Seeing Jesus in Simple Moments
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Sunday, July 25, 2026 - [click here to support the continuing work at MOHI]
Today's update is from Taran
One of the beautiful things about ministry is that God often teaches us through ordinary moments.
A shared meal.
A conversation with a stranger.
A child singing at the top of their lungs.
A quiet prayer with someone who simply needs to know they are not alone.
This week was full of those kinds of moments. As another mission team joined us in the Dominican Republic, we were reminded once again that ministry isn't just about projects—it's about people.
Learning to Love Like Jesus
This past week at our church in Thozin, Haiti, we shared a message about forgiveness and the importance of protecting the unity of God's family.
Using the story of Joseph, we were reminded that forgiveness isn't always easy, but it is essential. Scripture calls us to "bear with one another" and to forgive one another in love.
This is a message we often share with our mission teams as well. When people live, serve, and worship together for a week, there will naturally be moments when patience is tested. But choosing grace over frustration allows us to continue serving together with one heart and one purpose.
One of our core values at Mission of Hope International is Mutual Respect. We believe that loving one another—even through our differences—is one of the clearest ways we demonstrate the love of Christ.
A Week Filled with New Friendships
This past week we had the privilege of hosting 27 people from Fear Into Faith Ministries, representing individuals from across the United States and Canada.
Although the week began with several flight delays—and a few extra trips to the airport—it quickly turned into an incredible week of ministry.
The team worshiped in local churches, shared Bible stories with children, distributed meals, partnered with Marlouse during village medical visits, and spent countless hours simply building relationships.
One of the highlights each week is always the pizza party with the children in Baraguaná and La Grúa. Watching the kids wash their hands, pray together, enjoy a meal, and laugh with their new friends never gets old.
Another special addition this week came from one of the team members, who created coloring books filled with Bible verses in Spanish. The children loved spending time together coloring around the new tables that were recently built for the community.
Sometimes ministry looks like preaching.
Sometimes it looks like coloring beside a child and making them feel seen.
Both matter.
A Visit We'll Never Forget
One visit this week especially touched our hearts.
We had the opportunity to visit a 106-year-old man named Lik (the Creole form of Luke).
Lik lives in a small thatched room behind another family's home. His possessions are few—a simple chair and a mattress raised off the dirt floor by a few concrete blocks.
As we sat together, he shared that he has no family nearby and very few visitors. Because his eyesight has deteriorated, he no longer feels safe walking outside after suffering a fall.
Yet despite everything he has lost, one thing remains steadfast.
His faith.
Lik spoke about God's faithfulness throughout his life and reminded us that, even when everything else fades away, God never leaves us.
As we prepared to leave, he smiled and simply said,
"Go with God."
Sometimes we arrive thinking we are bringing encouragement.
Instead, we leave encouraged ourselves.
A Small Addition That Makes Guests Feel at Home
This week we also added something fun to the Mission House.
Thanks to some team creativity, we now have a beverage cooler stocked with refreshments for visiting teams—including our own signature Luperón Latte.
It's a small addition, but one more way we're working to make every guest feel welcomed, refreshed, and at home while they serve alongside us.
Join Us in Prayer
Every Thursday evening our church family in Thozin gathers to pray together.
If you would like to join us in spirit, we invite you to pause and pray with us each Thursday at 4:00 p.m.
Your prayers are one of the greatest gifts you can give our ministry, our staff, and the communities we serve.
Closing Thoughts
This week reminded us that some of the most meaningful moments in ministry are often the simplest.
A meal shared with a child.
A song sung together.
A visit with someone who feels alone.
A team choosing patience, grace, and forgiveness as they serve side by side.
These moments may not always look impressive from the outside, but they are often where relationships are strengthened and the love of Christ becomes most visible.
Thank you for continuing to pray, give, visit, and serve alongside Mission of Hope International. Because of your partnership, people across Haiti and the Dominican Republic are being reminded that they are seen, valued, and loved.
May we all continue learning to choose grace, protect unity, and love one another well—one ordinary moment at a time.
