A Legacy of Hope

Sunday, March 30, 2025 - [click here to support the continuing work at MOHI]

Today's update is from Renée

We are filled with joy and gratitude as we approach a significant milestone in the life of Mission of Hope International—our 25th anniversary! This journey began in Grand-Goâve, Haiti, and over the years, we have seen God’s hand at work in mighty ways. The vision He placed in our hearts has grown into a ministry that touches thousands of lives in Haiti and the Dominican Republic, and we are so thankful for His faithfulness.

As we celebrate these 25 years of ministry, we are also looking ahead to what God has in store for the future. On April 26, we will be gathering with friends in New England for a special celebration of all He has done and a glimpse into the vision for the years to come. We invite you to join us for an evening of reflection and anticipation, and we look forward to celebrating with you.

This past week, we had an incredible example of the teamwork and partnerships that have been essential to our ministry. Our dear friend Lenny generously volunteered to help Lex drive a rental truck filled with 30 barrels of supplies from Connecticut to Florida. These barrels were packed with love by our partners at the Full Gospel Interdenominational Church in Manchester, Connecticut. Their partnership has been an invaluable blessing to us over these 25 years.

Shipping goods into Haiti has become increasingly challenging over the last several years due to the ongoing unrest in the country, including gang control of the port in Port-au-Prince. But by God's grace, the Haitian government, with international support, regained control of the port, allowing us to resume shipments. Still, the process of delivering supplies to Grand-Goâve is fraught with danger, and it often takes much longer than expected, with costs far exceeding what they should be. To mitigate these challenges, we’ve gotten creative. By working with a shipping company in Florida, we can receive supplies closer to our Haitian base, keeping our staff safer and reducing stress for Lex.

Our motivation to continue in this work is reflected in the lives we see changed daily through the ministry. In Haiti, infants and children are being fed nourishing meals...

...Our medical teams are caring for those who are sick...

...the lab supports the doctor's ability to properly diagnose our patients...

...Our dentists are helping people find relief from pain and instructing them in proper oral hygiene...

...Our church congregations are praying, worshiping, and reaching out to others in need...

...And our teachers are guiding students as they grow in knowledge and faith.

In the Dominican Republic, the children are once again enjoying hearty meals of pumpkin soup, rich in moringa, pumpkin, and vegetables from our own garden.

Nurse Marlouse continues to serve the community through the Community Healthcare Promoter program.

We are incredibly grateful for our partners at Bless Back Worldwide. Together, we are not only bringing health and healing to many in Haiti and the Dominican Republic but also supporting local entrepreneurs, businesses, and students like these who are learning English.

We are also making progress on a much-needed project at the Mission house—a temporary bathhouse to help accommodate our team during busy mornings when everyone needs to shower at once! Please join us in praying for this project’s completion.

As we approach our financial goal of raising $80,000 for the down payment on the mission house, we ask for your support. We are down to the wire and are so grateful for every gift that brings us closer to this goal. Your generosity will make a lasting impact in the lives of our staff and those we serve.

This week, I’ve been reflecting on James 1:27, which calls us to "look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world." This verse has stood out to me in a new way lately, as I’ve thought more deeply about what it means to be "polluted by the world." Pollution destroys what is good—whether it’s harmful chemicals in our food, toxic noise that disrupts our peace, or air pollution that affects our ability to breathe.

Spiritually, we are called to remain untainted by the distractions of this world that hinder our passion for Christ. As I reflect on this, I am reminded of Philippians 4:8, which urges us to "think about whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."

More than ever before, I recognize the importance of filtering my thoughts, taking captive every distraction that tries to pull me away from God’s Way. As I continue this journey, I endeavor to be more intentional about my thoughts, focusing on what is good and pure. And to remember the instruction James, Peter, and John gave Paul to remember the poor (Galatians 2:10).

Everyone remembers rulers, but who remembers the poor?

You do!

As we celebrate 25 years of ministry, I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude for every partner God has brought alongside us. Your support, prayers, and faithfulness have been instrumental in making this ministry what it is today, and we are so thankful for each one of you. We are excited for what God will continue to do through Mission of Hope International in the years ahead, and we are grateful to have you with us on this journey. May God bless you abundantly for your generosity and faithfulness!

"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." – Galatians 6:9