The People Behind the Ministry
- Jun 13
- 7 min read
Updated: Jun 14
Sunday, June 14, 2026 - [click here to support the continuing work at MOHI]
Today's update is from Ben and Taran
When most people think about Mission of Hope International, they think about schools, clinics, feeding programs, churches, mission teams, and community development projects.
Those things are certainly part of the story.
But behind every meal served, every child taught, every patient treated, and every family encouraged are people.
People who show up every day to teach, care, encourage, build, mentor, organize, and serve.
This week, we want to share a few ministry updates from Haiti and the Dominican Republic while also highlighting some of the incredible people who help make this work possible.
Because while programs may change lives, it is people who make those programs possible.
Haiti Updates
Finishing the School Year Strong
Final exams have officially begun for students across all grade levels as we prepare to close out the 2025–2026 academic year.
The entire school administration team is hard at work helping students finish well. A huge celebration is scheduled for June 28 to honor the graduating students.
Education remains one of the most powerful tools for breaking cycles of poverty and creating opportunity. We are proud of our students and grateful for the teachers and staff who invest in them every day.
Healthcare That Changes Lives
Our medical ministries continue serving children and families across the Grand Goâve community every day.
The new Physical Therapy Clinic continues to receive encouraging feedback from patients. Community members are reporting positive results as they work through treatment plans and rehabilitation programs. What began as a vision is quickly becoming an important resource for individuals who previously had little or no access to physical therapy services.
This week, we would like to recognize Dr. Willy, who worked tirelessly to help save the life of a six-year-old child who arrived at the clinic with a serious medical condition and required emergency referral to the hospital. We are grateful for her dedication and commitment to caring for patients during some of their most difficult moments.
We would also like to recognize our dental team for the outstanding work they continue to do. Every year, they care for hundreds of students in our schools as well as members of the surrounding community. From routine cleanings to more complex procedures, they help ensure children and families have access to quality dental care that would otherwise be difficult to receive.
Behind every patient cared for is a team of people who have dedicated their lives to serving others. We are incredibly grateful for our doctors, nurses, dentists, therapists, pharmacists, laboratory staff, and support teams who faithfully serve the people of Grand Goâve each day.
Feeding Children Every Day
Our nutrition program continues serving meals to children every day.
For many of these children, the meals they receive through MOHI are a critical source of nutrition. Consistent access to healthy food helps children grow, stay healthy, and perform better in school.
We are grateful for everyone who makes these feeding programs possible.
Meet Jhon Elisé Pierre
Behind the scenes, one of the people helping keep the Haiti campus running smoothly is Jhon Elisé Pierre.
Elisé serves as the school secretary, the campus IT specialist, and the manager of the computer laboratory.
Despite wearing multiple hats, he is known for his patience, kindness, and willingness to help others. No matter how busy he may be, Jhon consistently finds a way to assist those who need support.
People like Elisé may not always be in the spotlight, but they play an essential role in helping students learn and ensuring daily operations run smoothly.
We are grateful for his faithful service.
Haiti Celebrates the World Cup
The students, church members, and many from the surrounding community were excited when Pastor Lex opened the church building for people to gather and watch the World Cup together.
Haiti's participation has created a great deal of excitement. It has been fun to see the volunteers at the radio station become sports announcers, and to see people coming together to cheer for their team.
Moments like these remind us that ministry is not only about programs and services. It is also about creating spaces where people can gather, build relationships, celebrate together, and enjoy life as a community.
Dominican Republic Updates
Caring for Children and Families
Our Community Health Promoter program continues to make a meaningful impact throughout the villages we serve.
This week, Marlouse shared that many children have been dealing with fevers and flu-like symptoms. She continues to visit families, provide follow-up care, and help children recover.
These regular visits allow us to care not only for physical needs but also to build relationships and provide encouragement to families who often have very limited access to healthcare.
Water, Food, and Sustainability
The community of La Grúa continues receiving clean drinking water each day through the ministry's water system.
At the same time, we are aware that neighboring communities such as Baraguana and Imbert continue facing significant challenges related to water access.
This week, children in La Grúa enjoyed pumpkin soup made with pumpkins harvested from the garden near the water house. The garden and agricultural projects continue helping provide nutritious food while supporting long-term sustainability.
The chickens continue producing eggs, the gardens continue growing, and we are seeing firsthand how these projects help support both feeding programs and visiting teams.
James Returns Home
We are thrilled to share that James has returned home to Grand Goâve following his successful heart surgery and rapid recovery.
Many of you have prayed, given, encouraged, and followed his journey over the past several months.
Seeing him safely back home is a reminder of what can happen when people come together around a common purpose. A surgery that once seemed impossible became possible because of countless individuals who chose to help.
Thank you for being part of his story.
Meet Marc Bazile
This week, we would also like to introduce you to Marc Bazile.
Marc was born in Limonade, Haiti, and moved to the Dominican Republic with his mother when he was nine years old. He has now lived in the community of La Grúa for nearly forty years.
Marc is a skilled tradesman who works in construction and is experienced in masonry, electrical work, plumbing, and many other practical trades.
More importantly, he is known for his character.
Those who work alongside him describe him as responsible, disciplined, patient, innovative, and someone who consistently offers wise advice.
Marc helps care for and oversee many of MOHI's projects and resources in La Grúa. His knowledge of the community, practical skills, and servant-hearted attitude make him an invaluable part of the ministry.
We are grateful for Marc and all he does to serve others.
Remembering One of the People Behind the Ministry
An Update from Mèt Ben
Sometimes the people who impact us most are the ones we never expect to lose.
Friday, June 12, 2026, began like many other ministry days in the Dominican Republic.
Nurse Marlouse and Mèt Ben were preparing to travel to Lagua, a small community in the Cambiaso area. The plan was simple: visit patients, renew prescriptions, distribute vitamins to children, and spend time with families in the community.
Before leaving, they followed a familiar routine.
They gathered food from the ministry's cupboards to prepare a care package for a man they had come to know and love over the years—a 75-year-old blind Haitian man named Massito Joseph.
The package often included essentials such as rice, dried beans, spaghetti, bread, cooking oil, juice, and sardines. It was a small gesture, but one that reflected the relationship they had built with him through years of visits and care.
Massito was originally from Léogâne, Haiti. Nearly fifty years ago, he left his homeland and settled in the Dominican Republic, eventually making his home in the community of Lagua.
He was not born blind, but gradually lost his sight over time.
Although he never married and had no children, he was far from alone. Both Haitian and Dominican families in the community knew him well and regularly came alongside him whenever he needed help.
Massito was a familiar face at MOHI's mobile medical clinics conducted in partnership with Bless Back Worldwide. He was often one of the first people to encourage others to attend.
He loved reminding people about clinic days and would often say:
"Who told you you're not sick? The clinic is free, and your transportation is provided. What do you have to lose?"
His sense of humor, encouragement, and joyful spirit made him a friend to many.
When Marlouse and Ben arrived at his small home that morning, something seemed different.
The gate was closed.
The door was locked.
At first, they assumed Massito had simply gone for a walk and that they would see him later in the day.
But after asking a neighbor about him, they received heartbreaking news.
Massito had become seriously ill several days earlier. An ambulance had transported him to the hospital in Luperón, but he never returned home.
He had passed away the previous weekend and had already been laid to rest.
The news caught them completely by surprise.
You can imagine how difficult it was to learn of the loss of not only a patient, but also a friend, a counselor, an encourager, and a man who always found a way to make people smile.
Massito was more than someone who attended our clinics.
He was part of the community.
He encouraged others to seek medical care.
He welcomed people.
He shared laughter.
He helped others feel seen.
In many ways, Massito was one of the people behind the ministry.
When we think about the work of Mission of Hope International, it is easy to focus on schools, clinics, feeding programs, and construction projects. But ministry is ultimately about people and relationships.
For years, Massito allowed us to be part of his life, and in return, he became part of ours.
While we are saddened by his passing, we are grateful for the opportunity we had to know him, serve him, laugh with him, and call him our friend.
Today, we remember Massito Joseph with gratitude.
May his soul rest in peace, and may the earth lie lightly upon him.
The People Behind the Ministry
Every week, we have the privilege of sharing stories about schools, clinics, feeding programs, mission teams, and community projects.
But behind every story are people.
Teachers helping students prepare for exams.
Nurses caring for patients.
Community health workers visiting families.
Mission teams building benches and encouraging children.
Administrators organizing celebrations.
Leaders investing in future generations.
Volunteers, donors, sponsors, and prayer partners faithfully supporting the work from around the world.
The ministry of Mission of Hope International is not built by one person.
It is built by many people faithfully serving together.
Some are visible. Many are not.
Yet every act of service matters.
This week we celebrated people like Elisé and Marc. We rejoiced with James as he returned home. We honored healthcare workers who save lives. And we remembered a friend named Massito whose life touched many more people than he probably ever realized.
These are the people behind the ministry.
Thank you for being one of them.
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