Connected to the Source of Hope

3 days ago
7 min read

Updated: 2 days ago

Sunday, May 10, 2026 - [click here to support the continuing work at MOHI]

Today's update is from Jonathan and Taran

This past week at our church in Haiti, Lex shared a message about the importance of remaining connected to Christ.

Using a simple fan as an illustration, he reminded the church that without a source of power, the fan cannot function the way it was designed. But once connected, it is able to fulfill its purpose.

In the same way, our lives are meant to remain connected to Jesus.

Philippians 4:13 reminds us:

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

It is through His strength—not our own—that we continue moving forward, even in difficult seasons. Whether in ministry, parenting, leadership, work, or simply daily life, we were never meant to operate disconnected from the One who gives life and power.

And this week, across both Haiti and the Dominican Republic, we have been reminded again of what can happen when people remain connected—to Christ and to one another.

Looking Ahead to Summer Teams

We are so excited for all of the upcoming mission teams joining us this summer.

Beginning this past week and continuing over the next few months, we are expecting more than 100 visitors to serve alongside us in Haiti and the Dominican Republic.

We truly love having visitors.

Their presence is such an encouragement to our staff, our communities, and the children we serve every day. Whether someone comes to help with medical clinics, construction projects, feeding programs, leadership training, or simply to spend time loving on children—every person plays an important role in this work.

No two teams look exactly the same.

Some teams help with:

Vacation Bible School programs
Medical outreach clinics
Construction and maintenance projects
Leadership seminars
Business Academy support
Community outreach
Children’s ministry and feeding programs

Each group brings different gifts, experiences, and skills. And when those gifts are surrendered to God and used to serve others, lives are impacted in meaningful ways.

Haiti Updates

Mirlande’s Story

This is Mirlande.

This year, at seven years old, she started school for the very first time.

Before coming to school, she had never learned to read or write. When she first arrived, she was extremely timid and unsure of herself. Even though she was older than many students entering preschool, our teachers believed she deserved a chance.

So they welcomed her into the Preschool 3 class.

Her teachers shared that she needed extra support and attention compared to many of the other students. Day by day, with patience, love, and encouragement, they worked with her—teaching her how to hold a pencil, form letters, and write her name.

Little by little, progress began to happen.

Today, the little girl who once didn’t know her alphabet is now writing beautifully and has even surpassed some classmates who have been in school since they were three years old.

Mirlande shared with her teacher that she loves coming to school because she was never rejected, even though she started late. She said school has helped her learn “beautiful things” and has helped her feel important and confident.

She also loves receiving meals at school each day so she can be strong and ready to learn.

Mirlande’s story is a beautiful reminder that when a child receives love, support, nourishment, and opportunity, incredible things can happen.

Physical Therapy Office Officially Open

We are excited to share that the Physical Therapy portion of the clinic is now officially open.

This week, we completed the final touches on construction and welcomed our very first patient.

Nurse Cadet also wanted to recognize Dr. Pierre this week for the exceptional care he provides to patients. She shared about one particular young girl who came in with an infection and how compassionately and attentively Dr. Pierre cared for her.

We are deeply grateful for our medical staff and the dignity and excellence they bring to every interaction.

Dominican Republic Updates

Feeding Programs Continue

The baby feeding programs in La Grua and Baraguana continue serving children and families each week.

These programs are about much more than simply distributing food. They are about supporting healthy development, strengthening families, and ensuring children receive nourishment during some of the most important stages of growth.

Continuing Care Through Relationships

Marlous continues to faithfully follow up with one little boy and his family in Luperón.

This week she shared how encouraged she has been seeing continued progress—not only physically, but relationally within the family as well.

One of the greatest blessings of having local staff is that care does not stop when visiting teams leave. Relationships continue. Trust continues to grow. Follow-up continues to happen.

Health Education Matters

One ongoing challenge we continue seeing in the villages is the lack of basic health and wellness education.

As our team spends time in these communities, we are continuing to evaluate ways we can provide more mentorship, education, and practical support for families.

Simple things like hygiene education, wound care, nutrition, and preventative health practices can make a significant difference over time.

A Miraculous Journey for James & New Opportunities to Serve

An Update from Jonathan | Mission of Hope International

After nearly five full months of planning, strategizing, praying, fundraising, coordinating, and leaning on the incredible support of so many people, James finally arrived safely in Texas on Tuesday night of this past week.

While he did make this part of the journey alone, also with him is Samuel, a Haitian man who has been living in the USA for just over two years - and who will serve as his driver and part-time caretaker during this critical season. James is also being supported by his longtime friends, Wayne and Chelle from Massachusetts, who have known and loved him since he was a child after sponsoring him growing up in Haiti. Watching this circle of support come together has been incredibly moving and a reminder of how God uses relationships formed years ago to accomplish extraordinary things today.

As many of you know, travel in and out of Haiti is rarely simple right now, and this trip was no exception. Sunrise Airlines, as they often do, made last-minute changes to flights, creating a scramble to reroute plans and simply get James safely out of the country and into Miami. One unexpected hurdle came in Cap-Haïtien, where the airline refused to allow him to depart without proof of a return ticket—even though we do not yet know when he will medically be cleared to return home to Haiti. In order to move forward, we were forced to purchase an additional ticket on the spot.

What was already a complicated process quickly became even more challenging. Hotel stays, unexpected flight changes, cancellation fees, and many other unforeseen costs added up rapidly. But after a very long two days of travel, James arrived safely, and for that we are deeply grateful.

Since arriving in Texas, James has already undergone extensive medical testing, including a CAT scan, blood work, and a transesophageal echocardiogram in preparation for surgery. One of the nurses shared that drawing blood proved especially difficult because James is such a small and frail man physically, but thankfully they were eventually able to complete the testing successfully.

He also underwent additional testing on Friday, May 8th, and if everything continues according to plan, his heart surgery is scheduled for Tuesday, May 12th, at the Heart Hospital in Plano, Texas.

We remain profoundly grateful to the Haiti Cardiac Alliance, Baylor, Dr. Moore, Owen Robinson, and every individual who has helped make this truly miraculous plan possible. What is unfolding before us is more than a medical journey—it is the saving of a young man’s life, a husband’s life, a father’s life, and the life of a genuinely good man who is deeply loved by his family and community.

While we have already raised significant funds for James’ care, the reality is that the expenses continue to grow with every unexpected change and every new need. Beyond surgery itself, there will also be long-term aftercare once he returns to Haiti, including monthly blood testing and lifelong medications.

Because of that, I want to continue encouraging anyone who feels led to support James’ journey. I am unashamed to ask for help on his behalf. Every donation matters and helps ensure that James receives not only the surgery he urgently needs, but also the care necessary for recovery and long-term health afterward.

You can continue giving through the Mission of Hope International donation link, and we will ensure those funds are directed toward James’ medical care, transportation, recovery, and ongoing support.

Support James

Bless Back Worldwide Medical Team Arrives in Luperón

In the midst of everything happening with James, we were also thrilled to welcome the Bless Back Worldwide medical team to the Dominican Republic on Wednesday, May 6th.

On Thursday, May 7th, we held our first medical clinic at the Assembly of God Church in downtown Luperón. This was a pilot clinic for this particular location, and we were encouraged to see the team care for more than 40 patients throughout the day.

One of the most meaningful parts of the clinic was seeing many of our Haitian friends come to receive medical care and treatment in what has traditionally been considered a Dominican church setting. In years past, this would have been much less common. To us, that is evidence that the work of Mission of Hope International to build bridges, foster unity, and serve all people regardless of background is making a real impact.

We are especially excited during this trip to welcome not only returning friends like Dr. Carmen, Lisa, and Kimber, but also family practitioners and a group of medical students who have just completed their first year of medical school. Watching these students observe, learn, and experience life and ministry in Luperón firsthand has been incredibly rewarding. It is a privilege to witness how these experiences shape their understanding of medicine, compassion, and service.

We would also encourage anyone interested in participating in a future medical mission to the Dominican Republic to reach out to us for more information. We would love to help connect you with opportunities to serve.

Thank you all for your continued prayers, generosity, and encouragement. We continue to witness God’s faithfulness through every challenge, every unexpected turn, and every life being touched along the way.