Hope That Cannot Be Contained

Renée Edmé
Oct 19
7 min read

Sunday, October 19, 2025 - [click here to support the continuing work at MOHI]

Today's update is from Renée

“Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us…”— Ephesians 3:20

What a week this has been for Mission of Hope International! We’ve come to the end of one of the most incredible weeks in the Dominican Republic, and my heart is still overflowing. The Cristo Esperanza de Vida (Christ, Hope of Life) event was beyond what we could have imagined. So many hearts were touched, bodies healed, and relationships restored. God was present in ways that words can barely express.

Before diving into all that happened here in Luperón, let’s take a quick look back at some of this week’s happenings in Haiti.

Faithful Hands in Haiti

Nurse Cadet shared about an emergency that presented itself in the medical clinic this week. It was inspiring to hear how the staff immediately sprang into action — thinking, moving, and working together to provide excellent care. That kind of teamwork is evidence of God’s Spirit uniting hearts and minds for a common purpose.

Nurse Sarah tended to another child with a severe burn. We are so grateful for our partnership with Bless Back Worldwide and the ongoing encouragement and support they provide to our medical team in Haiti. Their expertise and prayer covering make such a difference in moments like these.

By God’s grace, it was a peaceful week at our schools — free from gang-related disruptions. With insecurity still rampant across the nation, we thank the Lord for protecting our staff, students, and their families. Please continue to pray for safety and peace in Haiti. “The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in Him.” — Nahum 1:7

Sunday mornings in Haiti are especially dear to us. Though I couldn’t be there in person, the pictures and videos I received brought tears to my eyes. Seeing our brothers and sisters worshiping despite so many challenges reminds me that joy truly comes from the Lord.

Early Monday morning, Zachary was visiting classrooms when he noticed one student looking faint. The boy confessed he wasn’t feeling well — and soon after, he passed out. Zachary quickly brought him to the clinic, where the solution was surprisingly simple: he needed to eat.

When I was a child, a tummy ache meant I had eaten too much or something that didn’t agree with me. But in Haiti, especially on a Monday morning, tummy aches often mean hunger. This is why our Spread Hope With Food drive matters so deeply. Each container of beans, bag of rice, and jar of peanut butter you donate is more than a meal — it’s hope, health, and healing for a child.

“If you offer food to the hungry and satisfy the needs of the afflicted, then your light will rise in the darkness.” — Isaiah 58:10

Heaven Touching Earth in the Dominican Republic

I think we set a record this week — more airport runs in a few days than in the past six months combined! And every one of them was worth it.

I absolutely love when multiple ministries fill the mission house. There’s something so beautiful about seeing God’s people from different backgrounds, churches, and nations come together with one heart. As I looked around the house one evening, I thought of how God delights in variety. Just look at His creation — from the colors of the birds to the shapes of the flowers. He didn’t make any of us the same, and that’s a wonderful thing! Psalm 139:14 says, “I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.”

This week reminded me how much I truly want to be the person God created me to be — and to celebrate others for who He made them to be, too.

Some of the team offered a beginner's sewing class to our friends in Luperón. The classes were so appreciated and everyone had a wonderful time working together.

We spent several days serving in the villages — feeding children, praying with families, worshiping together, and laughing over games and crafts.

On the final day, our friends from Against Global Hunger (Oklahoma) joined us with their incredible puppet team. What a joy-filled experience! The children’s faces were radiant — and their laughter echoed the heart of Jesus.

Evelyne thoroughly enjoyed getting to meet one of her sponsored children.

Equipping Leaders with Boldness

Our Bless Back Business Academy students in Luperón were blessed to attend a Public Speaking Workshop led by Summer Dey (Texas) from Fear Into Faith Ministries. Several of the American team joined in, myself included, and I have to say — wow! What an engaging, powerful, and joy-filled time. I left with fresh confidence and tools to communicate with clarity and courage. It’s a blessing to see how God continues to equip His people through these partnerships.

Cristo Esperanza de Vida — Christ, Hope of Life

This incredible crusade is what brought so many of us together in Luperón this week. Before I share all that God did, I need to be transparent: we still have a remaining financial need of just over $20,000 to finish covering the event costs. Please consider being part of what God is doing here — your gift makes a tangible difference in changing lives and impacting an entire community. Please click here to offer your support!

Leading up to the crusade, our team partnered with local churches to distribute flyers and pray with families. During those visits, several young men gave their lives to Christ even before the event began! The harvest truly is plentiful.

Night 1 — Thursday: Miracles Begin

Rain was forecast for each night of the event — and while showers fell around Luperón on Thursday, not a single drop touched the city square. The crowd gathered by the hundreds to hear psalmist Cales Louima (pictured below with Micha & Eli), a beloved Haitian worship leader who lives in the Dominican Republic. But before he even took the stage, God had already begun to move.

The local worship team led us in exuberant praise, and even the Americans among us sang in Spanish at the top of our lungs — despite barely knowing the words! Pastor Marie Richard (MA) opened the evening with a heartfelt message, followed by Pastor Carlos Pereira (MA), whose closing words stirred hearts deeply. Many came forward to encounter God in powerful ways.

Among them was Yohanny and her son Thiago. Eight months ago, Thiago lost hearing in his left ear after a pool-related infection. They came forward asking for healing. As prayer surrounded him, Thiago’s face suddenly lit up — “¡Sí! ¡Sí!” he exclaimed, hearing again in his left ear! God had restored his hearing completely. On Sunday morning, both mother and son stood before their church to testify of the Lord’s goodness.

Night 2 — Friday: Praise Rising Higher

Friday’s crowd was even larger, eager to worship with Chanel Novas, another powerful Dominican artist.

Before her time of ministry, Pastor Dan Lee and Summer Dey shared inspiring, truth-filled messages. Then came an outpouring of prayer at the altar — and more miracles!

A local firefighter ran to the platform, testifying that the severe pain in his leg had vanished. The whole square erupted in praise as he danced and jumped for joy. The joy of the Lord was contagious!

Night 3 — Saturday: Victory in the Rain

Saturday evening brought anticipation — and yes, a bit of rain. But God had His own plans. Early in the service, our MOHI team was called to the platform and presented with a beautiful plaque of appreciation from the Evangelical Churches of Luperón.

It read (in part):

“...recognize the foundation Mission of Hope International for its invaluable work in favor of the Municipality of Luperón, manifested through thir dedication, service, and Christian love. Their willingness to bless our community with social assistance actions and their support for evangelistic work reflect their faithful commitment to the Great Commission of our Lord Jesus Christ. Labor in the Lord is not in vain.’” (1 Corinthians 15:58)"

Lex then invited the mayor and congresswoman to join him, expressing our deep gratitude to them and to the city.

One of the church dance groups presented a moving performance depicting a young woman enslaved by the temptations and chains of sin. Just as Jesus set her free, a thunderclap — the only one of the night — rang out! The timing was divine. The rain stopped immediately, and victory filled the atmosphere.

Pastor Phil Cebula (MA) brought a fiery message, sharing his testimony of redemption, followed by Pastor John Lautenbach (CT), who continued the momentum with boldness and compassion. At the altar, people wept, repented, received restoration,and were healed.

Voices and Worship in Harmony

Our daughter Alexis and Ana Belle (daughter of Pastors John and Adrienne Lautenbach) ministered in song throughout the weekend — Alexis on Thursday, Ana Belle on Friday, and both together on Saturday. Though they planned one song, when they reached the stage they requested another — one they had never sung together before. Yet, the harmony and unity between them were unmistakable. It was a glimpse of heaven!

Another incredible gift throughout the crusade was Pastor Pedro from Puerto Plata, who interpreted every message and workshop with such grace and anointing. His ability to bridge languages and hearts was extraordinary — a true instrument in God’s hands.

Sunday Morning — Overflowing Joy

As the weekend drew to a close, team members visited several churches across the region. At one service, the same tangible anointing continued — Thiago (the boy who regained hearing) prayed for others, and two others were healed. There was deep emotional healing as a prophetic word was shared with the pastor. Men were then called forward for prayer. The Spirit of God overcame them as they began sobbing and embracing one another. Summer Dey later shared that she had never witnessed so many men openly weeping in repentance and joy. Truly, “where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” — 2 Corinthians 3:17

This post is long — and still, I’ve only scratched the surface of what God began, performed, and completed in the hearts of hundreds of people this week. We are in awe of His goodness!

And, a little off subject, we have baby bunnies - 7 of them!!! And I'm so glad Brian Richard was here to give some bunny advice to our staff.

To each of you who pray, give, and come alongside this ministry: thank you. You are part of every story, every healing, every meal, and every transformed life. The Lord is using your faithfulness to spread hope — the beginning of change.