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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He was only thirteen when an accident changed everything. In the Dominican Republic, a young boy, Binsley, was left paralyzed with no access to medical care and no one to turn to. His only family—his two brothers—loved him but had no resources to help. Without treatment, food, or proper care, his condition worsened, and painful wounds began to form as he lay waiting for help that never seemed to come. That changed when Pastor Carlos, a local pastor traveling with a Mission of Hope team, met him and immediately recognized the urgency of his situation. Through his leadership and connection with our Community Engagement team, care began—consistent, compassionate, and life-giving. Because of faithful support, Binsley now receives regular medic al care, nutritious food, clean clothing, wound treatment, and physical therapy in La Joya. While he remains paralyzed, his health has stabilized, his pain has lessened, and he is no longer facing his journey alone. For the first time in months, there is hope. Your generosity made this possible. Because you chose to give, a young boy was seen, cared for, and reminded that his life matters. And he is not the only one. There are many others praying for help—and through your continued partnership, hope is reaching them too.
*Jean, a 15-year-old Haitian boy, had been living in an unsafe and abusive home, a situation that kept him from attending school and experiencing the stability every child deserves. Despite this, he continued to show up at the children’s ministry in La Joya, where caring adults began to notice that something was wrong. When Pastor Kilyvs learned about *Jean’s situation, he stepped in before more harm could be done. He brought *Jean went to a rehabilitation center where he could begin to heal and ensured he received school supplies, something he had never had before because his home environment made school impossible. Now, *Jean is safe. He will be enrolled in school, have transportation to attend classes, and be able to study, go to church, and grow in a supportive, loving environment. What was once a life marked by fear is now opening into a future filled with safety and hope. *name changed for privacy
In January, Klèb Manman continued to grow in Cap-Haïtien, with three active groups and the joyful beginning of a new one. These groups are more than meetings; they are safe spaces where mothers find encouragement, skills, and hope for a better future. In December, one young mother joined Klèb Manman. She is navigating motherhood at a very young age, carrying both the deep love for her child and the heavy responsibility of providing for her baby. After one Klèb Manman session, she approached our Women Empowerment director, Madame Rosealure, quietly and said, “Mrs., please, can I talk with you?” When Madame Roselaure said yes, she shared her dream: she wanted to start a small business so she could care for her child with dignity. Madame Roselaure shared that she did not have the financial ability to help right away, but she promised to pray with her and to trust God to make a way. The following month, moved by her courage and determination as a young mother, Madame Roselaure decided to use her own money to purchase materials so she could learn how to make liquid soap. This brave mother took that opportunity and turned it into action. She made the soap, sold it, and reinvested part of the income by buying more supplies so she could continue her business. Step by step, she began building a path toward independence and stability for herself and her baby. This story reflects the heart of Klèb Manman. Through manual activities and practical support, mothers, many of whom are navigating motherhood at an extremely young age, are gaining skills that empower them economically and emotionally. This kind of support restores hope, strengthens confidence, and helps mothers provide for their families while believing in a brighter future.
