Say Something Nice

"If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all." Growing up I thought that was my mother's idea. Google tells me, however, that it's an old English proverb. I think it's a spinoff from the Golden Rule, found in Matthew 7:12. In any case, it was a good word sown in my young life that God has reminded me of innumerable times since.

When in the midst of a storm, there are plenty of "not-so-nice" things that come to mind to spew out. Thankfully, Christ's love compels us and His Spirit encourages us to let that Love lead us. These are the lessons that we want children to learn. "Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it." (Prov. 22:6)

It's easy to smile as we walk into church on Sunday morning. It's easy to quote scriptures at people. It's quite another thing to live out those words. And yet, isn't that truly the point of the scriptures? Aren't they designed to train us how to live? Isn't that how Jesus lived? "...for whatever the Father does, the Son does likewise." (John 5:19b) Lord, help us to be doers of the Word and not only hearers!

I have some "Nice Things" to say today: nice things about our friends in Haiti and about how God is present and active in their lives. And nice things about you and ways in which your prayers and financial support are impacting lives today...

God is drawing more and more people to Himself. The church at our Thozin campus is beginning to overflow as new people are pouring in. Praise the Lord!

16-year-old Netchina is in the 9th grade at the Thozin campus. She lives with her aunt, who took her in after her parents died. She told us, "Jesus is all I own."

I think of a phrase I've heard so many times: Jesus plus nothing equals everything!

Netchina is an active part of Eglise Evangélique Mission of Hope in Thozin. She will be going to national exams soon. She is working hard to prepare. She would love to know that you are praying for her success along with us.

25-year-old Kenya is the mother of a boy and a girl. She's from the city of Grand-Goave. She regularly visits the medical clinic in Thozin for primary healthcare for her family.

Kenya tells us, "I am a follower of Christ. I am praying that God would give my husband and me the strength and health to work hard and care for our two children.

"We have decided not to have any more children. Life is too hard here in Haiti."

Marie Yolène lives in the village of Ikondo. She graduated from Mission of Hope International's high school. She went to university to study teaching and has now been teaching at MOHI for two years. Her 2nd-grade class absolutely loves her. Marie Yolène especially enjoys teaching science and social studies. Her dream? To one day have a school of her own. Hats off to you, Marie Yolène! The sky's the limit!

There are currently 12 MOHI graduates working as teachers at the Thozin campus. Some of them are pictured below with Pastor Lex. Each one is a testimony to a life changed and the wonderful goodness of God!

The medical professionals at the medical clinic in Thozin get the patients ready for the doctor and run the tests the doctor prescribes.

Dental care is not easy to come by. The dentists at MOHI are always busy.

Good nutrition is vital for a growing baby. The baby feeding programs provide vitamins for the babies to supplement what they are getting from mom. When they are old enough to begin solid foods we add a variety of foods to provide adequate vitamins and protein to their diets.

Gemimar enjoys cooking for the babies. Pastor Lex is always ready to join in feeding children!

The little ones enjoy their meals, too!

Once the babies turn three they are registered for school, where daily meals will be a part of their school day.

Daily meals provide energy for learning and playing.

Daily meals energize this soccer team at our St. Etienne campus. We're super proud of the effort they've put forth, enabling them to advance into the scholastic championship this week!

The school is fired up and supportive of its team.

Many students eat only one meal a day. They and their families are grateful that they can find that one meal at school. Many of you have been actively participating in our "Fill the Container" food drive. Whether you live nearby the warehouse (central Massachusetts) or you order food online to be shipped to us, your food donations are filling that container! A 40' container will hold about 40 pallets of food. We still have a long way to go, but we are confident that together the container will be filled and arrive in Haiti this summer. Please reach out for information or to get involved at support@mohintl.org. Thank you!

14 barrels from our friends at World Wide Lighthouse Missions arrived this week. We are so grateful for the food, school supplies, tools, and other helpful items we received to share. WWLM will also be joining you to help fill the container. Thank you, friends!!!

The goats need to eat, too. We're grateful to Jean Francois for bringing them some nice, fresh greens to enjoy!

I want to thank each of you who pray for Pastor Lex and me, and our friends in Haiti. Sometimes things are hard. Sometimes things are very hard. Nevertheless, in Christ, it is well with my soul - truly!!! Thank you.