Growing in Grace

Sunday, August 3, 2025 - [click here to support the continuing work at MOHI]  

Today's update is from Renée

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Growing in Grace — Across Hispaniola and Beyond

“I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth.” — 1 Corinthians 3:6

Lex and I are settling back into Massachusetts after nearly a month in the Dominican Republic, our hearts overflowing with stories of how the Lord keeps nurturing seeds of hope. From the coastal villages of Luperón to the mountain roads of Haiti—and soon, the plains of Zambia—His grace keeps pushing new shoots through even the hardest soil.

Next stop: Zambia

Later this week Lex and Lenny will fly to Zambia, a land-locked jewel in southern Africa bordered by eight nations and famous for the roar of Victoria Falls and the copper that runs beneath its red earth. Zambia boasts a warm, youthful population and a vibrant heritage of music, dance, and community life, yet many rural areas still struggle with limited resources and economic hardship.

Please pray:

• safe travel, good health, and Spirit-filled stamina for Lex, Lenny, and the friends from Full Gospel Interdenominational Church (Manchester, CT) who will join them in Zambia;

• fresh anointing as they preach and teach during a church conference;

• open doors and tender hearts while they visit prisoners and minister to children;

• unity, encouragement, and lasting fruit for the Zambian churches they partner with.

“Let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” — Galatians 6:9

Dominican Republic: Youth sowing seeds of hope

Over this past week, we hosted a youth team from Bless Back Worldwide and Moments of Hope Church (Charlotte).

Their energy helped cultivate tangible growth:

• Sunday services – Pastors Michael Chadwick (Haitian Baptist Church) and Shawn Sendler (Luperón Assembly of God) preached with passion. Mèt Ben and Marlouse’s children joined the worship through dance, and 14-year-old Micha translated beautifully between Spanish and English—three short years ago, she spoke only Kreyòl and French!

  

• Multiplying rabbits – The team finished our new hutch and welcomed the first three rabbits, a fun lesson in stewardship and multiplication.

  

• Feeding programs – Babies and elementary children in Baraguaña and La Grúa enjoyed nutritious meals and uplifting prayers.

• Community projects – They splashed cheerful paint on two housing buildings in La Grúa: the first (completed last year) now shelters 12 families, while the nearly finished second building will add a community room plus eight more family apartments.

  

• Kids Kamp – Afternoons buzzed with games, crafts, and Bible stories.

Please remember village children whose parents were caught in recent deportation raids; some are now navigating life in the DR on their own. Pray that God would protect them and guide us as we offer practical love and support.

Haiti: Cultivating hearts and minds today

This morning the married women’s choir lifted the congregation in joyful praise.

Parents came for report cards, and our school director reminded everyone that students flourish when teachers, parents, and administrators grow together.

Medical and dental clinics continue to serve neighbors who have few other options...

...children and babies are receiving a nutritional boost during difficult times...

...while the school administrative staff prepares for September.

We are so proud of the women who completed the first class of the Bless Back Business Academy at MOHI in Grand-Goâve, Haïti. They worked hard, learned so much, paid back their loans on time, and even saved at least 5% of the loan amount to reinvest in their small businesses. Congratulations, friends!!!

Grateful for every gardener in God’s field

“I thank my God every time I remember you … because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.” — Philippians 1:3-5

Dear friends, whether you plant, water, or harvest through prayer, encouragement, or financial gifts, you share in the growth God is producing in Haïti, the Dominican Republic, Zambia, and beyond. Thank you for standing with us; together, we will see an abundant harvest for His glory.