Celebrating Unity in Our Communities

Sunday, November 24, 2024 - [click here to support the continuing work at MOHI]

"How good and pleasant it is when God's people live together in unity!" (Psalm 133:1)

This verse has been echoing in my heart as I reflect on this week's events across our MOHI communities. Unity isn't just about working together—it's about celebrating together, grieving together, and growing together as we serve as the hands and feet of Jesus.

Haiti: Joy Amidst Challenges

Anyone who knows my husband, Pastor Lex, knows he leads with strength, but there's always room for joy and celebration. This week perfectly illustrated this balance as he joined the clinic staff for an after-hours birthday celebration for Nurse Wolfyne. (FYI, it was when I saw this side of him that I first fell in love!)

Pastor Lex is dancing to "Happy Birthday" with his baseball cap on backward—a rare sight that brought smiles to everyone's faces!

What touches my heart most is seeing how our staff naturally creates these moments of celebration—whether it's birthdays, International Nurses' Day, or Christmas. They don't wait for direction; they simply come together to honor one another. Paul spoke of this spirit of unity and joy in Romans 12:15-18

Speaking of joy, you should have seen the high school students running after Pastor Lex for photos this week! These moments remind us why we do what we do—it's about building relationships that reflect Christ's love.

Despite the immense challenges facing Haiti, hope flourishes within the school walls. Every morning, children walk through the dusty (or muddy when there's been recent rain) streets with notebooks in hand, their green and white uniforms a testament to their determination to learn. In these classrooms, students find a sanctuary where they gain knowledge and share in the simple joy of a warm, nutritious lunch with their classmates. The sound of their voices raised in song during morning prayers reminds us that faith and community remain steadfast pillars of strength, even as this nation faces profound hardships.

We celebrated love in a special way as Mr. and Mrs. Fritz joined their lives together in marriage at our MOHI church in St. Etienne. What a beautiful testament to God's faithfulness!

Dominican Republic: Community in Times of Joy and Sorrow

This week in Luperón, we experienced both the strength and the heartbreak of community. A fire aboard a docked fishing vessel led to the tragic loss of a Haitian worker named Moïse. We lift his loved ones in our prayers through this difficult season.

Just a few weeks ago, we visited the local fire station with our team and prayed with these brave first responders.

Little did we know how soon their services would be needed.

"Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." (Galatians 6:2)

These words take on deeper meaning as we stand with our community in both celebration and mourning.

Growth and Nourishment Across Borders

Our START NOW program continues to flourish in both Haiti and the Dominican Republic. In Thozin and St. Etienne, Haiti, and in La Grúa, Baraguana, and Luperón, DR, little ones are receiving the nutrition they need to thrive.

Nurse Marlouse has been tirelessly teaching and visiting chronically ill patients across La Grúa, Baraguana, and Cambiaso, while our medical and dental staff in Haiti continue their dedicated service.

Gardens of Hope

At our mission house in Luperón, we witness God's provision in our growing gardens. We have a good variety of fruits and vegetables growing: Cucumber, tomato, okra, black bean, manioc (aka yuca root or tapioca), banana, papaya, mango, bitter orange, key lime, cherry, avocado... One of my favorite trees here (and in Haiti) is the moringa. It bears one of the most nutritious leaves in the world, which has earned it the title of a super-food. Each plant represents hope and sustainability.

Clean Water, Clean Hearts

The water project in La Grúa continues to be a source of blessing, with residents regularly filling their containers with clean water. It's a beautiful picture of how God's love flows freely to all who come.

Join Us in 2025!

Would you like to be part of this beautiful tapestry of ministry? We have an exciting opportunity for you to join us January 11-18, 2025, for a Hope Encounter in the Dominican Republic. Whether you come alone or with friends, you'll experience firsthand how we're better together in serving our communities.

👉 [Apply Here] Include the January 11-18, 2025 dates and list Taran as your Team Leader. Not sure if you're ready? Email me at renee@mohintl.org or text (978) 410-9101. If you'd prefer to talk, send your number and a time you're available, and I'll call you personally.