Women's Empowerment | The Very Best News

What is the very best news you have ever heard in your lifetime? I usually think of a family member or friend’s success or something exciting that has been a long time in the making, such as finding their person, getting a promotion, or receiving a clean bill of health. Do you ever notice that as time goes by and life gets busy those things that seemed so exciting and life changing start to fade? But, it never seems to fail that when I reminisce on memories, the excitement of those moments come back to life for me.

During Holy Week this year I was challenged by that very thought, and I realized that sometimes I forget that I hold the best news that the world could ever hear. I have known for most of my life that the month of Easter is one of the most amazing times for us as believers to celebrate! This is one of my favorite times of the year as I look back and remember the cross and how Jesus, my King, defeated death. Jesus' death has proven the depth of God’s promises to me; given me access to new life, forgiveness, freedom, and mercy. When we look back to the cross and the resurrection we celebrate the work that Jesus did for us that we could never earn and did not deserve. This Easter has been a special time for me to celebrate my own salvation that is a gift that I do not deserve. I know that I can walk in freedom every day because of the gift of God’s son. We have a King that saves and reigns on earth and in heaven, and we have the privilege of sharing Eternity with Him. Are you fired up now, because I am!

One of the people that I have always been inspired by is my friend Madame Roselaure. She helps lead Women’s Empowerment and Girls’ Empowerment in Haiti. Since the day I met Roselaure as a student in our school she has always been dynamic and excited to share about Jesus everywhere she goes. It doesn’t matter how busy life gets for her, or what season she is in, she speaks of Jesus often.

Two young girls, Michaela and Darline (names changed for privacy), recently experienced the power of Jesus in a profound way. Both of the girls were encountering significant spiritual oppression resulting in self-harm, and they refused to talk to anyone except one person, Madame Roselaure. The girls knew that Roselaure was not going to turn them away or judge them. They also knew other young women like them had experienced freedom and healing.

Roselaure listened to the girls, asked questions, and had the opportunity to pray with them. They were heard, accepted, and they were told of their incredible value. They were so valuable, that Jesus loved them and chose to die for them. They had the opportunity to experience true freedom and hope. Both of the girls made the decision to accept Christ after hearing these incredible truths from Roselaure! Her willingness to meet them in the midst of the darkness they were experiencing brought them to freedom.

Roselaure helped shine a light on both of these young women who are now experiencing the peace of Christ Jesus—a peace that surpasses understanding, a peace that triumphs over the darkest of days, a peace that will never leave or forsake them. These girls have eternal hope secured. Praise God for the ministry of Girls' Empowerment and for opportunities like this to impact and empower the next generation. For these girls, the chains have literally been broken and generational change will happen because of their decision to follow Jesus.

roselaure and two young girls

I praise God for Roselaure’s faithfulness to always be willing to share her story and the story of Jesus so that others can experience freedom from bondage! What an inspiration and challenge she gives us all to always share the best news the world could ever hear!

With Love,

Vanessa Johnson
Director of Women's Empowerment

Vanessa Johnson on Apr 19, 2023

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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.