Women's Empowerment | Roseline's Story

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I recently visited a community close to our campus in the Dominican Republic where one of our church partners hosted a medical clinic. One of those who received care was a young mom named Roseline. She came with her two young children, and after the doctor assessed their needs, Roseline said that she had an upset stomach and a headache. My guess is she thought she’d get some Tylenol, Tums, and vitamins and be on her way, but the doctor recommended that she take a pregnancy test to rule that out before giving her any medication. Her test came back positive, and she was devastated.

She was shaken by the news and tried to explain to the doctor that she could not be pregnant. Her husband just left her, and she can’t even feed the two children she has now. She left the clinic in disbelief only to return the next day highly doubting the test was correct and asked to take it again. Visibly distraught when the result was the same, she said to the doctor that she really could not have another baby and needed to know where she could go to have an abortion. Dr. Stephanie calmly explained that abortion is illegal and there are other options; perhaps someone from the church could help her. She made the comment that she didn’t want to hear about God because people who know God have mistreated her. She ended up leaving the clinic with tears in her eyes and her two malnourished toddlers in tow.

I felt helpless knowing what she had just said. I've met moms who have been so desperate to provide for their children that they will do whatever it takes to end a pregnancy or make sure they don’t have more children. I so badly wanted to convince this mom that it would be okay, that God loves her, and that the people of the church would love her too—but she had been so betrayed by others that I knew my words would fall flat.

The reality of her words and thoughts of terminating her pregnancy quickly elevated the severity of the situation. When people feel trapped, logic is usually the last filter being used to make a decision and we knew we needed to find her before she took matters into her own hands. For four days, I prayed a short and simple prayer. “Lord, our hearts break for this mom. You know where she is; please help us find her so that we can be Your hands and feet and help her to know she is seen and loved by You.” She left the clinic on Thursday and Liphat, a local Haitian pastor, and our staff worked to track her down and finally were able to talk to her on Monday.

Roseline is scared and alone, which breaks Jesus' heart. Beyond what the initial day of meeting her in the clinic revealed, she also does not have direct access to any water, much less clean water. If she is able to prepare any food, she cannot keep anything perishable for more than a day. She has no way to cook, but from time to time, a neighbor will allow her to borrow her stove. Her home is in very bad condition, and now with it being the rainy season, it is leaking, so she has multiple tarps that cover the inside in an attempt to keep the things she does have from getting wet and ruined.

This week, because of your ongoing generosity, WE were able to provide Roseline with hygiene items, a tarp to help when it rains, a propane stove, and enough food for a month. She has chosen to keep the baby, but she has a long road ahead of her as she continues to navigate life as a Haitian mom in a community where she feels alone. The Lord was so good to allow our team to be there that day, not to speak profound words, but just to act on His behalf and to trust that He had it all under control.

There are many others like Roseline who we have yet to meet, but they are out there, and WE want to be equipped and ready to be the hands and feet of Jesus to the families that are marginalized, the moms who are desperate, the children who are innocent, and the unborn who are defenseless when the Lord puts them in our path.


This is why we’ve created a benevolence fund that will allow us to do that. Would you prayerfully consider helping us fill that fund so when a crisis situation is brought to our attention, WE are able to step in and care for those who have no voice, who have no option, and who seemingly have no hope?


As we pray “ Lord break our hearts for what breaks Yours and use us how You choose, ” I believe that impossible things can be made possible because as we walk in that type of faith, He will never fail to give us opportunities.

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As we reflect on 2025, we are grateful for the ways God moved through faithful partners and local communities to bring nourishment, hope, and lasting transformation. Through Hope at the Table and other core initiatives, children and families facing hunger, poverty, and instability experienced tangible care and renewed hope. At a time when 5.7 million people are struggling daily to feed themselves and their loved ones, generosity made a measurable difference. With just 11 cents providing one meal, every dollar given helped deliver nine meals to families in need—filling empty plates with food and reminding communities they are not forgotten. Throughout the year, the impact extended far beyond meals. In 2025, 787 individuals professed their faith, 131 communities were served, and 278 pastors and leaders were trained to continue shepherding their people with wisdom and care. Discipleship programs equipped 2,645 women to grow in faith and leadership, while education programs served 11,000 students, investing in the next generation. Medical teams provided care to 7,945 individuals, and 24.6 million meals were distributed overall, including daily feeding programs that supported 101,356 children. Together, we have seen emptiness replaced with provision, despair met with joy, and hunger answered with hope. This work reflects the heart of Matthew 25:35: “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in.” As we look ahead, we remain committed to serving alongside local churches and communities, trusting that generosity—rooted in love—will continue to change stories and lives in the year to come..
By Mackenzie Bartolome January 13, 2026
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By Mackenzie Bartolome January 13, 2026
When *María watched her three children put on their new school uniforms and shoes, she called it a blessing from God. For weeks, the weight of uncertainty had pressed on her heart, she longed to send her children to school, but the cost felt far beyond her reach. What María received was more than a one-time gift. It was a reminder that she was seen, known, and not alone. Through one of our community partnerships, a local church—rooted in her neighborhood and moved by compassion—recognized the need and responded with dignity, love, and care. Made possible by faithful church partners and God’s provision, hope met her family right where they were. Today, Mission of Hope partners with 13 local churches across the Dominican Republic, equipping them to meet urgent needs while sharing the hope of the gospel. Through these partnerships, churches provide food, medical care, children’s programming, and women’s discipleship—walking hand in hand with families long after the moment of need, and helping them step into a future filled with hope. In the most recent program update: 393+ Bibles were distributed 109+ individuals accepted Christ 500+ people were reached through local churches 12 Damas Juntas women’s groups continued meeting and growing together These partnerships also enable churches to care for the whole person, supporting families during medical emergencies, providing meals for children, and creating spaces for prayer, discipleship, and evangelism. María’s children are now attending school with confidence, and she is supported by her local church. Praise be to God! *name changed for privacy