Go Together

May 28, 2023

We all know that Haïti needs help. The people of Haïti know it all too well. The national police have made some progress in finding and eliminating leaders among the many gangs. The general population is restless. They want their lives and humble means back. This has spawned vigilante groups who "help" the police. In some ways, this seems to help to curb the kidnappings and violence. But in a country with no functioning justice system, it opens the door to more darkness. People can literally get away with murder. Call your enemy a gangster, kill him, and you've gotten away with murder.

Sometimes we find solutions to problems that really aren't even there. Other times, we can't seem to find a solution to the problem that is there. We want solutions. The quick fixes are temporary. 23+ years after beginning Mission of Hope International, we continue to Listen, pray, and listen some more. We take little steps, praying that people will see Jesus in all that we do. We care, and we hurt, and we turn to Jesus for answers that are beyond our own understanding.

In such frightening times, it is significant to see a sense of normalcy being maintained at MOHI campuses. Churches continue to meet for prayer and times of worship (and to celebrate moms today!). Today really is Mother's Day in Haïti and the Dominican Republic. I wish all these moms a happy and blessed day!

Classrooms are full of children.

The clinics continue to serve our students and the community's healthcare needs.

A population already victim to malnourishment and hunger continues to find nutritional support for the most vulnerable among them.

I thank the LORD for providing quality, caring, and resilient staff like Evancia at MOHI. Evancia shared some thoughts with us that I'd like to share with you: "When I was little, I told my parents that I would like to be a teacher one day. I didn't have many children to play with at the time, so I made classes with the trees. I would pretend to be the teacher and I would ask the trees questions, 'What is that?' I love my students, and they are very warm and compassionate. They are so kind. My love for them is strong. I take good care of them like my own children. I put them to sleep, feed them, bathe them, and even comb their hair. They are my kids. I love them, and I really love working for MOHI, and I love the way they collaborate in the community."

Carole-Ann, Lisa, and Kristine came alongside us this past week in the Dominican Republic.

Their own life experiences, combined with a willingness to listen and be creative, were integral in the launch of the Community Healthcare Promoter program.

I'd like to share some of their thoughts about their time here with you...

Lisa: "What is so special about serving in a foreign country, you may say…..

It is a beautiful mix of people from all walks of life serving one God and Creator. This week Kristine and I joined our

partners at Mission of Hope International (Lex and Renée), Caroleann (firefighter and EMT), Jean (Haitian police educator), and Jose (Dominican tour guide/real estate agent) to serve in the Luperón, DR area."

Carole-Ann shares...

"... as my 21-day stay comes to an end, I lay in my room overcome with a roller coaster of emotions! I am humbled by all I have experienced this month: beautiful sunrises, growing in my faith, serving with old friends, and making some new! I have found a growing love for the Dominican people. To be able to be a part of Mission of Hope from the beginning, the fact-finding trip as they spread to the Dominican, is indescribable as God has opened doors only He can! I am thankful to my husband (who I miss beyond belief) that he supported me as I stepped out in faith, following where God led me. In 24 hours ... Thank you, pastor Lex and Renee, for all you do and for allowing me to be a part of it."

Kristine: "I traveled to the Dominican Republic to serve with MOHI. The purpose of the trip was to begin the process of establishing a Community Health Promotion program to serve the health needs of those with severely limited access to health care. The theme of community began to expand beyond this program upon my arrival.

My week in the Dominican Republic started off with a flood. A flooded bridge, to be exact. Our drive to the mission house from the Airport was delayed due to a morning of heavy rainfall resulting in the river flowing over the bridge. As we waited with many others in our same situation, I noticed that people were starting to leave their cars and nearby houses to gather and investigate what was happening. The group began making way for the emergency crews and necessary equipment. The local people would walk by our car with the “gringos” in it and offer an “hola,” a “hello,” or just a smile. It felt good. It felt safe. It felt like community.

This feeling of community continued throughout my week. From the church overflowing with the praises of Haitian refugees to the village where the Dominican residents welcome and protect these same Haitian refugees, the sense of community abounded.

I witnessed men and women caring for the children of their neighbors as their own, young people helping the elderly in their village, and many people watching over and caring for our team all week.

The people of these villages welcomed our health promoter, Marlouse, with open arms, and she reciprocated by genuinely caring about and helping to meet their healthcare needs. I am excited to see the people of these villages grow and thrive through their relationship with MOHI, Marlouse, and one another as a community.

I was excited to welcome my friend, Brittany Haley, to the Dominican Republic yesterday. She has MANY talents, and I intend to pick her brain all week long!