Catching Up With Grateful Hearts

Sunday, May 5, 2025 - [click here to support the continuing work at MOHI]  

Today's update is from Renée

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I want to begin by extending my sincere apologies for missing last week’s blog post. Lex and I were still basking in the beauty of MOHI’s 25-Year Anniversary Celebration and recovering from the wonderful whirlwind that surrounded it. This post will bring you up to date with highlights from the past two weeks — and there's plenty to share!

💛 Celebrating 25 Years of Ministry

What a joy it was to gather with so many of you for a night of remembrance, thanksgiving, and vision for the future. Over 40 volunteers worked alongside Lex and me in the planning, setup, and follow-up of the event, and we couldn’t be more grateful.

A heartfelt thank you to our dear friends at Chair City Church for opening their doors to us. Special thanks to Taran and Janel who led the charge as event organizers, and Kristi, Alexis, and Joy for setting a wonderful atmosphere with worship. We’re so grateful for the powerful words and testimonies shared by Pastor Dave Tralongo, Lisa McCloy, Angie McCoy, Jephte Edmé, and Justin Tralongo.

We were also deeply honored to receive a citation from the Massachusetts State House of Representatives, presented by Representative Jon Zlotnik, recognizing 25 years of MOHI’s service. To everyone who took time — some traveling from far and wide — to join us: thank you for making the evening unforgettable.

🌍 Faithful Service Across Haiti & the Dominican Republic While many of us were wrapped up in event preparations, our teams in Haiti and the Dominican Republic stayed faithfully focused on the work at hand.

In Haiti, we rejoice with 16 upper-grade MOHI students who recently made the decision to be baptized.

Pastor Edon presented our newly baptized friends during Sunday's service ...

... and the church responded with overwhelming joy — embracing, encouraging, and praying over them. What a powerful reminder of the fruit of long-term ministry! 🙌

Pastor Edon also traveled to our St. Etienne campus last Sunday to worship with the church there. Meanwhile, our Thozin campus continues to be a place of passionate worship and community strength.

As the school year nears its end, both students and teachers are working diligently to wrap up their curricula and prepare for final exams. Our oldest students are getting ready to take Haiti’s National Exams — the culmination of 12+ years of study. Please keep them in your prayers as they study, prepare, and strive for excellence.

Our preschoolers recently enjoyed a special agricultural celebration, learning about fruits and vegetables grown in Haiti and their role in keeping us healthy. Nutrition and education go hand-in-hand, and our staff is committed to ensuring every child is well-fed and well-prepared. 🥕🍌

Support doesn’t stop with food — our medical and dental clinics at the Thozin campus remain a vital part of our students' and community’s wellbeing. We’re so thankful for our long-standing partnership with Bless Back Worldwide, and we celebrate with them as they mark 15 years of service! 🎉

✨ START NOW: Changing Futures

Across both Haiti and the DR, our START NOW program continues to be a lifeline for families. From infants through age 5, children are receiving daily nourishment and vitamins. Expectant and new moms also receive vitamins and guidance. This program is a true blessing to those navigating the challenges of early childhood — and your support makes it possible.

🩺 In the Dominican Republic

Nurse Marlouse is out in the field every week, visiting communities and educating families on topics like sanitation, infant care, chronic illness, and basic first aid. When a recent lice outbreak spread through one village, she didn’t hesitate — working shoulder-to-shoulder with moms to treat every child. Her dedication is a powerful example of hands-on compassion in action.

📚 Empowering Entrepreneurs through the BBBA

The Bless Back Business Academy continues to flourish in Luperón! Business owners in both Level 1 and Level 2 classes are gaining skills and confidence.

Last week’s lesson on godly negotiation sparked some beautiful testimonies. One business owner reflected on Proverbs 3:5–6 as she navigated supplier negotiations with integrity. Another leaned on Philippians 4:13 to speak with boldness and clarity when advocating for fair compensation. These stories reveal just how much more powerful our work becomes when it's grounded in God's Word and His principles. 🙏

In addition to business classes, BBBA continues to offer computer and English classes. We’ve even had some local students from nearby schools join in — and they’re diving in with enthusiasm! We love seeing young people seize the opportunity to grow.

Of course, all this learning works up an appetite. Students enjoy refreshments at each session, and lately we've been able to serve casava made from yucca harvested at the mission house. A small but joyful taste of sustainability in action. 🌱

And to those of you who met Mimi this past winter, you’ll be happy to know she’s now a proud mama of three little cuties!

🙏 With Grateful Hearts

Whether you’ve partnered with us for decades or just recently joined hands with Mission of Hope International, please know how grateful we are for you. Your prayers, your giving, and your encouragement are the fuel behind every step we take forward. Together, we're making a real, eternal difference.