LSM’s Haitian Home of Hope children are at the center of all our efforts there. Our Trauma Program helps them recover from the deep debilitating mental injuries of the past that many of them suffer. Ourย Child Development and Education programs help them become mentally strong problem solvers. Our discipleship and mentorship programs accelerate spiritual growth. Our Gospel Project provides formative opportunities for our children to serve those around them. And our businesses provide internship and hands-on teaching opportunities for our kids, as well as income that we use to help us reach even more vulnerable children. Here are some exciting updates on the young people we serve in Haiti.
Three boys and two girls from our Welsh 1 and Welsh 2 Homes of Hope all recently made the decision to get baptized! Luke 5 tells us the angels rejoice over just one sinner who repents. Here we have not one, but five young souls overcoming traumatic baggage and claiming victory in Jesus. Perhaps news like this will cause an angelic celebration that lasts this entire week? We can all certainly celebrate their decision here on earth. As a Kingdom-centered ministry, this is the best kind of news we can ever receive. The most sustainable change of all is the eternal kind!
A voice is a voice, no matter the hardships you’ve faced or how much money you have. Many of the children you see below are former slaves and orphans who narrowly escaped poverty and death. Today, thanks to your generosity, they’re cared for in our Homes of Hope. Representing LSM in their communities, churches, and at ministry conferences, our kids are using music to testify throughout Haiti to the transformative love of God.
LSM’s Gospel Kits, which all contain humanitarian supplies and evangelistic materials, are packed by volunteers here at our U.S. office. When the kits arrive in Haiti, they’re distributed to those in need โ not by adult staff, but by Home of Hope children โ some as young as four or five years old. The young man in a white shirt below is now a college student living at LSM Tech, but it is still crucial that we continue giving young adults like him opportunities to serve. Soon, they will earn degrees, and we want them to use the skills they’ve learned to build a brighter future for Haiti. At the heart of the LSM Gospel Project is the idea that when God blesses us, He asks us to bless others. Email Rick for more information.
Classes are in session! Early in 2020, LSM Tech, a project years in the making, finally came to fruition. Below are photos from our opening ceremony, where LSM staff met with neighbors from the local area and with key representatives from the faith community in Haiti. An inaugural class of six young people from LSM’s Homes of Hope moved into their new residential dorms, where they live and work while attending college classes. In addition, students receive technical training and learn practical hands-on skills that will serve them well throughout life. The students’ technical work also brings in a source of revenue, providing sustainable funding to help support their ongoing education and technical training.
Update: We now have 16 of our Home of Hope students living at LSM Tech, as well as more than 30 young people from the community.
In 2019, protests and political unrest kept our kids from attending school. To catch up, many grade schools chose to resume with extended sessions and even some Saturday classes. Our kids, who have seen dark days in Haiti, are leaning into their studies as way to help ensure a brighter future by cultivating healthy hearts and minds. We’re seeing incredible dedication from LSM Tech students as well. Jean Wesly, LSM’s Dean of Students, walked through the campus and was delighted to see the students taking the initiative to gather for additional studying.
Update: COVID presents unique challenges to education as well. Let’s remember to keep the students and educators in prayer!
