STORIES OF HOPE

A Weekend of Encouragement for Pastors and Their Spouses

Hope Growing in Titayen

Hope in Buena Vista

Densia’s Story

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.

Stephanie is 15 years old. She faithfully attends a small group in her village in Haiti, even though her life has been marked by deep hardship. She has no parents to support her and no financial means to attend school. Despite these obstacles, Stephanie didn’t give up. She shared her situation with her village champion in Leveque, who leads her small group. Moved by her determination, he went to the principal of the local school and advocated on her behalf. Because of that intervention, Stephanie was given the opportunity to attend school. When asked about it, Stephanie said, "This is only possible because of God’s faithfulness. God made a way for me." Not long after, she returned to her small group, this time as a student with a future ahead of her. That day, the group studied Psalm 27:10: "Though my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will receive me." Stephanie wept as she heard those words. In that moment, she gave her life to Christ. Today, Stephanie’s story is a powerful reminder: when you invest in education, you give someone a second chance. Students who do not have anyone to advocate for them. Because of faithful donors, Stephanie was able to attend school despite not having the financial means. By giving to education, you are opening the door to hope and life transformation for so many students. And for students like Stephanie, it can change everything.

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.