Faithfully Forward
- Renée Edmé
- 20 hours ago
- 4 min read
Sunday, April 6, 2025 - [click here to support the continuing work at MOHI] ← Back to Blog Archive
Today's update is from Renée
This week, I’ve found myself both reminiscing and rejoicing. Twenty-five years ago, God planted a vision for Mission of Hope International in our hearts. What an incredible journey it’s been! And yet, here we are—still moving faithfully forward, trusting God daily to lead the way.
In the U.S. – Remembering & Celebrating
Here in the States, it's been such a fun and emotional week of looking back on the past 25 years of ministry in Haiti. We’ve been combing through old photos and sharing stories with one another. What a treasure trove of memories!
A huge shoutout to our amazing team of volunteers—Brittany, Adam, Ben, Jake, Jess, Mackenzie, and Prince—who have been pouring creativity and heart into making these memories come alive! Be sure to check out our Instagram stories and follow us on Facebook for snapshots throughout the week. 📸
And if you haven’t already, please mark your calendar for April 26th! We’ll be gathering for a special evening to celebrate what God has done and look ahead together. Kindly RSVP by April 16th at this link. We would be so honored to have you join us.
In Haiti – Steady Hands & Dedicated Hearts
The end of the grading period is here, and the students at our MOHI schools in Grand-Goâve and St. Etienne have been giving it their all! I’m always so proud of how our teachers and administrative staff work together to ensure the exams are supervised with care. The students are spaced out across the campus, encouraging integrity and focus. 📚✏️
In a fifth-world country like Haiti, something as simple as a well-treated wound can be the difference between healing and life-threatening infection. That’s why our wound care services at the clinic are such a vital part of our ministry. We’re also incredibly thankful for our medical lab, which helps doctors diagnose more accurately and provide targeted treatments. We’re so grateful for our ongoing partnership with Bless Back Worldwide, who walk alongside us in bringing healing and wellness to this community. 🩺💕
And while we often highlight the work of teachers and doctors, I want to take a moment to appreciate the quiet strength of those who clean and care for our spaces. The library and computer lab are fully carpeted and still look brand new thanks to their diligence. Their pride in their work makes a difference every single day. 🙌
🍽️ The Gift of a Meal
From hot lunches for hundreds of students in Haiti, to nourishing babies in our START NOW Early Childhood Intervention programs, to energizing school-aged children in our Hope Squad in the Dominican Republic—feeding programs are one of the most powerful ways we can express love. ❤️🍲
These meals don’t just fill bellies—they nourish brains, create trust, open doors for learning, and affirm dignity.
“And if you give even a cup of cold water to one of the least of my followers, you will surely be rewarded.”
In the Dominican Republic – Growth & Gratitude
After two and a half months in the DR hosting back-to-back mission teams, Lex and I returned home overflowing with gratitude. What a privilege it is to walk with such loving, compassionate, and joy-filled people! 💛
One ongoing challenge we’ve had is getting everyone showered and out the door in time each morning. So, we’ve begun building a new outdoor bathhouse with two additional showers and a toilet for outdoor guests and workers. A small addition—but one that will make a big difference!
We’ve also been deeply moved by the work of Marlouse, our Community Healthcare Promoter. She visits several villages each week, gently teaching patients with chronic illnesses how to care for themselves. She listens, encourages, and explains (always more than once!) why their medication, movement, and meals matter. Her persistence is a quiet ministry of compassion.
And what a joy it’s been to watch the Bless Back Business Academy flourish here in Luperón! The transformation happening in these local business owners is truly inspiring:
🔹 "When I started, I sold what I thought I liked. But when I analyzed my sales data and customer surveys, I discovered that my best-selling product was lavender essential oil. With that information, I improved my presentation and promoted it more, and my income increased by 40%. Today, I don't make decisions without reviewing my numbers."
🔹 "I started using an Excel spreadsheet to keep a daily record of sales and peak hours. I realized I sold more between 7 and 9 a.m., so I adjusted my staff schedule and launched a breakfast promotion during those hours. Thanks to that data, costs went down and my sales grew. The numbers speak for themselves!"
“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” – Proverbs 16:3
Almost There! Help Us Cross the Finish Line 🏁
We’re so close! We have only $21,150 left to raise to meet our goal of $80,000. Will you help us finish strong? Every gift, no matter the size, brings us one step closer to securing the mission house—a place that will continue to serve generations of missionaries and visiting teams. Can you stretch just a little more to help make it happen? Make a one-time special donation today, right here. Thank you!
Looking Ahead with Grateful Hearts
It seems 2025 is shaping up to be a year of deep gratitude for us. Celebrating 25 years of ministry in Haiti is humbling, joyful, and energizing. God has been so faithful, and we know He is not finished yet. 💕💕
To all of you who have prayed, given, visited, served, and cheered us on—thank you. You are part of every child fed, every wound cleaned, every class taught, every hope renewed.
Let’s keep walking faithfully forward together.
