The Power of Community

Sunday, June 8, 2025 - [click here to support the continuing work at MOHI]  

Today's update is from Renée

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Sowing Seeds of Hope: How Your Support is Transforming Lives in Haiti and the Dominican Republic 

At Mission of Hope International (MOHI), we see each day as a testament to the power of partnership and the difference that faith, generosity, and community can make. Thanks to the unwavering support from donors like you, we continue to see incredible transformations in the lives of the children and families we serve in Haiti and the Dominican Republic. Today, I would like to share a few updates on how your partnership is making a difference in people's lives, how we are overcoming challenges, and how you can help us continue this vital work. 

"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." — Psalm 34:18

Navigating Challenges with Faith and Resilience 

The situation in Haiti remains difficult, with ongoing violence and instability affecting communities across the country. Recent events, including the massacre of a local church congregation, remind us of the profound risks many families face daily. Despite these challenges, our children and families have remained resilient, finding stability and hope in the midst of chaos. 

Students are working hard to finish up the school year, and some are also having the opportunity to enjoy a local field trip.

At MOHI, we’ve been able to continue our educational programs, providing a sense of normalcy that is rare in Haiti right now. Our schools are functioning regularly, unlike many others that have been forced to close or operate erratically. The children also receive daily meals, medical, and dental care on campus, ensuring their physical needs are met in this challenging environment. We are incredibly grateful for the Lord’s provision during these times and for our partners who make it possible to keep these programs running. 

Providing Holistic Care: Health, Nutrition, and Education 

Our mission is not just to educate but to care for the whole person—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. In the Dominican Republic, we continue to see the impact of our START NOW and Hope Squad programs. Nurse Marlouse, our Community Health Promoter, regularly visits the children and their families, ensuring they are receiving proper nutrition, attending the feeding programs, and keeping up with their vitamins. She also helps families manage chronic conditions, refilling prescriptions from our medical partners at Bless Back Worldwide to ensure that they receive consistent care. 

This holistic approach helps to address both immediate and long-term needs. But as we face these challenges, we are constantly reminded of the power of community, and how each person’s support plays a role in sustaining the lives of those we serve. 

Overcoming Obstacles with Your Help 

One of the most pressing challenges we’re currently facing is a critical issue with our solar power system in Haiti. For years, our solar system has been a reliable source of energy, powering our medical and dental clinics, where consistent electricity is essential for smooth operations. Unfortunately, the system recently failed, with the inverter burning out and several of the batteries aging out. 

We’ve had to rely more heavily on our backup generator, but the cost of fuel is not sustainable, and it’s creating a financial strain. To repair the solar power system and restore sustainable energy to the clinics, we need to raise $5,000. This is a direct ask for your support: We are asking for donations to help us raise these funds so that we can get the system back up and running, ensuring that we continue providing essential care to those who need it. 

The Power of Community and Leadership Development 

The work of MOHI is not just about addressing immediate needs; it’s about equipping people to create lasting change in their communities. A key part of this is our Bless Back Business Academy. This program has been empowering local entrepreneurs in both Haiti and the Dominican Republic by providing them with the skills and values needed to build sustainable businesses. 

In Luperón, a group of entrepreneurs is currently working together to create a community market—a much-needed resource in an area that currently lacks formal market spaces. These efforts are more than just business ventures; they’re creating a foundation for long-term prosperity and strengthening the community. Our focus is on teaching biblical principles alongside business skills, instilling a sense of integrity and sustainability in all the participants. This is how we equip the next generation of leaders—by providing them with the tools to succeed and serve others in their community. 

Not looking out for one's own interests, but each one also for the interests of the others."

— Psalm 34:18

The Ongoing Need for Prayer and Support 

As we continue navigating these challenges and celebrating the successes, we ask for your prayers. Please pray for the protection of all those involved in MOHI’s programs in Haiti and the Dominican Republic. The need for peace, healing, and protection is urgent. We also ask that you pray for the children and families in our programs—that they would feel the peace of Christ amidst the uncertainty, and that more would come to know Him through their involvement with MOHI. 

How You Can Partner with Us 

There are many ways you can continue to partner with us in this work. One of the most pressing needs is for your financial support to repair our solar system. By donating to this cause, you are directly impacting the health and well-being of the families who rely on our medical and dental services. Your gifts make it possible for us to continue offering essential care and sustaining the programs that are transforming lives. 

Oh, how I miss the ocean in Haiti. We homeschooled our children right in front of this ocean. I had forgotten how beautiful it is.

Wilson is so good to the animals. He took one of the dogs to the ocean for a bath.

The staff in the Dominican Republic worked hard, harvesting, washing, peeling, and grating sweet potatoes from the Mission garden in Luperón. They used it to make Sweet Potato Bread, which is more like bread pudding than white or rye bread. Oh, and the sweet potatoes have white flesh, not orange.

As we move forward, we are deeply grateful for each person who has come alongside us in this mission. Your prayers, support, and generosity are the foundation of everything we do. Together, we can continue making a lasting difference in the lives of children and families in Haiti and the Dominican Republic.