Filling Plates, Building Dreams

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

Today's update is from Renée

This past week has been a full one at Mission of Hope International (MOHI). In both Haiti and the Dominican Republic, we continue to witness God’s faithfulness as we serve and support our communities. Thank you for your prayers and support—your partnership allows us to be the hands and feet of Jesus to so many in need. Here’s what has been happening:

HAITI

Navigating Fear and Preparedness at School

Mid-week, a minor tremor shook the region, causing fear among our students. Our school director used the opportunity to hold a special assembly, teaching students how to respond in the event of a larger earthquake. It was a powerful time to encourage them with the truth that God is our refuge and strength (Psalm 46:1), even in uncertain times. 🙏

Pastor Lex's Week in Haiti

Pastor Lex spent the entire week in Haiti, pouring into staff, students, parents, and clinic patients through numerous meetings. But no matter how packed his schedule was, he always made time to do one of his favorite things—feeding the children! 🍽️ There is something so special about being with them, hearing their stories, and making sure they have the nourishment they need to grow strong.

Additionally, Pastor Lex met with teachers and school administrators to ensure our students receive a quality education. Hosea 4:6 reminds us, "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge." In a time of great hardship, education provides a pathway to a stronger, more hopeful future. With God’s help, we believe that through learning and wisdom, our communities can overcome challenges and grow in strength.

Growing Instability—Pray for Haiti

Haiti continues to face severe challenges as gangs have expanded into Gressier, only about 7.5 miles from Léogâne, where our St. Etienne campus is located. More and more families are fleeing the capital and surrounding areas in search of safety. And many are seeking help and refuge at MOHI.

In this video, a 29-year-old mother of five recently arrived in Grand-Goâve along with her own mother. They visited the clinic with the three youngest children. None of them had eaten anything that morning. They left with medicine and food. This is just one example of the many families who are struggling as they flee the violence in their home communities.

Please continue to pray for peace and protection for the people of Haiti and for the LORD to continue to use all of us at MOHI as HIS hands and feet. 🤲

📻 Radio Station Back on Air!

An electrical short in our radio antenna had been preventing us from broadcasting, but thankfully, we resolved the issue! MOHI’s radio station is a crucial part of our ministry. It allows us to share Christ-centered messages, uplifting music, and vital community information. In times of crisis, this platform becomes even more essential in spreading encouragement and hope. MOHI’s radio station is a light in the community, spreading hope, encouragement, and truth.

Compassionate Medical and Dental Care

We are blessed to provide accessible medical and dental care to our students, staff, and community members. With the influx of people fleeing Port-au-Prince, our clinic has seen many newcomers. Our staff treats each patient with dignity and respect, which encourages them to continue using our clinic for primary care rather than hopping from place to place. This consistency leads to better long-term health outcomes—a true gift in these challenging times. 🏥

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

START NOW - A More Orderly Process

In La Grúa, the START NOW program continues to bring contentment to the little ones and guidance to young mothers. This week, we saw how much of a difference simple tarps have made in organizing our feeding efforts. By creating a structured space, the children can eat in a calmer environment. 🍽️

Hope Squad - Nourishment for Body and Mind

One of the greatest joys of the Hope Squad is knowing that children are going to bed with full tummies each night. Proper nutrition is key to their ability to focus and succeed in school. When children are well-fed, they have better concentration, energy levels, and overall health—helping them build a brighter future. 🌟

📚 Bless Back Business Academy - New Classes Begin!

This week, we launched the second round of foundational business classes. In addition, we started computer and English classes! 🖥️ The enthusiasm among the students is contagious. The business classes are equipping local business owners with essential skills to grow their businesses, which in turn strengthens the entire community. Meanwhile, computer and English classes are open to anyone eager to learn, and they offer significant benefits to business owners as well. Learning English enhances communication with a broader customer base and opens doors for expansion, while computer skills streamline operations, improve financial tracking, and enhance marketing efforts. We are excited to see the long-term impact of this training!

🏥 Community Health Promotion with Marlouse

Marlouse, our dedicated Community Health Promoter, continues to be a beacon of hope for families in the Dominican Republic. She works tirelessly to educate individuals about preventative health care, ensuring they have the knowledge and resources to make informed decisions about their well-being. From nutrition education to basic hygiene and disease prevention, her outreach is making a significant impact on the community. Her compassionate approach helps build trust, empowering people to take proactive steps toward healthier lives. We are grateful for her dedication and the difference she is making! ❤️

🏡 Mission House Fundraiser: Securing a Permanent Home for MOHI

MOHI continues to grow in the Dominican Republic, and we are working toward purchasing the Mission House in Luperón to establish a permanent base for teams and ministry operations.

Immediate Need: $80,000 by April 1st for the down payment.Total Goal: $650,000 for the purchase and necessary renovations, including plumbing updates. Skilled teams are needed for maintenance and improvements.

Please pray for provision and consider supporting this important initiative to give MOHI a strong foundation for future ministry in the Dominican Republic. ❤️

🥕 Agriculture Project - Our First Carrot Harvest!

We celebrated our first carrot harvest this week! These carrots are an essential ingredient in the nutritious meals we provide through the Hope Squad. We also incorporate Moringa, a highly nutritious superfood that grows wild in our area. If you’d like to learn more about Moringa and its health benefits, check out this link.

A local Haitian farmer generously brought us spinach plants, and our entire team is thrilled to begin growing and incorporating this nutrient-rich vegetable into our meals. 🥬

🙏 Thank You for Standing With Us!

Your prayers, partnership, and support make all of this possible. Whether in Haiti or the Dominican Republic, we continue to see lives changed through education, nourishment, medical care, and the love of Christ. Please keep the people we serve in your prayers, especially those displaced by the violence in Haiti.