Overcoming Challenges, Building Hope

Sunday, September 15, 2024 - click here to support the continuing work at MOHI.

In Haiti, we’re facing a new hurdle as the government has mandated the closure of all schools until October, including ours at MOHI. When we first opened our school, we enjoyed flexibility with our calendar, but the regulations have since changed. While pausing our educational efforts (even for just a few weeks) is disappointing, we know the LORD was not caught unawares. He still has good things in store for the students. Please continue to pray for the students and staff as we prepare for a hopeful restart next month.

Despite school closures, the START NOW program continues feeding babies daily in Thozin and St. Etienne. This vital work ensures that our community's youngest and most vulnerable members receive nourishment during these challenging times. Your support is making a life-changing impact.

Another positive development is the completion of the fence around our Thozin campus. With the new enclosure in place, a major cleanup effort is underway on the grounds and along the road. These improvements are not just cosmetic but reflect our commitment to a brighter, safer future for the entire community.

Our medical and dental clinics, in partnership with Bless Back Worldwide, remain open despite the school closures. These clinics provide critical care to those who might otherwise not have access.

Dr. Mabou, our lead dentist, continues to offer compassionate care to her patients, improving their dental health and quality of life. We are so grateful for the ways she goes above and beyond in her service.

Shifting our focus to the Dominican Republic, we see incredible progress in the Bless Back Business Academy. Aquilina, our dedicated coach, visits her students at their businesses, building relationships far beyond the classroom. The friendships forming here are beautiful to witness, as you can see from the smiles and laughter shared.

Gratitude is a key lesson in her classes, and it is both taught and practiced regularly.

Nurse Marlouse continues to bring much-needed care to communities like La Grúa, Baraguana, Cambiaso, and Playa Cambiaso. She is truly a beacon of hope, not just to her patients but to everyone she encounters.

It’s especially heartwarming to see the children of La Grúa eagerly running to greet her when she arrives in the van. These moments remind us of the deep bonds being built and the trust that is growing within these communities.

When we first launched the START NOW program in the Dominican Republic, many of the children we encountered were listless, with red-tinged hair—a clear sign of malnutrition—and small for their age. It was heartbreaking to see them so weak and struggling. Today, thanks to the faithfulness of our baby sponsors, these same children are full of energy, alert, and bubbling with excitement when the food arrives. It’s incredible to witness their transformation and growth, a testament to the power of consistent nourishment and care. We are so deeply grateful to our sponsors, whose sacrifices are bearing such beautiful fruit in the lives of these little ones. If you feel led to join us in making a lasting impact on a child's life, we invite you to sponsor a baby. Your support is truly life-changing!

In the fields of Luperón, the soil is being tilled in anticipation of the planting season. It’s a hopeful and exciting time as we prepare for the harvests that will nourish families in the coming months.

Finally, Lex had a fantastic meeting this week with the pastors of the churches we are partnering with for the citywide crusade in downtown Luperón. The excitement is building as we come together to pray and plan for this powerful event next month. We believe that the message of hope we are bringing will touch and transform many lives.

In a world increasingly filled with division, rage, and hatred, we are reminded of the "great dragon" in Revelation 12, a symbol of the devil, who is filled with fury because he knows his time is short (Revelation 12:12). We see the evidence of this rage in every corner of the globe—in Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and the United States alike. It’s all too easy for us to become consumed by our differences—whether it’s gender, race, nationality, economic status, or political views. These things can subtly take precedence over our calling as followers of Christ.

Yet, Jesus calls us to a higher focus: He must be the center of our hearts and lives. If we are to build our lives on a solid foundation, a house that will stand through the storms, we must not only hear His words but also live them out (Matthew 7:24-25). This means loving others as He loved us, serving those around us with generosity and compassion, and laying down our lives rather than clinging to them (John 15:12-13). As followers of Jesus, we are called to reflect His character, not be swayed by the chaos around us. May we be wise and faithful doers of His Word, always focused on His example of sacrificial love. Lord, help us keep our eyes fixed on You and live in a way that honors Your name!

Through every challenge, there is progress, and through every difficulty, there is hope. Thank you for standing with us. Together, we are making a difference!