Empowering Lives with Gratitude

Sunday, March 23, 2025 - [click here to support the continuing work at MOHI]

Today's update is from Renée

As we move into the final weeks of March, I find myself reflecting on how God's work is unfolding through Mission of Hope International. We've seen His hand in so many lives recently, both in Haiti and the Dominican Republic. Our hearts are full of gratitude for all He’s allowing us to do in partnership with you—our friends, supporters, volunteers, and staff.

Haiti: A Vision of Hope in Education and Wellness

In Haiti, our school children continue to thrive, and we are seeing tremendous progress. In classrooms across our campuses, the joy of learning is evident. Every day, students eagerly engage with their lessons, writing and interacting with their teachers. Proverbs 22:6 reminds us, "Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it." Each day, these classrooms are planting seeds of hope and purpose for the future.

Our medical and dental teams are also serving with compassion and care. From wound care to breathing treatments, our staff is dedicated to providing excellent care. Asley, our lab technician, works tirelessly to ensure that every patient receives the necessary medical attention. Proverbs 3:27 encourages us, "Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act." The medical team’s dedication to serving with excellence reflects this scripture in action.

The feeding programs at our campuses continue to provide nourishment and support to over 850 children, staff, and babies each day. These meals, made with love and care, are a vital part of our mission. In Philippians 4:19, we are reminded, "And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus." We are grateful for the provision that allows us to serve our communities in this way.

Dominican Republic: Growing the Work of the Ministry

In the Dominican Republic, we continue to see the impact of the ministry expand. Our community health promoter, Nurse Marlouse, is regularly visiting villages, providing care and ministry to women in need. Her work is a powerful reminder of how health and healing are deeply intertwined with faith and hope.

We have also started harvesting the pumpkins in MOHI's garden. This means that our babies are enjoying even more pumpkin soup, which is rich in nutrients. The soup is made with moringa leaves, a powerful superfood known for its exceptional nutritional value. Moringa is a good source of vitamins A, C, and E, which support the immune system and promote healthy skin. It also provides essential minerals like calcium, iron, and potassium, contributing to bone health, energy levels, and proper hydration. Including moringa in the soup adds a healthy boost to the children's meals, supporting their overall well-being.

Our Bless Back Business Academy continues to grow, and we're so excited to see the fruit of this program. Aquilina, a business coach, is teaching small business owners valuable skills that will help them thrive. We are praying that these business owners will continue to grow and strengthen their communities in Luperón.

Mission House Fundraising Update

We are also making progress on the fundraising efforts for our mission house in the Dominican Republic. Currently, we have $17,500 on hand and $30,000 pledged, but we still have a total of $80,000 to raise by April 1st. If you would like to support this project, please know that your donation will help us provide a home for our missionaries, volunteers, and guests. The mission house also serves as a place where we host local pastors, hold events like our annual leadership seminar and Sun Sea & Sisterhood annual women's retreat. It serves as the home base for our outreach clinics, and acts as the meeting place for the Bless Back Business Academy's business, English, and computer classes. Thank you for your continued prayers and support as we trust God to provide the remaining funds.

A Reflection on Gratitude

As I reflect on the recent Sun Sea and Sisterhood retreat, I am deeply moved by the theme of gratitude that was shared by the speakers. Gratitude is not just a nice sentiment—it’s a powerful tool. The Bible tells us to "give thanks in all circumstances" (1 Thessalonians 5:18), and it turns out that there’s a neurological reason for this command. When we express gratitude, we are not only honoring God, but we are also rewiring our brains. Speaking words of thankfulness creates new neural pathways, which change the way we feel and think. It has a tangible impact on our lives.

I’ve been learning that gratitude can be practiced instantly, even in difficult times. It doesn’t require study or preparation—it’s as simple as pausing to acknowledge something for which I am truly thankful. This practice helps me focus on God's goodness rather than the storm raging around (or even IN) me. I glance at my problems but then GAZE at God, remembering His faithfulness and provision.

I encourage you to take a moment in the very middle of a storm today. Pause. Think of SOMETHING you can be thankful for. Open your mouth and speak, "I am grateful for (fill in the blank with specifics). Thank you, LORD!" It's a game-changer!

Looking Ahead with Hope

We continue to press forward, knowing that God is with us at every step. Whether in the classrooms of Haiti, the clinics and feeding programs, the ministry in the Dominican Republic, or the preparations for the mission house, He is at work. We are grateful for your partnership and your prayers. Together, let's make a lasting difference in the lives of those we serve.