Stories of Hope | March 2024

HOPE IN THE MIDST OF DESPAIR

A staff member in the Mission of Hope education department, living in the current warzone that is Port-Au-Prince, shared on a Zoom meeting just this week:

If you see that we are smiling—we are. It is a grace of God that we are in good spirits and have joy right now. Because what is happening in Haiti is very difficult. I think God is doing something inside of us, not to let this situation beat us. It is only God who can protect us. I’d like to ask you to keep praying for us. I know things happening in Haiti affect you because you love Haiti, and we love you.

HAITI: FOOD SECURITY

Nutrition has been a key part of how we serve those in greatest need. That hasn’t stopped in over 25 years of ministry. The report stating that 1.4 million people are a mere step away from famine right now due to the unrest in Haiti is staggering. It’s most critical, now more than ever.

Our farming and agricultural programs have continued in the mountains, where students are learning proper techniques to grow food. In addition to the agricultural programs, our warehouse in the north of Haiti in Cap-Haitien, has been instrumental in allowing aid to supply nutrition partners with meals we’d previously been cut off from reaching.

Access to nutritious food is an essential human right, and we're dedicated to making that right a reality for everyone we serve. These food security programs and the heart of our team in Haiti are hope-filled moments in the midst of the despair our friends are experiencing in Haiti.

While Haiti is facing some of its most challenging days, we remain confident that there is still hope for Haiti. Last year, we saw over 1,000 people come to know Christ, and since January of this year, our team has delivered 6,755,034 meals thanks to partners like you through your prayers and generosity. We hope these stories remind you that despite the hard days, with Jesus, there is still hope.

Mar 29, 2024

< Older Post

Newer Post >

Esterline's Story

By Mackenzie Bartolome • April 16, 2026

Esterline’s story began in a place of deep fear and uncertainty. His mom was very sick, and their family had already spent everything they had trying to help her; going from place to place, even to a voodoo doctor, hoping something would work. But nothing changed. She was still just as sick, and they were left with no money and no answers. In the middle of dealing with his mother’s illness and his own desperation for her to get better, Esterline cried out to God. “If you save my mom,” he prayed, “I will follow you for the rest of my life.” Not long after, he asked his small group leader and their village champion to come to his home and pray. As they stood together and lifted up his mom, something powerful happened. Not just physically, but spiritually. In that moment, she chose to put her trust in Jesus.And things began to change. Day by day, her health started to improve… until she was completely healed. But the story doesn’t stop there. Esterline remembered the promise he made. He went to the village champion and said, “I need Jesus. I remember my promise to God.” And he chose to follow Him. Now, instead of fear filling their home, there is joy. Instead of searching for answers, they have found hope. Together, they go to church. Together, they worship. What started as desperation turned into a story of healing.

From Need to New Life

By Mackenzie Bartolome • April 16, 2026

March was packed, and we can’t wait to tell you about it! Over the course of the month of March, 361 team members came alongside the work in the Dominican Republic, helping serve 1,535 people through medical care and reaching 746 more through Strategic Ministry Time. We welcomed over 2,200 kids into Kids Club, and most importantly, we celebrated 61 people who made the decision to follow Christ! While in the community of Los Higos, one of our teams spent time with a couple who are both battling cancer. After spending most of their savings on medication, they were often left without enough money to even buy clean drinking water. Through local church leaders, we were able to reach their home and give them a water filter that will provide safe, clean water for the next 10 years. As the team shared how the filter takes water that isn’t safe and transforms it into something clean and pure, they explained how Jesus does the same in our lives—washing, restoring, and making us new. Sitting there in their home, the couple was moved to tears. In that moment, both chose to accept Christ. We are so thankful for every team member that came down, ready to serve, share the Gospel and bring hope to every man, woman and child across the Dominican Republic.

Education that Endures

By Mackenzie Bartolome • April 16, 2026

Education in Haiti is not easy. It requires courage, resilience, and an unwavering belief that children are worth fighting for. James Petit Homme is a teacher passionate about education and child development. For years, he has faithfully served students through Mission of Hope, investing in their growth both inside and outside the classroom. But his commitment has been tested due to the unrest in Haiti. There was a time when violent unrest forced James and his fellow educators to leave their school building. Armed groups took control of the area, and what had once been a safe place for learning became unsafe overnight. At a time when reopening felt uncertain, the Lord faithfully answered parents' prayers. Determined not to let education stop, the school leadership found an alternative location in a neighboring town where classes could safely continue. Through the support of Mission of Hope and the faithful generosity of sponsors and donors, classrooms were set up, and students were welcomed back. “We did not give up,” James shares. “Mission of Hope did not let us sit idle. They continued to support us so we could keep serving children and the community.” Because of that support, James has been able not only to continue teaching but to grow in confidence, patience, and perseverance. He has experienced firsthand the strength that comes from hope and solidarity. He has seen how education can remain steady in the midst of chaos, and how a classroom can become a safe haven for students, no matter their circumstances.