Hope in Action, 25 Years

Sunday, March 9, 2025 - [click here to support the continuing work at MOHI]

Today's update is from Renée

What an amazing time we’ve just had here in the Dominican Republic during the final days of the Sun Sea & Sisterhood women’s retreat! As we gathered together, we felt an overwhelming sense of belonging—an undeniable connection to a sisterhood of women who follow Christ. Longstanding friendships were deepened, new ones were formed, and the love of Christ was visible in every moment we spent together. And it was so much FUN! 😄

Looking back, one of the key lessons that stood out to me, personally, was the deep connection between our thoughts, bodies, and spirits. I always thought of each of them as separate parts of me, functioning independently. However, the speakers at the retreat challenged me to rethink that perspective. Our body, soul, and spirit are not isolated entities; they are meant to work together in harmony. In 1 Thessalonians 5:23, Paul speaks to this interconnectedness, praying that we would be “sanctified through and through” — spirit, soul, and body. And this is exactly how God designed us!

God doesn’t just understand the spiritual aspects of life; He understands the physical and emotional ones, as well. He knows how we are wired and how deeply our thoughts influence every part of us. I’ve come to understand that when God tells us to focus on what is pure and lovely (Philippians 4:8), it’s not just a spiritual practice—it’s a holistic one that impacts our health, our thoughts, and our entire being. It’s amazing to think that research is now backing up what God has been saying all along—gratitude, focusing on what is good, can physically alter our brains and help us heal. I’m so grateful for that reminder! 🙏

As I reflect on a recent conversation with a friend, I realize how much the teachings from the retreat have already begun to shape my thinking. We were discussing concerns for some mutual friends, and I found myself recognizing that worrying—while natural—is ultimately futile. Worrying doesn’t change the outcome of a situation, and it certainly doesn’t do anything to help the people we care about. In fact, as Jesus reminds us in Matthew 6:27, “Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?” Our worrying does nothing but harm us. Instead of worrying, I’m learning to take my concerns to God, to trust in His goodness and intervention, and to focus on gratitude for all He has done and will continue to do.

In the spirit of gratitude, I want to share that we welcomed a team from Fellowship West (Knoxville, TN) to Luperón yesterday. This congregation has truly become a partner in our mission here. Their hearts of service so bless us. Angie McCoy, who spent 14 months with us in Haiti managing the medical clinic (she’s a PA by profession), is leading the team, and her leadership and heart for the ministry are unmatched. Just last month, Brad and Julie, the church’s pastor and his wife, joined us for the Leadership Seminar. We’re so thankful for their partnership! 🙌

We've made some exciting organizational adjustments in the Bless Back Business Academy here in Luperón. With Mèt Ben now directly overseeing the academy and the addition of Bruno as a second teacher/coach, we’re thrilled with the results. Bruno is teaching English and Computer classes, both of which are filled to capacity with eager students. Seeing the students practice their new English words with such boldness is so encouraging! They’re learning, growing, and dreaming big for the future. 🌟

We’re also making progress on a substantial project. The Mission House in Luperón is a key part of our future here in the Dominican Republic, and we need your help to make it a reality. If you’d like to partner with us in raising funds to purchase this property, please click on the picture below. Your support will help us continue to grow and expand the positive impact on families in Luperón and beyond.

This weekend, Mèt Ben led the Hope Squad in some much-needed cleaning in preparation for some soccer games next week. While the children in the Hope Squad do need nutritional support, there is so much more we can offer them. Mentorship and discipleship through fun activities like sports, games, storytelling, and tutoring are key components of our long-term vision. However, hiring staff to make it all happen requires more sponsors for these children.

If you’re not yet sponsoring a child through MOHI, I invite you to visit our child sponsorship page at hopesquaddr.org to learn how you can help make a lasting difference in the lives of these young people.

In Haiti, the START NOW program continues to support local families as well as refugees who have fled violence from the gangs in Port-au-Prince. Our hearts are full of gratitude for the faithful partners who give and pray regularly for these precious babies and their families. Your generosity and prayers are making a world of difference. 🙏

In Haïti this week, we are celebrating 25 years of ministry in Haiti! The excitement is palpable as the churches, staff, students, patients, community, and everyone involved with Mission of Hope gather to praise God for all He has done. The testimonies, the fellowship, the shared joy—these are moments we will treasure. We are so grateful for every person who has walked this journey with us.

At MOHI schools in Haiti, nearly 900 students are receiving a quality education. This is a powerful investment in the future of Haiti. As I look back on the early vision Lex and I shared for MOHI, I am reminded of how important it was for us to offer even the poorest children the chance for a strong education. This dream has been and continues to be realized, and today, MOHI graduates are standing tall among their peers in Haiti and beyond. With man, this is impossible, but with God, all things are possible (Matthew 19:26).

The medical and dental clinics at MOHI in Grand-Goâve are places of hope and healing. With so much stress on a daily basis—"How can I feed my family today?" "Will the gangs continue moving toward our community? Where can I go to protect my family?"—knowing there is a place to go for help when you or your child are not feeling well is a relief. We are so grateful for our partnership in everything medical with Bless Back Worldwide. Combined with all of our other partners, we are impacting lives today and helping to improve future generations.

Finally, I want to express my deep gratitude to all of our partners—those who pray, give, and support us in every way. You are the motor for this ministry; together, we are impacting the lives of children, families, and entire communities. We are so much better together, and we are so grateful for each one of you.