Living to Give

Sunday, June 22, 2025 - [click here to support the continuing work at MOHI]  

Today's update is from Renée

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One of the defining principles at Mission of Hope International has always been this: We live to give. It’s not just a saying or a nice idea - it’s a daily commitment. When God blesses us with provision - whether it’s wisdom, food, understanding, or school supplies—we know it’s not meant to be stored up or held tightly. It’s meant to be shared. That’s how the Kingdom grows. That’s how love multiplies.

Pastor Lex often reminds us of what Jesus said: “Freely you have received; freely give” (Matthew 10:8). After 25 years of leading MOHI, he carries a deep well of understanding and experience that’s not meant to go with him to the grave - it’s meant to be poured out into others. That’s why we place such a strong emphasis on partnerships.

We’re not looking to expand our territory for the sake of growth. Instead, we’re asking God to show us how to strengthen the partnerships He has already placed in our hands - supporting others in the field and sometimes going ourselves. This August, Pastor Lex will be traveling to Zambia, in Central Africa, to preach at a conference with our long-time partners at Full Gospel Interdenominational Church. His airfare is already covered—praise the Lord! We are now hoping to raise an additional $1,500 to $2,000 to help cover his living expenses while in Zambia and to support the ministry work there, as the Lord leads. Would you consider sowing into this unique opportunity? Click here to make a donation specifically for this trip.

Living to give also looks like feeding hungry children in our communities. In Haiti and the Dominican Republic, many families face extreme challenges - unemployment, relational strain, violence, and food insecurity. For a parent, there’s little more heartbreaking than watching your child go hungry.

Through our feeding programs in our schools, the START NOW Early Childhood Intervention, and Hope Squad programs, we are helping shoulder that burden. A child who eats is more able to learn. A nourished body leads to a hopeful heart. Feeding is one of Pastor Lex’s favorite things to do - and it’s at the very core of MOHI’s vision.

Thank you to everyone who sponsors a child or baby, and to our monthly partners. You are easing real burdens and bringing dignity back to families.

Living to give also means tending to both the physical and spiritual wellness of the communities we serve. In Haiti, our medical and dental clinics continue to provide essential care to children and adults alike. In partnership with our friends at Bless Back Worldwide, we offer consultations, treatments, preventive care, education, and compassionate follow-up, even amid ongoing national instability. We’re so grateful for this partnership and the faithful professionals who serve day after day.

In the Dominican Republic, our Community Health Promoter is a daily example of living to give. Nurse Marlouse walks alongside patients in multiple villages, helping them manage chronic illnesses like hypertension and diabetes, offering education, guidance, and emotional support, and creating bridges between the community and professional care. The love of Christ is reflected in each house call, blood pressure check, and conversation.

Here are just a few updates from the field this week that your giving has made possible:

• 🎓 In Haiti, the school year is winding down. This week marks the completion of final exams for most students. Seniors will continue studying and preparing for the national exams. After this week, the remaining students will begin their summer break and return in the fall.

  

• 📈 In Luperón, our Bless Back Business Academy students are gearing up for their final presentations. There’s a buzz of nervous energy in the room as they polish their ideas and practice sharing them clearly. These students are gaining skills that can transform their families and communities - and you’re part of making that happen.

  

• 🐥 The chicken project in Luperón is thriving! The coop is full of healthy, growing birds. Willy and Damnias are doing an incredible job managing both the animals and the crops, all while helping maintain MOHI’s vehicles. They also collaborate with their wives and Marlouse to prepare some traditional foods, such as Kasav—a chewy, bread-like (but different) wrap, usually served with peanut butter or preserves. It’s a perfect example of community coming together around food and purpose.

  

Let me leave you with this encouragement from Proverbs 11:25: “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” Your generosity is refreshing lives every single day. Thank you for choosing to live to give. Together, we are pouring into others what God has so graciously given to us - and that’s how hope grows.