Vision and Expansion

Apr 10
5 min read

Sunday, April 12, 2026 - [click here to support the continuing work at MOHI]

Today's update is from Jonathan and Taran

It is important to know where we are going—and the trajectory ahead.

Scripture reminds us that without vision, people perish (Proverbs 29:18). Vision gives hope. It inspires. It fuels growth and expansion.

This is something we see clearly in the communities we serve. While it can sometimes feel discouraging to look at week-to-week challenges, it is incredibly encouraging to step back and see the bigger picture of what God is doing.

From the smallest steps—like teaching children to wash their hands—to larger initiatives like rehousing communities, we see steady, meaningful progress. God is at work in it all.

A Key Vision Project: Mission House Repairs

One of the most significant projects we are currently working on is the Mission House roof replacement and third-floor rennovation in Luperón.

The Mission House is central to everything we do. It serves as a hub for ministry:

Meals for village feeding programs are prepared and distributed from here
Business Academy classes are hosted here
Mission teams—including medical professionals, business leaders, and volunteers—are housed here

Currently, the roof is in urgent need of replacement. Significant leaks have caused water damage throughout the home during heavy rains.

We are in the process of finalizing architectural plans and material estimates, and we are actively looking for construction teams to serve this summer.

We are specifically in need of individuals with experience in:

Roofing
Framing
Plumbing and electrical work

The third floor will include new bedrooms and bathrooms, requiring framing and full build-out alongside the new roof installation.

If you have experience in construction—or know someone who does—we would love to connect with you. Your skills could make a lasting impact.

Summer Internship Opportunity

We are excited to invite young adults to be part of what God is doing through our Summer Internship Program.

Dates: July 1 – August 1

Ages: 18–25

Location: Dominican Republic

There is no program fee for this internship. The work interns contribute throughout the month helps support ongoing ministry efforts and covers their room and board.

This is a unique opportunity for those who already have skills or training and want to use them in a meaningful, mission-focused environment.

Areas of Need Include:

Social Media & Content Creation
Child Sponsorship Communications
Children’s Program Development
Agriculture (gardens and poultry projects)
Business Training & Coaching
English as a Second Language
IT & Computer Training
Skilled Trades (plumbing, electrical, framing)
Hair Cutting & Trade Training
Culinary & Kitchen Support
Team Coordination Training
Music & Worship Leadership
Medical Training (CPR, health education, EMR support)

If you or someone you know would be interested, please email:

internship@mohintl.org

Haiti Update

School

Students returned this week after a joyful Easter break and have begun their next semester, which will run through June.

Behind the scenes, our administrative team has been diligently updating student records and reports. While this work may not always be visible, it is essential to maintaining strong, effective operations.

And as always, the children are especially excited when Lex visits—it’s a highlight every time.

Church

Holy Week concluded with a powerful time of revival at the church.

We are celebrating that nine individuals were baptized, publicly declaring their faith. It was a beautiful reminder that even in difficult circumstances, God is moving in hearts and lives.

Clinic

Construction of the new physical therapy office is nearly complete.

Our team is excited to expand the clinic’s services to include rehabilitation care—meeting needs that have long gone unaddressed for many patients.

Lex spent time with the clinic staff this week, welcoming new team members and helping prepare for the launch of these services.

Our nursing team has also begun identifying patients who would benefit from physical therapy and is actively reaching out to connect them with this new opportunity for care.

Dominican Republic Update

Community Health

Patients across the villages continue to express deep appreciation for the consistent care they are receiving.

These regular check-ins are making a real difference—especially for those managing chronic conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure.

Consistency builds trust. Consistency creates change.

Children’s Programs & Feedings

One of the most encouraging developments has been watching the children take initiative in practicing good hygiene.

They are now washing their hands on their own before meals, embracing habits that will have long-term health benefits.

Week by week, we are seeing growth—not just physically, but in responsibility and awareness.

Friends Visiting

We were grateful to welcome longtime friends Maike and Stuart and their family.

They have supported MOHI for many years and previously served in Haiti. It was a joy for them to now experience the work happening in the Dominican Republic.

They jumped right in—helping with feeding programs, assisting children with handwashing, praying, distributing vitamins, and serving meals.

Their presence has been a blessing to both our team and the communities we serve.

Update from Jonathan

Over the past month, I’ve had the opportunity to spend time in both the northern region of Haiti and here in the Artibonite. It’s been a meaningful and eye-opening season—one that has once again reminded me of both the resilience of the Haitian people and the fragility of daily life here.

In just these few weeks, there has been a sizeable earthquake off the southeastern coast of Cuba that was felt here, days of torrential rain that led to flooding in surrounding communities, and continued heavy gang activity just south of where I’m currently staying. While I’m not near Grand Goâve right now, these moments serve as a constant reminder that stability in Haiti can shift quickly, and what many of us consider “normal” daily life is simply not the reality here.

Even in the midst of all of this, life continues. People go to work when they can, children go to school when it’s safe, and families do their best to carry on. I’ll be sharing some photos from the area where I’m staying to give you a glimpse into what a major city in Haiti looks like right now—because sometimes it’s hard to fully understand without seeing it.

In the coming days, I’m planning to travel south to Grand Goâve, where I’ll spend about a week to ten days with the Mission of Hope International. I’m looking forward to being back on the ground there - this first place in Haiti I called home!

After that, I’ll be heading to the Dominican Republic to help host an exploratory team from my hometown of Plattsburgh, New York. This group, the North Country Mission of Hope, has faithfully led mission trips to Nicaragua for nearly 30 years. Due to increasing security concerns there, they’ve had to pause those efforts. We’re grateful for the opportunity to partner together in a new way—exploring how teams from upstate New York can serve alongside Mission of Hope International in the Dominican Republic moving forward.

There’s a lot ahead, and plenty of uncertainty, but also real hope. Thank you for continuing to stand with Haiti & our Haitian friends, to pray, and to support the work being done here. It matters more than you know.