A Journey of Faith

Sunday, December 8, 2024 - [click here to support the continuing work at MOHI]

As we enter this joyous Christmas season, my heart is overflowing with gratitude – both for the incredible gift of our Savior and for the amazing journey He has led us on through Mission of Hope International.

A Journey That Began With Faith

As we approach 2025, we're preparing to celebrate MOHI's 25th anniversary, and I can't help but remember that leap of faith in March 2000. Picture this: Lex and I, with our four-year-old daughter Alexis and three-year-old son AJay, stepping off a plane in Haiti, armed with nothing but one donor's support and our tax return. We were following God's call to Grand-Goave, not knowing exactly what lay ahead, but trusting in His plan.

Looking at those early days now, I'm amazed at how God has multiplied those humble beginnings. (Stay tuned – we'll be sharing more stories from our 25-year journey throughout 2025!)

Your Giving Tuesday Generosity

Speaking of God's faithfulness through His people, I'm deeply moved to share that on Giving Tuesday, our community came together to donate $3,935! These gifts will directly impact lives through education, healthcare, and community development. Each dollar represents hope for families in Haiti and the Dominican Republic.

Preparing for the Hope Squad

We're thrilled to invite you to be part of another exciting initiative this Saturday – the Hope Squad Vision 2025 Dinner. We'll be sharing our plans for an innovative afterschool program in La Grúa, Imbert, that will provide local children with nutritious meals, sports activities, discipleship, and mentoring. This comprehensive program represents our commitment to nurturing not just bodies and minds, but also spirits and dreams. We'd love to have you join us as we cast this vision and explore how we can work together to impact young lives in La Grúa.

Lives Being Transformed Today

Meet Anderson, one of our 5th-grade students in Haiti. Like many of our students, Anderson needs a sponsor to help provide his school tuition, daily meals, books, uniforms, and access to our on-campus medical and dental care. His story represents the ongoing opportunity we all have to make a difference in a child's life. If you're interested in becoming Anderson's sponsor, please shoot me a text at (978) 410-9101 or email me at renee@mohintl.org.

Our medical clinic in Haiti continues to be a beacon of hope. From our dedicated doctors conducting routine check-ups on preschoolers to providing breathing treatments for adults, every day brings new opportunities to serve. Our medical team's gentle care – whether they're conducting eye exams, examining a child's skin condition, or tending to young mothers and their toddlers – reflects Christ's love in tangible ways.

In our dental clinic, Dr. Mabou's skilled hands bring relief and healthy smiles to our community members. The impact of accessible dental care cannot be overstated in a region where such services are often out of reach for many families.

I must also share about the remarkable work of Nurse Marlouse, whose dedication to the communities of Baraguana, Cambiaso, and La Grúa touches my heart deeply. Her commitment goes far beyond medical care – in every interaction, every consultation, every home visit, she radiates God's love through her faithful service. The way she approaches each patient with genuine compassion and care truly embodies Christ's hands and feet in these communities.

Education: The Foundation of Hope

Walking through our main school in Grand-Goave fills me with joy. From high school students enjoying nutritious meals to middle schoolers confidently solving problems at the chalkboard, from dedicated teachers bringing English lessons to life to elementary students mastering addition – each scene represents a step toward a brighter future.

START NOW: Nurturing Our Youngest

One of our most precious programs, START NOW Early Childhood Intervention, continues to flourish both in Haiti and the Dominican Republic. In La Grúa and Baraguana, we're witnessing the beautiful beginnings of transformed lives. These little ones remind us daily why we do what we do – every smile, every milestone, every life touched is a testament to God's faithfulness.

The Heart of Christmas

As we celebrate this Christmas season, I'm reminded that just as Christ's birth was just the beginning of His earthly ministry, it was also the beginning of God's perfect plan for our redemption. From His life of service to His death on the cross, His glorious resurrection, His current position seated next to the Father, and His promised return – it all began in a humble manger. What a perfect reminder that great things often have humble beginnings!

Better Together

None of this would be possible without our incredible community of supporters, volunteers, staff, and prayer warriors. Every student's smile, every patient healed, every family strengthened is a testament to what we can achieve when we work together. Your prayers, your gifts, your time, and your love make all the difference. The business academy students wanted to express their appreciation:

To our dedicated team members in Haiti and the Dominican Republic, to our faithful supporters around the world, to our prayer warriors who lift up this ministry daily – thank you.

We truly are better together, and as we approach our 25th anniversary, I'm more convinced than ever that God is just getting started with what He wants to do through our united efforts. Thank you for being a part of MOHI.