Impact Lives this Winter
Sunday, November 17, 2024 - click here to support the continuing work at MOHI
Dominican Republic: Team G3’s First Steps in Luperón
This past week, we welcomed Team G3 to our Luperón, Dominican Republic mission base. G3 has been serving with MOHI for decades, but this was their first time serving together in the DR.
Composed mostly of medical professionals, Team G3 brought invaluable expertise to their work alongside Nurse Marlouse in local villages. Together, they visited chronically ill residents, providing education, compassion, and basic over-the-counter medications.
One moment that stood out to me was seeing Jess, who prepared for this trip by earning a wound care certification, put her training into practice. Two people wth foot wounds appeared in one of the villages—a perfect opportunity for her to step in with her new skills. Watching God align her preparation with real needs was nothing short of awe-inspiring.
The villagers have built a deep trust in Nurse Marlouse, and that trust naturally extends to the rest of the team. Children flocked to us with big smiles and endless curiosity, and of course, we showered them with attention and love!
Getting the team to help feed the babies didn't take much arm-twisting!
The week wasn’t without its challenges, particularly the weather. Persistent rain turned roads into muddy paths, testing the team’s resolve and balance—think walking through snow and ice! But their determination never wavered.
After long, sweaty days in the villages, Team G3 didn’t wait until nightfall to indulge in ice cream from downtown Luperón. They relished it on the way back to the mission house, a small but sweet reward for their hard work. (The picture is for all of you who have been with us in Luperón. Do you remember how good it felt to enjoy a cup of ice cream???)
Later in the week, we hosted a pastor’s appreciation dinner to honor those who collaborated with us during last week’s Crusade. For Lex and me, this was a particularly meaningful evening. While the pastors were grateful for the meal and the hard work our staff put into it, their true joy came from our conversations, which started by sharing testimonies about how the Crusade impacted their churches, communities, and personal lives.
Pastor Jonel’s wife moved us all with her heartfelt testimony of how God met her during the Crusade, ministering life and hope into her heart. One by one, the pastors shared their gratitude and their anticipation for an even greater event next year, with many already spreading the word among those who missed this year’s gathering.
We also spent time discussing how MOHI can support the churches—not just through events but by fostering lasting partnerships. We talked about the power of unity among church leaders. Jesus said the world would know we are His disciples by the love we have for one another. When pastors love and serve one another humbly, it speaks volumes to their congregations and communities. Together, we dream of a unified effort to bring the Gospel to every corner of Luperón.
I missed being here for the Crusade itself, but this evening of fellowship and vision-sharing left me deeply encouraged. God is knitting our hearts together in love, and I am eager to see where He leads us next.
Would you like to join us in this work? We have an exciting opportunity January 11-18, 2025, for individuals eager to serve in Luperón. Whether or not you have a team to travel with, you can still experience the joy of working alongside our Dominican brothers and sisters to bless these communities.
👉 Apply Here. Include the January 11-18, 2025 dates and list Taran as your Team Leader. Not sure if you’re ready? Email me at renee@mohintl.org or text (978) 410-9101. If you’d prefer to talk, send your number along with a time you're available to talk, and I’ll call you personally.
These are exciting times in Luperón. Come help to transform lives this Winter! (photo)
This week we made a major purchase – for significantly less money than what we’d expected. The mission now has a 2019 Ford Transit with only 34,500 miles on it. Thank you to José for finding this deal for us in Santiago and driving our team comfortably back to the airport yesterday. When he returned from the airport, he told me he felt like he floated the whole way there and back. We are so grateful to each of you who donated toward this purchase. Thank you!
Haiti: Caring for Body, Mind, and Spirit
Pastor Lex left Luperón at 4:05 Friday morning to make his way to Grand-Goâve, arriving there at 11pm. I think about how for many of us 30 minutes can seem too far to drive to attend a church service and yet he’ll drive 19 hours to get to Grand-Goâve in time to be there and ready for church Sunday morning. I love his priorities!
Our partners at Bless Back Worldwide continue to help us to help our friends in Haiti. Through their generosity and guidance, the medical and dental clinics significantly impact the quality of life for thousands of people, from our students and staff to our neighbors to those fleeing the capital. What a blessing to be there for everyone who comes!
This week, sweet little Shelwan visited the clinic. His mother, worried about his fever and cold symptoms, was relieved when our team provided a treatment plan and free medicine. She was so thankful that she asked us to pass her gratitude on to you—our supporters.
Tomorrow, November 18th, Haiti celebrates Battle of Vertières Day, the decisive battle that led to Haiti’s independence in 1804 – the first black-led republic and the first independent Caribbean state. This holiday is always a lively occasion for the preschoolers in the MOHI schools, filled with singing, dancing, and pride in their nation’s history.
Hungry children do not dance and play. They mostly cry and sleep. I remember watching this when we started MOHI over 24 years ago. What joy I feel to see vibrant and energetic children across our campuses!
Haiti has been in the US news again. Planes have stopped flying into the country once again. Please keep Lex and our American missionary friends, Andrew & Angie, along with their four daughters, in prayer. Please pray for their continued safety, guidance from God’s Spirit to go and do the things HE has intended.
Whether through prayer, giving, or going, you are an essential part of this mission. Thank you for standing with us as we serve together in Haiti and the Dominican Republic.
