God’s Plan for Relationship

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Sunday, March 15, 2026 - [click here to support the continuing work at MOHI]

Today's update is from Taran

This past Sunday at the church in Thozin, the message focused on one of the most well-known verses in the Bible:

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” — John 3:16

The message centered on God’s plan to save the world and His deep desire to be in relationship with people.

It’s easy to read this verse and think about “the world” in a broad sense. But the truth is that God’s love is deeply personal. His plan was not only to save the world as a whole—He desires a relationship with every individual in it.

Every man.

Every woman.

Every child.

God was willing to give what was most precious to Him—His own Son—in order to make that relationship possible.

For those of us serving through Mission of Hope International, this truth shapes everything we do. Whether it is through feeding programs, education, medical care, or simple acts of kindness, our goal is not just to meet physical needs—it is to reflect the love of a God who desires relationship with every person.

This week we saw many small but powerful reminders of that truth.

Investing in the Next Generation

Summer Internship Opportunity

One of the ways we are investing in relationships and raising up the next generation of leaders is through our MOHI Summer Internship Program.

From July 1 – August 1, young adults ages 18–25 will have the opportunity to spend a month living and serving alongside our team in the Dominican Republic.

During this time interns will:

• Help host visiting mission teams

• Participate in children’s feeding programs

• Assist with community outreach and village visits

• Shadow our community health promoters

• Help with agriculture projects

• Support the day-to-day operations of the mission base

This internship provides a unique opportunity for young adults to grow in leadership, faith, and service while building meaningful relationships with the communities we serve.

The work interns participate in covers their room and board, meaning there is no program fee to serve as a summer intern.

If you know a young adult who might benefit from this opportunity, we would love to hear from them. Interested individuals can email internship@mohintl.org for more information.

Time Back in Massachusetts

Another way we strengthen relationships is through time spent reconnecting with supporters and partners.

January and February were very busy months in the Dominican Republic, so March and April are important months for reconnecting with many of our friends and supporters here in Massachusetts.

Lex and Renee have been speaking at churches and meeting with supporters and ministry partners while they are here. Alexis and Taran have been connecting with individuals and helping coordinate upcoming mission teams.

These conversations and visits are always encouraging. They remind us that this ministry is truly a shared effort between many people who care deeply about the communities we serve.

Dominican Republic Updates

Medicine and Prayer

Marlous recently shared a story that beautifully illustrates the intersection of medical care and prayer.

A young boy in one of the villages fell and injured himself. At the time, Dr. Carmen happened to be visiting with another nurse, so they were able to clean and bandage his wound.

When Marlous asked if they could pray for him, he was hesitant at first. Eventually he agreed.

A few days later she saw him again—and he was running around with the other children, no longer in pain.

Moments like this remind us that ministry often happens through simple acts of care. Healing can come through medicine, through prayer, and through the loving presence of people who take time to help.

Teaching Healthy Habits

Ben shared some exciting developments happening within the children’s feeding programs.

In addition to providing food, the team is beginning to teach the children healthy hygiene practices, starting with something very simple but important: washing hands before every meal.

These small lessons help children learn how to care for their health and well-being as they grow.

Meeting Some of the Children

One of the favorite meals for the youngest children in our programs is a hard-boiled egg, banana, and bread with peanut butter.

This week we would like to introduce you to a few of the little ones who regularly receive food through these programs.

Peterson is 18 months old and lives in one of the communities where we provide meals. Because of the feeding program, he receives regular nutrition during these important early years of growth.

Gisela, who is 21 months old, lives in a neighboring village. She comes with her mother to receive food and especially enjoys the eggs and bananas that are served.

Miriale will turn two years old in May. Her mother faithfully brings her to the feeding program so she can receive the nourishment she needs as she grows.

These small children remind us why these programs matter. Every meal served is an opportunity to demonstrate care, dignity, and love.

Community Health Promoter Program

Our Community Health Promoter program, which operates in partnership with Bless Back Worldwide, has become an incredibly effective way to care for families who have little access to medical support.

Marlous regularly visits families across four communities, helping parents address health concerns and guiding them through practical steps for caring for their children.

Recently she visited four children in Cambiaso—Kerlens, Leila, Sarah, and Fadaelle. Their mother had been struggling with a cycle of lice spreading among the children.

Marlous took time to explain how lice spreads, how to prevent reinfection, and how to properly treat it. She also brought shampoo to help eliminate the problem.

Situations like this can be especially challenging in village settings where many children live and play closely together. Marlous approaches these moments with patience and encouragement as she walks alongside families.

Haiti Updates

This past week brought heavy rains in Grand Goâve, and the school yard quickly filled with water.

Many of the students carefully walked through the flooded areas to reach their classrooms, while some of the children were carried through the water by Wilson, one of our caring staff members.

Rain can be refreshing, but in communities with limited infrastructure it can also create challenges. Flooding can spread debris and sickness, and homes in low areas can quickly become inundated with water.

Even so, classes continued and the school remained full of students eager to learn.

A Milestone in Luperón

We also have an exciting milestone to share.

After many months of prayer and preparation, we have officially signed the purchase agreement for the Mission House in Luperón.

This moment represents the support of so many people who have walked alongside this ministry.

We are deeply grateful for those who have offered:

• Financial support

• Prayer and encouragement

• Legal advice

• Emotional support during the process

• And the patience and cooperation of the sellers who worked through many details with us

Thank you for helping make this step forward possible.

Thank You

Ultimately, all of this work flows from the same truth we reflected on Sunday.

God loves the world.

And He desires relationship with every person in it.

Through feeding programs, education, medical care, and simple acts of compassion, we have the privilege of reflecting that love to the communities we serve.

Thank you for being part of this work.

Your prayers, generosity, and encouragement help make it possible for children, families, and communities to experience the care and hope that come from knowing they are seen, valued, and loved.