmoor-Shreveport, and First-Jacksonville.

SUS has a covenant with these three Honduran communities to install smaller one-panel 12V systems (the "FS-12" system) in 76 homes in the area. This was the third trip for this pilot SUS Initiating Partner project. The first survey trip was in June 2016, and since the first installation trip in January 2017, 38 homes have been completed.  Nine other homes in Las Glorias, Honduras were installed several years ago.

Solar Under the Sun is lighting the way and you can be a part of it!  Please visit www.solarunderthesun.org to learn more about how you can support this wonderful mission or to register for the next Solar School on May 3-6 at Ferncliff Camp and Conference Center!

 

Join Us as We Take the Light Bulb Challenge!

Posted: 10/17/16 Updated: 3/22/18

 

The Light Bulb Challenge is two things. First, it is a Bible study aimed at adults and older youth. It may be used on consecutive days as part of adult Bible school or over a longer period of time as a Sunday school class or evening Bible study. Each of its four study sessions deals with a passage of scripture in which light plays an important role, providing a context for the passage and a contemporary application. Each session includes information, references, and background material within a lesson guide which can be used by leaders and students together. There is also a brief (humorous) dialogue to be used with each session as a means of breaking the ice and pointing to themes at work in the passage.

But the Light Bulb Challenge is also a call to action and an invitation to join Solar Under the Sun (SUS) in its work helping to provide clean, renewable energy to those suffering from energy poverty in our world. At the end of the study sessions, there is a guide on how to conduct an inventory of light bulbs in use in your home, business, or place of worship, and a request that you contribute financially to the work of SUS so that it may continue to serve those in need.

Click here to view and download material for the Light Bulb Challenge!

 

Join us for Energy Poverty in the Developing World - How it affects everybody and what you can do!

Posted: 7/28/16 Updated: 7/28/16

Did you know roughly a fourth of the world’s population lives without access to reliable electricity? Let’s talk about that.

 

Join us for 

Energy Poverty in the Developing World:

How it affects everybody and what you can do.

A Symposium Sponsored by Solar Under the Sun

6:30-8:30 pm, August 19, 2016

Broadmoor Presbyterian Church

1915 Grover Place

Shreveport, LA 71105

 

Come meet Solar Under the Sun staff and Board members and hear a presentation about energy poverty and its effects on communities worldwide.

Enjoy light refreshments as we discuss tangible ways that people of faith can respond, both as individuals and congregations, and how Solar Under the Sun is sharing God’s gift of solar energy with people who need it desperately.

 

For more information visit solarunderthesun.org or find us on Facebook.

Admission is free! RSVP at http://evite.me/MXhdbzXMXa

 

Solar Under the Sun's Symposium on Energy Poverty

Posted: 4/11/16 Updated: 4/21/16

 

Did you know roughly a fourth of the world’s population lives without access to reliable electricity?  Let’s talk about that.
 
Please join us for
Solar Under the Sun’s
Symposium on Energy Poverty
Thursday, May 5 at 7:00pm—Presbyterian Mission Center
 
Come meet Solar Under the Sun staff and Board members and hear a presentation by keynote speaker James Allison about energy poverty and its effects on communities worldwide.
 
Enjoy light refreshments as we discuss tangible ways that people of faith can respond, both as individuals and congregations, and how Solar Under the Sun is sharing God’s gift of solar energy with people who need it desperately.
 
Please click on this link to register—there is no cost to you, and you’re welcome to share this invitation with friends.
 
 
 

Solar Under the Sun at APCE 2016

Posted: 2/2/16 Updated: 2/2/16

APCE 2016 was great! I got to meet so many wonderful people and see the beautiful city of Chicago.  Congratulations to the winner of our prize in the passport drawwing!  She won a copy of our VBS curriculum and vouchers for a pair from her church to attend Solar School at a discounted rate!  I look forward to representing Solar Under the Sun at their Denver meeting next year!

- Emily 

 

This Christmas Season

Posted: 12/4/15 Updated: 12/4/15

Dear friends,

 

This season, as you light up your Christmas trees, we hope you will remember that about 1/4 of the world's population has no way of doing so.

As you prepare meals for your family, we hope you remember that nearly 3 billion are still doing this over wood, crop waste, and dung.

We hope that you remember that in some countries such as Malawi and Niger, less than 10% of the population even has access to electricity.

During this season of love and giving, we hope you remember that Solar Under the Sun cares and is working to do something about it.

We hope you remember that we need you - your prayers, your partnership, your support.

 

In Christian Service,

Emily Fausett

 

Attention: Make your plans now!

Posted: 2/13/15 Updated: 5/27/15

The first solar training this year is just around the corner (April 30-May 3). You can add solar power to your mission outreach in the world. In three and one half days, your mission team can be trained to plan, coordinate, build, and install a mini power plant from the solar array to the point of use or power need. Add substance to your short term mission trips and help us light up the world!

 

Honduras..... we're there!

Posted: 12/17/14 Updated: 5/27/15

Solar under the Sun (SUTS) just installed two power systems in El Horno and El Sute, Honduras. In El Horno SUTS is the power source for a Living Water for the World water filtration system as well as power for the church. In El Sute SUTS powers the church with lights and outlets for a microphone and musical instruments. While in Honduras the install team found many other opportunities for future systems. Get trained and come join the fun!

 

Honduras is on the horizon!

Posted: 9/30/14 Updated: 5/27/15

This man and woman walked 3 hours one day from the small village of Los Corrales in hopes that Solar under the Sun would partner with them to bring power to their homes. The mayor of the village told the survey team that he would match us dollar for dollar if we would partner with them! Wow, what a challenge. Who will that partner be? It could be you. Get trained, get involved and get out there!

 

New SUTS Newsletter Ready for Download

Posted: 6/26/14 Updated: 5/27/15

The summer edition of the SUTS newsletter is ready for viewing! We have great stories from Ruthie McRae, Ashley Goad and more! Please download this copy and send to your family and friends.

The next SUTS newletter will print this fall. Please email stories and trip reports and photos to Chris McRae at chris@solarunderthesun.org.

 

SUTS Newsletter Hot Off The Press

Posted: 3/31/14 Updated: 5/27/15

Friends, our newest SUTS newsletter is ready for you to view. You can download here. Please share with your congregations, your friends, and family!

 

Make a difference!

Posted: 11/21/13 Updated: 5/27/15

Dear Friends of SUTS,

In this season of thanks-giving and gift-giving, it is an honor to invite you to consider how one particular gift can change the world. It is a gift that is priceless... a gift that is sacramental... a gift that creates a covenant between people. It is a gift that magnifies hope throughout the hemisphere... a gift that binds hands and hearts in unity... a gift that crosses oceans, countries, continents, and cultures. It is a gift that opens a library of new dreams... a gift that paints rainbows of new opportunities... a gift that gives birth to a new reality. Indeed, your gift to Solar Under the Sun blesses humankind, because your gift is a gift of inspiration and transformation... it is a gift that reveals a dawn of good health... and it is a gift of light, energy, and education. Your gift to Solar Under the Sun will broaden the horizons of our global outreach, and it will nurture lasting relationships that not only glorify God but also model the kind of community that God is fashioning throughout creation... and in following the way of Jesus Christ, Solar Under the Sun actually embodies the lyrics of the hymn, “Light and life to all He brings.” As we celebrate God’s greatest gift to us through the Child born in the manger, let us also serve as instruments who reflect the Light of the world to our brothers and sisters upon the planet by giving a gift that will provide future generations with a beacon of blessing. Thank you for your generous support.

With immense gratitude, Tom Ulrich Chairperson, Solar Under the Sun

 

Solar under the Sun gets an award!

Posted: 11/19/13 Updated: 5/27/15

Solar Under the Sun is a Presbyterian-related organization whose mission is to illumine our fellow human beings with hope and life through solar energy. SUTS is now establishing solar at a rate of almost two installations per month. In the past four years, SUTS completed nine training sessions, trained 191 missioners, and conducted 50 solar mission outreaches in three countries: Haiti, Ukraine and Kenya. Chris McRae, Executive Director, will accept the award for Solar Under the Sun. Since 1997, Presbyterians for Earth Care (PEC) has annually given awards to recognize individuals and organizations for their forward thinking and leadership in caring for God's creation. Individuals receive the William Gibson Lifetime Achievement Award and congregations, governing bodies, ecumenical agencies, and Presbyterian-related entities receive Restoring Creation Awards for environmental work that is particularly praise-worthy and innovative. Presbyterians for Earth Care (formerly Presbyterians for Restoring Creation) was founded in 1995 as a national, grassroots organization to support people of faith working towards “environmental wholeness with social justice." PEC helps the church to fulfill its current environmental policies, to create new policies and practices, and to energize and educate church members about eco-justice - the well-being of all humankind on a thriving earth.

 

Register Now For Solar School 10; May 1-4, 2014

Posted: 11/19/13 Updated: 5/27/15

You are cordially invited to attend Solar School #10! Held May 01-04; 2014 at beautiful Ferncliff Camp and Conference Center just outside Little Rock, Arkansas. Solar School offers two courses,Solar 1 and Solar 2. You don’t have to take both—usually a group sends at least one person to Solar 1 and one person to Solar 2.

Solar 1: Leadership, Partnership Development and Surveying

This course includes:
Exploring theology of doing mission in partnership
Developing partnerships and organizing skills
Forming teams (Trip management and Leadership)
Evaluating sites for solar projects
Negotiating covenants
Increasing cultural awareness

Solar 2: Installation and Equipping Partners

This course includes:
Assembling off-grid solar energy systems
Emphasizing systems to power clean water systems, but also electricity for clinics and schools
Assessing electrical loads
Learning system designs
Practicing safety and maintenance

Plenary Sessions include:
Mission Strategy session
Fund raising
Cultural differences between countries
Small group reflections
Devotions

The cost for Solar School is $485 per registrant, which includes room and board, instruction, and training manuals. Commuting registrant cost is $375 per person. You must be 18 years or older to attend Solar School.

To register for Solar School online, please click here. If registering online, simply click the "new user" button, and register according to directions. Should you have questions, please callcall Ferncliff Camp at 501-821-3063.

 

Summer Newsletter Available Now!

Posted: 7/3/13 Updated: 5/27/15

Greetings, friends! We hope the summer is treating you well! At Solar Under The Sun, we are continuing to celebrate the abundant gifts from God, especially the faithful servants He has provided us.

To download the latest copy of our newsletter, click here.Read all about our journeys and excitement in this summer's newsletter. Please share with your family, friends, and churches.

 

SUTS Newsletter Available Online Now!

Posted: 4/3/13 Updated: 5/27/15

The March edition of the Solar Under the Sun newsletter is available now! Click here to download the newsletter and share with your friends!

Also, have you signed up for May Solar School? Spots are filling quickly! Visit our Solar School link to register today.

 

SUTS Calendar of Events Link

Posted: 2/21/13 Updated: 5/27/15

Have you seen our SUTS Calendar of Events? If you click on the "About" tab and the "Calendar" link, you will see a list of our upcoming installations, meetings, and more.

If you click on an installation, you will see the trip information and the leader contact. We hope this new feature will connect our teams with each other, and inform the public of the good work Solar Under The Sun does each and every day!

Don't see your trip or meeting included on the list? Please email Ashley Broadhurst with the information.

 

Vacation Bible School Curriculum Available Now!!

Posted: 2/7/13 Updated: 5/27/15

SUTS is pleased to announce the first edition of Vacation Bible School curriculum. We are so thankful for acclaimed Christian Educator Dee Koza and the offering she has provided for us. Our VBS material is designed to help participants in Kindergarten thru 5th grade consider how the Bible calls us and provides guidance in serving as God's stewards of the earth. Through Bible study, learning centers and mission moments, participants will learn about solar power and the role of solar power as it sustains life, gives energy, lights the earth, brings warmth and promotes growth.

Cost for the curriculum is $50 (includes shipping). You can order online by clicking here.

If you have any questions, please contact Ashley Broadhurst.

 

SUTS End-of-Year Newsletter Hot Off the Press!

Posted: 12/7/12 Updated: 5/27/15

The Solar Under The Sun December Newsletter is here! Click the link below to download a PDF copy. We encourage you to share this link with your families, friends, and churches.

Peace be with you through this Advent season of celebration.

Light of Life Newsletter

 

SUTS to Offer Vacation Bible School Curriculum

Posted: 11/26/12 Updated: 5/27/15

In the past two years, whether we were at our exhibit hall booth in Pittsburgh, PA for General Assembly or Grand Rapids, MI for APCE, the first question we received was, “Do you have Vacation Bible School curriculum?” Our next door neighbor, and sister organization, Living Waters For The World offers a beautiful curriculum, and churches who have used their lessons are eager to follow the next year with another mission-oriented study.

Divine intervention placed acclaimed Christian Educator Dee Koza into our lives. She has worked tirelessly to provide a solid five-day children’s curriculum. The first edition will be printed and available in January, and a second edition, which will include youth supplements and an adult retreat study will be ready by midyear. We cannot wait to share this with our many supporters and churches. More information will be available on our website in the coming days.

 

Solar School 7 Set for September 13-16

Posted: 8/3/12 Updated: 5/27/15

As Solar Under The Sun celebrates its third anniversary we are happy to announce registration for Solar School #7 is underway. Ferncliff Camp and Conference Center in Little Rock, Arkansas is once again our beautiful location.

We are filling spots quickly, and we encourage you to visit the wesbite to sign up today.

Upcoming Solar School Dates are:

September 13-16, 2012 (online regisration)

May 2-5, 2013

September 12-15, 2013

More information regarding the classes available at Solar School can be found here or by clicking the "Solar School" tab above. We hope to see you soon!

 

Solar Under The Sun Creates Worship Resources

Posted: 5/25/12 Updated: 5/27/15

Looking for a new hymn to sing in your worship service? Preparing for your mission trip and needing a nightly devotion for your team? Planning a special time of prayer and hoping to find fresh material?

Solar Under The Sun has new resources for you! Click on the links below to download new materials created by our Solar School Instructors and Board of Directors. Use with your mission team, a small group, or in the Sunday morning worship service.

Together in mission, let us grow in the family of God!

SUTS Hymn

SUTS Hymn Text

SUTS Devotional Booklet

SUTS Liturgy

 

SUTS Offers Challenge Grants from PW Birthday Offering

Posted: 3/15/12 Updated: 5/27/15

Last fall, Solar Under The Sun was chosen as the recipient of the 2012 Presbyterian Women Birthday Offering! The funds from the offering will be split in half:

First, half of the funds will go toward upgrading the facilities at Ferncliff Camp and Conference Center, the site of SUTS' semi-annual Solar School Improvements include a solar-powered irrigation system, a solar-power installation on the CAB Building, an off-the-grid Eco-Youth center, and more.

Second, the remainder of the funds will support solar power installation projects in Haiti. To distribute the funds widely, SUTS has set up a challenge grant process. Initiating partners can download the grant application here, complete the form, and return it togrants@solarunderthesun.org. Applications will be reviewed by the committee in order of reception, and the partners will be notified of their approval. Funds will be allocated as they become available, and Presbyterian Women expects to send SUTS first installment in October 2012 and a final installment by April 2013. If you have questions concerning the application process, please contact Ashley Broadhurstor David Gill.

 

SUTS Earth Day Liturgy

Posted: 2/16/12 Updated: 5/27/15

Available now on our website are materials to celebrate Earth Day, Sunday, April 22, with your congregation. The liturgy includes hymn suggestions, call to worship, prayers of confession and adoration, offertory prayers, and more to share with your church. Simply click http://www.solarunderthesun.org/about/newsletters/ to download the resources. We can also mail you brochures or other promotional materials to have on hand.

 

Solar Training Number 6

Posted: 2/7/12 Updated: 5/27/15

Our next Solar under the Sun training is on the horizon. Mark you calendars now for May 17th through the 20th! This will be solar training #6. We have graduated 117 missioners to date and by March of this year, 50% of them will have been in the mission field setting up systems! Many of these trainees have been on more than one install. There is nothing more empowering than learning a skill and teaching others what you have learned. Come join us and we will light up the world.

 

Presbytery of the Pines scores one more!

Posted: 1/21/12 Updated: 5/27/15

A group representing Presbytery of the Pines just finished SUTS's 19th install in Haiti this week. This Living Waters for the World solar powered system is located in Gonaives, the second largest city in Haiti. It was installed at a Global Orphan project site and will serve, not only, the chlidren in the orphanage, but also, the surrounding community! Congratulations Danny & Karen Logan, John Guice and company.

 

Attention Solar school Graduates!

Posted: 1/10/12 Updated: 5/27/15

Mark Tew will be leading a group of solar school graduates to Haiti to do a solar upgrade on a Living Waters for the World water filtration system. Any solar school past participants that are interested in getting some in country training under Mark's leadership; please contact Ashley at (ashley@solarunderthesun.org). This trip should take place in March or April of this year. This is your chance to put all that training to work in the field!

 

18 Solar Systems Installed!

Posted: 12/21/11 Updated: 5/27/15

2011 has been a good year for Solar under the Sun. We now have 117 graduates since our trainings started in 2010. Over 50 solar school graduates have been in the mission field to date and many more events are scheduled in 2012. Solar school trainings have been set for 2012 and if you have not made your plans yet, do it now! Learn a skill, identify a mission and put it to use in building God's Kingdom. This is what we are all about. This is our passion. We are waiting for you!

Merry Christmas and Happy new year from the board and staff of Solar under the Sun.

 

Solar Under The Sun Finishes Its 5th Training!

Posted: 9/29/11 Updated: 5/27/15

SUTS has completed 1 1/2 yerars of training with 5 different schools graduating 117 students. The latest school ended on September 18th with many students already planning their fist mission trip! Students representing 11 startes and 4 denominations attended the last session. The next school will be May of 2012. Make you plans now!

 

Solar Under the Sun/Living Waters Making Headlines

Posted: 8/29/11 Updated: 5/27/15

Solar under the Sun and Living Waters for the World were a feature article in the Arkansas Democrat Gazette, oldest paper west of the Mississippi. Follow this link to read more!

 

Solar comes to Meyer, Haiti

Posted: 8/17/11 Updated: 5/27/15

Solar under the Sun's first single family home system! Ancy Fils-aime's, our Haitian ambassador, childhood home now has solar lights. When Ancy's mother came home from the hospital, she found her home all lit with sunpower. She dropped down on her knees to thank God for those who broght her light to cast away the dark nights. We thank her for raising such a fine man who is instrumental in all that we do in Haiti. See pictures of this install here.

 

15 is the new Magic number!

Posted: 8/12/11 Updated: 5/27/15

This mission group of 12 just returned from Cherident/ Trouin, Haiti after completion of Solar under the Sun's 15th in country installation! SUTS trainings are going into their 2nd year and have placed over 40 missioners into the field.

 

Solar is coming to Cherident and Trouin!

Posted: 7/29/11 Updated: 5/27/15

Two solar/water filtration system are coming to two small villages in Haiti August 1st. Also, the team will be adding solar power to the volunteer quarters in Cherident! Follow this link to see what SUTS graduates have done so far in Haiti.

 

May Graduating Class-Next session Sept 15-18, 2011

Posted: 7/29/11 Updated: 5/27/15

Twenty two students graduated from the May Solar school training representing 7 states. Solar under the Sun's last training this year will be in September. Make your plans now!

 

Haiti Presentation at Fort Smith, AR Library

Posted: 7/18/11 Updated: 5/27/15

Over 70 people showed up at the Fort Smith library to view a presentation about what Arkansans are doing in the area of solar and water in Haiti. Follow this link to read more this exciting work!

 

Les Cayes install

Posted: 7/14/11 Updated: 5/27/15

At this location in Les Cayes, Haiti a team is installing our 11th solar/ water system. The Global Orphan Project is the operating partner at this site.

 

May Solar Class Makes local News!

Posted: 6/29/11 Updated: 5/27/15

Solar under the Sun's May graduating class made the local news channel 12 on Arkansas Talk Business. Check it out at this link!

 

Galion, Ohio

Posted: 6/29/11 Updated: 5/27/15

Dr.Brenda Phillips of our development and awareness committee lead the worship at First Presbyterian church in Galion, OH on June 26th. They are raising money for a solar project in Kenya!

 

Solar is getting cheaper FAST!

Posted: 6/22/11 Updated: 5/27/15

The cost of solar energy is coming down at a rapid pace and it already compares favorably with other energy sources. We are already there in the developing world. Follow this link to read more.

 

Kenyan Solar Survey team returns to OK!

Posted: 6/4/11 Updated: 5/27/15

We are most blessed with the leadership and community relations skills brought by Eunice Menja and Njoki Mwarumba (Solar 1 graduates) as they work through the assessment process. For a brief refresher, Solar 1 works with the local community to discern their needs and preferences. This part of the covenant building process is extremely important as it empowers locals to determine their own needs and, ultimately, makes the process a true, sustainable partnership. Bear in mind also that Kenya is new to SUTS and fairly new to our Living Waters for the World partners - in Haiti, an established network for partners and parts and ongoing projects make the process smoother. Eunice, Njoki and the LWW team are breaking new ground in Kenya, truly serving as disciples of Christ.

 

Kansas Presentation

Posted: 5/28/11 Updated: 5/27/15

Skip Johnson, SUTS committee, and David Grisham, solar 2 graduate, are spreading the word about Solar/Water installations in Haiti. Follow the link to read more about their travels in Kansas.

 

Next Solar School: Sept. 15-18, 2011

Posted: 5/28/11 Updated: 5/27/15

The upcoming solar school on May 19th thru the 22nd is closed. Our next training session is in September. May marks the first full year of trainings with 68 graduates. Twenty seven of them have already been in the mission field. Will you be next?

 

October 6th Thru 12th Trip to Haiti

Posted: 5/28/11 Updated: 5/27/15

An orphanage just outside of Port-au-Prince in Croix des Bouquet. Solar under the Sun's 7th installation and Living Waters for the World's 27th in Ayiti. The system is located on the compound of The Global Orphan Project. View pictures here.

 

February trip to Cherident, Haiti

Posted: 5/14/11 Updated: 5/27/15

A team made up of Presbyterians and Episcopalians traveled together February 20-28, 2011 to Cherident, Haiti, located southwest of Leogane. The team began a steel building construction of a guest house near the HEF school in Cherident, and surveyed the site, and other area HEF sites, for future solar energy system possibilities.http://www.youtube.com/user/cmcrae11#p/a/u/0/2CZUeCU3OVg

 

Next Session: March 17-20, 2011

Posted: 5/14/11 Updated: 5/27/15

Students in the Solar 2 training protocol are doing a smoke test on the control box that they constructed. If the lights turn on, then they pass and if they don't, back to the drawing board.

 

First Solar School Session Held at Ferncliff

Posted: 2/7/11 Updated: 5/27/15

The very first Solar School held at Ferncliff Conference Center, May 13-16, 2010, near Little Rock, AR. We didn't have time to label and describe.

 

786-508-2550    info@solarunderthesun.org
Copyright © 2015-2024

 

 

twitter facebook youtube