Empowering Communities

Sunday, January 21, 2024

It has been a week of medical ministry and collaborative efforts at MOHI. We are thrilled to provide you with an update on the impactful initiatives undertaken by MOHI during the past week. Your unwavering support enables us to continue making a significant difference in the lives of those we serve. Here's a glimpse into the transformative activities that took place:

1. Focus on Medical Ministry: The past week witnessed a dedicated focus on medical ministry, including in Haiti. MOHI doctors consulted with students and neighbors, addressing various health concerns. A special acknowledgment goes to Asley, who tirelessly works in the lab every day, embodying dedication without complaint.

The combined efforts of medical and dental clinics have proven instrumental in preventing and mitigating situations before they leave a lasting impact on a student's life.

The baby feeding program continues to play a crucial role in averting the challenges associated with malnutrition in the crucial first three years of a child's life.

2. Collaborative Work with Bless Back Worldwide: Collaboration with the Bless Back Worldwide team was a highlight of the week in the Dominican Republic. Mobile medical clinics were held in villages regularly attended by Nurse Marlouse: Cambiaso, Playa Cambiaso, and La Grúa. A particularly heart-wrenching visit was made to the Haitian Batey called Baraguana in the city of Imbert, emphasizing the urgent need for the Community Healthcare Promoter program in the villages.

Expressing deep gratitude to the Bless Back team—Lisa,

Dr. Carmen,

Diana,

Amy, and Amanda

—for their coordinated and effective work. Their commitment to addressing healthcare needs underscores the importance of collaborative efforts in creating positive change. They also shared a lot of love with Tamina, partaking in her beauty services!

3. Ongoing Construction Projects: While medical outreach was in full swing, Pastor Lex remained actively engaged in MOHI's construction projects.

In La Grúa, homes for fire victims are a priority, with work including plastering, installing doors, and sidewalks. In Luperón, the construction of a new building for the Haitian Baptist Church progressed with the raising of block walls.

4. Business Academy Training: Bless Back Business Academy Expansion Among this week's noteworthy developments was the collaboration between Ron Pedemonte, head of the Bless Back Business Academy in Nicaragua, and MOHI in the Dominican Republic. In partnership with Aquilina, our dedicated business coach in training, Ron worked to extend the reach of the Bless Back Business Academy. Together, they organized and conducted a seminar for local business owners in the community. In showcasing her leadership and training skills, Aquilina put on an impactful seminar and seamlessly coordinated all the logistics involved - even in the midst of a blackout. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Aquilina for her incredible job in furthering the mission of economic empowerment and sustainable development in the communities we serve. The Bless Back Business Academy continues to play a crucial role in equipping individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the business world, fostering a brighter economic future for all.

5. Support from Against Global Hunger: Our friends at Against Global Hunger generously offered three pallets of highly nutritious rice and soy meals. These meals (over 20,000 of them!) are greatly valued by our friends in Haiti and will contribute significantly to our mission. To facilitate their delivery and preparation for students, we are seeking your support with a donation of approximately $2,500 for shipping costs.

6. Empowering Haitian Refugees in Gardner: Approximately 20 Haitian refugees, with whom we have been working, participated in a job fair at the local hospital in Gardner. We are excited about the potential for as many as half of them to secure employment soon, offering them new opportunities and hope.

7. Welcoming New England Chapel Team: A warm welcome to the team from New England Chapel, who arrived in Luperón last night. We are eager to collaborate on planned projects throughout the week.

Follow us on Instagram (@mohintl) or Facebook (mohintl) for daily updates, or stay tuned here for our weekly update next Sunday. Here's a bit from the team's first 24 hours in the Dominican Republic:

In conclusion, your continued support makes these impactful endeavors possible. Together, we are making a lasting difference in the lives of those we serve. We express our deepest gratitude and look forward to updating you on more successes in the weeks to come.