Stories of Hope | November 2023
Haiti | The Power of Nutrition
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Reflecting on the 25-year anniversary of Mission of Hope last month was an encouraging reminder of how providing healthy nutrition to those in need has been a foundational part of ministry at Mission of Hope. From a peanut grinder strapped to a tree to provide 230 children with lunch at school, to today—providing daily meals for 120,000 children in Haiti, it’s evident that God is using the nutrition program. Julia*, a young girl at an orphanage recently shared her story.
My name is Julia, I am 15 years old, and I am in the 12th grade. My mom died with I was just two years old, and my father abandoned me after she died. I’ve been at the orphanage since I was two. I’ve experienced what it is like to be extremely hungry, and not to know if I will get food that day. Without food, I have trouble sleeping, my head hurts, and I just feel sick. But I also know what it’s like to have a healthy meal, because of the consistency of the food we receive from MOH. It’s so important because it helps me grow well and helps my brain develop like it’s supposed to. My dream is to become a lawyer and to help my country—and I know I can do it!
Every single meal served to the first school group of 230, to today—over 120,000 meals served to children across Haiti—represents someone like Julia. A meal is the foundation for helping kids achieve their dreams. As part of Mission of Hope, you are helping make stories like Julia’s possible.
*Name changed for privacy.
Dominican Republic | Women's Empowerment - Damas Juntas
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Women’s Empowerment continues to grow, and the Damas Juntas “Women Together” groups in the Dominican Republic are an area where we continue to see needs being met. Mrs. Milca, one of our leaders of a Damas Juntas group, recently shared encouraging feedback she compiled after asking ladies who have been attending.
Damas Juntas gatherings are helping women in their development as a person and with their families, in relationships with their spouses, and in raising their children. The women would like for it to be more frequent actually, to share with each other the daily things they face in their communities. The topics that have been discussed are relevant, and using God’s Word as the lens with which to view the topics helps us respond to common issues faced by many. Damas Juntas has been a great blessing for all of us. The ladies are very happy when we gather—they do not want to leave, and there is a lot of participation among them.
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Reflecting on the 25-year anniversary of Mission of Hope last month was an encouraging reminder of how providing healthy nutrition to those in need has been a foundational part of ministry at Mission of Hope. From a peanut grinder strapped to a tree to provide 230 children with lunch at school, to today—providing daily meals for 120,000 children in Haiti, it’s evident that God is using the nutrition program. Julia*, a young girl at an orphanage recently shared her story.
My name is Julia, I am 15 years old, and I am in the 12th grade. My mom died with I was just two years old, and my father abandoned me after she died. I’ve been at the orphanage since I was two. I’ve experienced what it is like to be extremely hungry, and not to know if I will get food that day. Without food, I have trouble sleeping, my head hurts, and I just feel sick. But I also know what it’s like to have a healthy meal, because of the consistency of the food we receive from MOH. It’s so important because it helps me grow well and helps my brain develop like it’s supposed to. My dream is to become a lawyer and to help my country—and I know I can do it!
Every single meal served to the first school group of 230, to today—over 120,000 meals served to children across Haiti—represents someone like Julia. A meal is the foundation for helping kids achieve their dreams. As part of Mission of Hope, you are helping make stories like Julia’s possible.
*Name changed for privacy.
Dominican Republic | Women's Empowerment - Damas Juntas
Women’s Empowerment continues to grow, and the Damas Juntas “Women Together” groups in the Dominican Republic are an area where we continue to see needs being met. Mrs. Milca, one of our leaders of a Damas Juntas group, recently shared encouraging feedback she compiled after asking ladies who have been attending.
Damas Juntas gatherings are helping women in their development as a person and with their families, in relationships with their spouses, and in raising their children. The women would like for it to be more frequent actually, to share with each other the daily things they face in their communities. The topics that have been discussed are relevant, and using God’s Word as the lens with which to view the topics helps us respond to common issues faced by many. Damas Juntas has been a great blessing for all of us. The ladies are very happy when we gather—they do not want to leave, and there is a lot of participation among them.
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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.
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 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.
