23Mar2025

His Eye is on the Sparrow

March 23, 2025

𝗛𝗮𝗶𝘁𝗶 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝗦𝗻𝗮𝗽𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘁𝘀 | Alphé’s father struggled with alcoholism, and his mother, who struggled with mental health, neglected and abused him as a little boy. Today, Alphé is a thriving member of his Home of Hope. He is at the top of his class, and he helps lead worship at his church!

𝗛𝗮𝗶𝘁𝗶 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝗦𝗻𝗮𝗽𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘁𝘀 | At a young age, Jean-Louis faced abuse and was eventually abandoned by his parents. Today however, as a member of one of LSM’s new Homes of Hope, Jean-Louis is discovering healing in Jesus, and his hope is to become an entrepreneur someday so he can help his community and pay the blessing of family forward to the last, least, lost and lonely!

𝗔𝗴𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘀𝘁 𝗔𝗹𝗹 𝗢𝗱𝗱𝘀: 𝗙𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗩𝘂𝗹𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗹 𝗕𝗹𝗮𝘇𝗲𝗿 𝗶𝗻 𝗠𝗮𝗹𝗲-𝗗𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝘂𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗦𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗔𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗮

Did you know LSM Tech in Haiti is setting up young women for success in computer science.. which is often a male-dominated field? We recently heard an exciting story about an LSM Tech resident, Rebecca Moise, who is studying computer science at the University of Les Cayes. She is the only female student in her entire major. It’s a very difficult major for women due to cultural factors and the competitive nature of the program. Despite this, Rebecca earned an extremely high grade point average last semester. Not only was it the highest in her major, it was actually the highest GPA earned by anyone in the entire school! Please join us in celebrating Rebecca’s accomplishment! We hope Rebecca is the first of many young women from LSM Tech who will make their mark on computer science and help write the code for a brighter tomorrow in Haiti!

𝗙𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗗𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗵 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗲, 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗠𝗼𝗺’𝘀 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗧𝗲𝗻𝗮𝗰𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗕𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗛𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗢𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗖𝗵𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘁

Our Seeds of Hope Director, Hilina Wondwossen, tells us the story of Nyala, one of our mothers in Ethiopia: Tragedy first struck Nyala as a young mother, and her husband died shortly after the birth of her first child, a boy. She remarried, though, and had two daughters. Because money is difficult to come by in Ethiopia, Nyala decided to become a housekeeper in an Arab city to help provide for the family. She sent checks back home to her husband – who assured her that he was caring for the kids and building them a home. However, when Nyala came back to surprise them, she found that her husband had married another woman, had sent her daughters away, and had left her son to fend for himself on the streets. Determined to pick up the pieces, Nyala searched for and found her children again – but unfortunately, she struggled with health issues, and the family quickly fell into financial ruin. Determined that her children would have a bright future, Nyala ensured that her children never missed a day of school. Even though the family was homeless, she would wash her children’s dirty faces in the morning and send them off to class, knowing at least that way they would receive one good meal – even though she, herself, was starving. Our program director, Hilina (below, at right), tells us the Ethiopian government gives her a list of struggling mothers that we often use to identify families who are in need. Because Nyala was homeless, she was not in any of those lists. But by the provision of God, Hilina and other local leaders noticed her anyway. LSM provided Nyala’s family with essential necessities and a place to stay. We also helped her start a business selling clothes and shoes. She started volunteering at her kids’ school and was soon brought on as staff there as well. More recently, she and her family converted from Islam to Christianity. Since then, they have received many questions from their family and community. As a result, they’ve had amazing opportunities to share the love of Jesus. We at LSM are glad to have played a part in Nyala’s testimony! Follow LSM’s newsletter to read more stories of our work: bit.ly/lsm_newsletters

𝗟𝗼𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗮: 𝗢𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗮 𝗩𝘂𝗹𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱, 𝗡𝗼𝘄 𝗮 𝗠𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗼 𝗢𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘀!

Supporting our Bluffton auction helps support stories of transformation in Haiti! Shown below is Loudia, one of the first young ladies we were able to help. When she first came into our care in 2008, Loudia had one of the most troubled backgrounds we had ever seen: a voodoo priestess had mistreated her, forcing her to do manual work and dance at ceremonies. Despite all of this, Loudia quickly showed signs of leadership and strong character. In more recent years, God has refined Loudia’s heart as she’s spent time at our LSM Tech campus, studying the Word of God and developing a habit of regular prayer. With our assistance, she launched a grocery business, and she is now stepping into new responsibilities at LSM Tech, empathetically coming alongside and mentoring vulnerable children in Haiti-just as she was once helped!

𝗕𝗲𝘆𝗼𝗻𝗱 𝗛𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗛𝗼𝗽𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗛𝗮𝗶𝘁𝗶: 𝗛𝗲𝗹𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗙𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗲𝘀, 𝗟𝗶𝗳𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀, 𝗣𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗟𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗝𝗲𝘀𝘂𝘀!

LSM has always reached far beyond the walls of our Homes of Hope in Haiti and readily come alongside those in need in the communities we serve. We operate schools and churches at our Welsh, Redemption and LSM Tech locations that are all open to community participation. Our La Source church is likewise open to the community. We also reach out to our neighbors through evangelism and aid efforts like our Gospel Project, as well as responses to specific disasters. Additionally, in recent years, LSM has launched a comprehensive program to provide for at-risk families in southern Haiti. While Homes of Hope aim to take children out of harmful and abusive situations, there are also vulnerable children in Haiti who are in salvageable situations. Perhaps their family has the potential to be viable and healthy but just needs a little help. For these, we offer food distribution, start-up capital and training to help parents start businesses, spiritual training for parents and children, academic tutoring, and more. We’ll have more to share about this program soon as we extend our reach and continue coming alongside vulnerable families!

𝗛𝗮𝗶𝘁𝗶 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝗦𝗻𝗮𝗽𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘁𝘀 | 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸, 𝗟𝗲𝘁’𝘀 𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗮 𝗠𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗣𝗿𝗮𝘆 “𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗮𝘆𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝗝𝗮𝗯𝗲𝘇” 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗮

Marcela was very young when her father left. In fact, she doesn’t even have a memory of him. Marcela’s mom died shortly before her fifth birthday. Little Marcela was passed around by her family members, but she was in danger of becoming homeless or a child slave when we found her. Today, Marcela says she has dreams to become a doctor and to raise money to build a new hospital in her community. A pledge commonly associated with doctors is “first, do no harm.” A similar idea is found at the conclusion of the prayer of Jabez, where he asks God to help ensure that he does not cause pain. As some may know, the name “Jabez” loosely translates to “borne in pain.” Marcela, likewise, was born into a painful situation, but her desire, by the grace of God, is to bring healing to those around her. With an eye to 1 Chron. 4:10, let’s pray for God to bless Marcela, indeed, expanding her territory. Let’s pray that God’s hand would accompany her and keep her from evil, that she may not cause pain. In fact, may He use her hands to bless others!

𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗲’𝘀 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗖𝗮𝗻 𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝗜𝗻𝘃𝗼𝗹𝘃𝗲𝗱:

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
Sign up for our enewsletter by clicking here.
Learn more about LSM Family Sponsorship.
Give directly to support our work.

18Feb2025

Year in Review

February 18, 2025

Drew Neuenschwander

Blog, Caring for Orphans, Children

8Jul2024

HE CALLS US BY NAME

July 8, 2024

Drew Neuenschwander

Caring for Orphans, Devotions

Here is a series of acrostic poems that we hope will stimulate your mind, encourage your heart, and bless your journey with the Lord!

𝗚 ood news! our

𝗢 pposition has fallen, the

𝗦 ickness of our hearts is dead, the

𝗣 unishment of evil is complete, and

𝗘 veryone is offered

𝗟 ife everlasting!

𝗛 ome is the place with

𝗢 pen doors, which are

𝗠 arked with the words

𝗘 nter here.

𝗥 ainclouds are lifting

𝗔 nd the clear skies we

𝗜 magined until now can

𝗡 ot compare to this true

𝗕 eauty – stretching out

𝗢 verhead, hugging the

𝗪 orld like a headband.

𝗦 ee what I see?

𝗘 ight little pods,

𝗘 mbedded in the

𝗗 irt so now we just

𝗦 tand here and wait.

𝗝 ewels could not compare to

𝗢 ne precious smile on

𝗬 our face!

𝗙 ig trees will wither when

𝗥 ebuked; they won’t grow

𝗨 nless they are watered

𝗜 n truth and love under

𝗧 he Gardener’s care.

𝗛 omes of Hope in Haiti allow LSM to

𝗔 id once vulnerable children in finding

𝗜 dentity and redemption, helping them to

𝗧 ransform their stories and leave behind an

𝗜 mpact that will resonate in Haiti and beyond!

𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗲’𝘀 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗖𝗮𝗻 𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝗜𝗻𝘃𝗼𝗹𝘃𝗲𝗱:

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
Sign up for our enewsletter by clicking here.
Learn more about LSM Family Sponsorship.
Give directly to support our work.

29Feb2024

RECOUNTING HIS FAITHFULNESS

February 29, 2024

Drew Neuenschwander

News

𝗛𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗛𝗼𝗽𝗲 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗮𝗿𝘀 𝗠𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗼𝗿 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗻 𝗟𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝗻 𝗣𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝗻𝗱 𝗣𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘁𝘆 – 𝗔𝘀 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝗢𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗪𝗲𝗿𝗲

LSM Tech enrolls 40+ students who grew up in Homes of Hope and who earned the great privilege of higher education through their academic performance, as well as 20+ young people from the broader community. While our Home of Hope program creates new, healthy families to rescue children from unsalvageable situations of poverty and abuse, Kinship Care seeks salvageable situations: promising families that have simply fallen on hard times and need a helping hand to get back on their feet. Interactions between these two programs have proven fun and exciting! For example, students at LSM Tech recently ran a VBS program for children enrolled in our Kinship Care program. We love to see those that have been blessed by one of our older programs stepping up to become a blessing to the young participants in one of our newer programs! Let’s all remember to pray for these future leaders as they’re equipped to make a Kingdom impact!

“𝗟𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝗘𝗮𝗰𝗵 𝗢𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗪𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗚𝗲𝗻𝘂𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗔𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻. 𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗗𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝗛𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗘𝗮𝗰𝗵 𝗢𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿.” 𝗥𝗼𝗺𝗮𝗻𝘀 𝟭𝟮:𝟭𝟬

Here at LSM, we’re committed to helping children and families in Haiti, Ethiopia and the United States reach their God-given potential. Because we know God often uses strong families and marriages to make this happen, we’re always eager to invest in this important institution. One of the ways that we do this is through the lineup of powerful speakers we host at our Events Center in Bluffton, Indiana. Follow our Happenings page and to stay in the loop!

𝗩𝗶𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗖𝘆𝗰𝗹𝗲: 𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗚𝗼𝗱 𝗕𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝗨𝘀, 𝗪𝗲 𝗖𝗮𝗻 𝗕𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗢𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘀, 𝗔𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗺 𝘁𝗼 𝗣𝗮𝘆 𝗜𝘁 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱

At the heart of the LSM Gospel Project is the idea that when God blesses us, He wants us to bless others in return. U.S. donors and volunteers who make our Gospel Project possible take this idea to heart. We also see it demonstrated by the Haitian children in our Homes of Hope, who distribute LSM Gospel Kits to those in their communities. Imagine being a young child who starts out as the poorest of the poor in Haiti – possibly even as a trafficked slave. Then suddenly, you transition into an LSM Home of Hope where you receive education and care that probably leaves you better off than many kids in Haiti. How does the human heart respond to such a sudden change? We don’t ever want our children to feel entitled or in any way distant from the needs of their community – which is why we provide them with ways to engage and serve through participation in school, church, and service opportunities like the Gospel Project. Some day, many of our children will earn degrees and launch careers as doctors and engineers. As God’s blessing on their lives increases, so too, their capacity to bless others will expand. We think it’s important to plant the seed of the Gospel Project in young hearts, preparing our children for a life of service to God and to those in need!

𝗔 𝗟𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗰𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆: 𝗟𝗦𝗠 𝗘𝗮𝗿𝗻𝘀 𝗧𝗼𝗽 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗥𝗮𝗻𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆

Charity Navigator, the most respected charity watchdog group in the U.S., has again awarded LSM with Four Star status, its highest rank for organizational accountability, transparency, and integrity. Only one in four ministries earn the distinction. Charity Navigator’s president, Michael Thatcher, says: “LSM exceeds industry standards, executes its mission in a financially efficient way, and outperforms most charities in its area of work.” Thank you for your ongoing support!

𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗲’𝘀 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗖𝗮𝗻 𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝗜𝗻𝘃𝗼𝗹𝘃𝗲𝗱:

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
Sign up for our enewsletter by clicking here.
Learn more about LSM Family Sponsorship.
Give directly to support our work.

10Oct2023

MEET THESE FUTURE LEADERS

October 10, 2023

Drew Neuenschwander

Children

𝗚𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗧𝗨𝗗𝗘: 𝗚𝗜𝗩𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗧𝗨𝗘𝗦𝗗𝗔𝗬 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟯

As we prepare for Giving Tuesday on November 28, we’re counting our blessings from 2023 by taking a moment to look back on some of the stories that inspire us!

𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲: 𝗛𝗲𝗿 𝗘𝘆𝗲𝘀 𝗧𝗲𝗹𝗹 𝗮 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻!

Back in 2012, our donors made it possible for Caliste to join an LSM Home of Hope when she was 10 years old. A member of LSM’s Haitian staff recorded that Caliste’s family was very poor, that she suffered stomach pain due to hunger, and that she exhibited signs of depression and anxiety. In closing, the interviewer wrote “Caliste has very sad eyes.” Today, Caliste’s eyes tell a different story. She’s discovered a passion for music and says her dream is to tour the world. She also excels at school and has discovered a love for business. But she says the greatest change has been her acceptance of Jesus. She loves Psalm 100: “Worship the Lord with gladness. Come before him with joyful songs!”

𝗢𝘀𝗰𝗮𝗿: 𝗪𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗛𝗲𝗹𝗽 𝗨𝘀 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻 𝗨𝗻𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗱 𝗩𝘂𝗹𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱?

We often feature vulnerable children and orphans who come from backgrounds of starvation, poverty, and slavery – whose lives have been changed through LSM’s Homes of Hope, through our Trauma Recovery program, and through our unique Continuum of Care. But what about about children and orphans who remain in harm’s way? Oscar, below, represents a child whose parents were killed or absent. Perhaps he’s out on the streets living on his own or worse, living as a child slave in the home of an abusive family who beats, starves and exploits him. There are countless children in Haiti with stories similar to Oscar’s. And that’s why LSM’s Gospel Project and Kinship Care program expand the scope of our work beyond Homes of Hope, providing more broadly in the communities we serve. When you give to LSM, it extends our reach so we can provide children like Oscar with living essentials, education resources, and the truth of the Gospel as soon as possible. Learn about Family Sponsorship and direct giving today!

𝗔𝗹𝗹 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗗𝗶𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱: 𝗔 𝗟𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗙𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝘆 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝘀 𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴!

Ephesians 1:5 says God “adopted us into His family through Jesus Christ.” Few can appreciate this better than Joëlle, whose lack of a family once made it difficult to find her way in the world. Joëlle became orphaned as an infant and went to live with her aunt, who lacked the means to care for her and was often abusive. Joëlle grew up not even knowing whether she had biological siblings. Today, through the generosity of her sponsors, Joëlle enjoys the love of her Home of Hope parents and eleven sisters. She says she’s grateful for the change her LSM family and the family of God have brought about in her life. Now she’s sharing the blessing of family with others who are in need!

𝗟𝗦𝗠 𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗔𝗴𝗿𝗶𝗰𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗦𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘀 𝗙𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗲𝘀, 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀

In Haiti, where many people – especially young children – suffer from malnutrition and starvation, we believe it’s crucial for us to educate our LSM Tech students about how to grow crops and raise livestock. Agricultural knowledge is highly valuable in Haiti, even for those who don’t plan to become farmers, because raising a few goats, chickens, and cows can provide vital income and nutrition for one’s family, and also for one’s community. In fact, one LSM Tech student is so serious about agriculture that they’ve already bought a goat as a personal investment. We love to see our children taking the lessons we’re teaching them about stewardship and applying them to their lives!

𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗲’𝘀 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗖𝗮𝗻 𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝗜𝗻𝘃𝗼𝗹𝘃𝗲𝗱:

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
Sign up for our enewsletter by clicking here.
Learn more about LSM Family Sponsorship.
Give directly to support our work.

24Jul2023

FACES OF LSM

July 24, 2023

Drew Neuenschwander

Staff

𝗧𝗿𝗼𝘆 𝗟𝗲𝘆𝘀𝗲: 𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗨𝗽 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗚𝗼𝗱’𝘀 𝗞𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗱𝗼𝗺 𝗶𝗻 𝗛𝗮𝗶𝘁𝗶

In his first letter to Thessalonica, Paul reminds the church to “encourage each other and build each other up.” The person on LSM’s team who knows the most about physical building is Troy Leyse, our Construction Manager. Troy is the primary staff person responsible for managing construction of our new Homes of Hope and businesses in Haiti, as well as installation of other key features such as wells, security walls, bridges, and solar panel arrays. But as Troy would be the first to tell you, his biggest responsibility is overseeing the building up of people, not structures. In everything LSM does, our goal is to equip local workers and to empower local leaders who God is raising up to help usher in a new dawn for Haiti!

𝗪𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗘𝗻𝗲𝗹: 𝗢𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝗿𝗼𝗻𝘁 𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝘂𝗺𝗮 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝗼𝘂𝗹 𝗦𝘂𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗿𝘆
Meet two of our recent hires in Haiti: Wesly, a psychologist, and Enel, a social worker. Both help implement our Trauma Recovery program for the kids LSM serves, as well as support overall mental health and well-being for our staff and families. In his letter to the Romans, Paul describes one key aspect of faith-based trauma recovery and healing: “Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future…nor anything else in all creation, can separate us from the love of God.” We want those in our care to know that God loves them and that He’s given them incredible potential – even if they’ve seen tragedy or abuse. Did you know that Jesus Christ is also the victor in your own life?

𝗥𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗹: 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗞𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗱𝗼𝗺 𝗢𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗧𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗟𝗦𝗠

Five years ago, Rachel Gerber began managing our IN auctions. Since then, we’ve scaled up our auctions in Indiana and Illinois and launched a new one in Ohio. We also strive to communicate well with our faithful donors, both locally and across the country, with a particular emphasis on hosting small group events in key locations. Two years ago, we brought Rachel on to help support these important initiatives. “I love working with LSM because of the example it sets for my kids,” Rachel says. “They’re learning that the world is full of needs and that they can make an impact!”

𝗔𝗯𝗱𝗶𝗮𝘀 𝗩𝗶𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿: 𝗖𝗵𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗩𝘂𝗹𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗻

If you enjoy the stories from Haiti that we share, meet the person behind the camera: Abdias Victor is the son of a minister. He has a big heart for justice and protecting the vulnerable, which is why he had planned to go into law enforcement. But that changed when our Director of Business, Michael Brown, introduced him to photography and helped him discover his love for helping children. “Working with kids is part of me. I love going to the office each day because I see first-hand the difference that we are making. These vulnerable children are like brothers and sisters to me. So making them laugh and seeing joy on their faces after what they’ve been through is a great miracle, and I’m just honored to play my part!”

𝗘𝗿𝗻𝘀𝗼 𝗩𝗼𝗹𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗲: 𝗔𝗻 𝗢𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗹𝗼𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝘂𝗽, 𝗨𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗙𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗢𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘀

Ernso Voltaire first started working for LSM more than ten years ago as a security guard at LSM Tech. Even when he started out, Ernso stood out for his sharp mind, attention to detail, and ability to fix things – as well as his great communication and leadership skills. There’s nothing that we love more than promoting potential wherever we find it. Ernso now manages LSM’s block plant – our largest and most successful business in Haiti – the profits of which are being used to help Haiti’s vulnerable children. Ernso’s favorite scripture is found in Psalm 23: “You anoint my head with oil. My cup overflows.” When God hands us an overflowing cup, it means we have an opportunity to bless others. Thanks Ernso!

𝗚𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮 𝗩𝗼𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗨𝗻𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗧𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗗𝗶𝗴𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆𝘁𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴

Drew, LSM’s Mobilization Coordinator, manages our social media and website, including the stories you read here on Facebook. In his five years on our staff, we’ve seen a massive growth in our online audience – thanks to the faithful engagement of our readers and supporters. Collaborating with our marketing team members in Haiti, Ethiopia, and the U.S., LSM’s digital marketing uses photography, video, text, and design to shine a light on those in need, as well as LSM’s Kingdom-minded efforts to bring restoration into those situations. Thanks to you, our advocates, not only for sharing these stories concerning desperate needs at home and abroad – but for playing an active part in the resolution!

𝗞𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗮: 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮 𝗕𝗶𝗴 𝗚𝗼𝗱 𝗪𝗵𝗼 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸𝘀 𝗧𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀

Several years ago, Kethia, our Administrative Assistant in Haiti, needed a job. God answered her prayers in a big way by creating an opening for her at LSM. “This is so much more than a job,” she says. “LSM has helped connect me with my friends, church, and community. My responsibilities are often small, but because we know God works through LSM, even small tasks feel rewarding.” Kethia says her favorite Scripture is Psalm 4, which reads in part: “The Lord sets apart the godly for himself. He answers when we call to him. Offer sacrifices in the right spirit, and trust the Lord. He’s given us greater joy than those with abundant harvests.”

𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗸: 𝗙𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮 𝗩𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗙𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝘁𝗲𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽

Mark Ahrens, LSM’s Director of Finance, joined our team several years ago with more than three decades of corporate accounting and finance experience under his belt. And thankfully, he came in ready to hit the ground running! Our various ministry and business finances are managed by team members spanning three different countries and currencies. Keeping everyone on track is a massive feat, even for someone with Mark’s expertise. “Our responsibility to be excellent stewards, to build something good that lasts and makes an eternal impact comes directly from God, I believe,” Mark says. “Working with our Haitian and Ethiopian staff every day has opened my heart far more globally, and I’ll always be grateful for the sense of international family and belonging that I feel here!”

𝗔 𝗟𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗥𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻 𝗕𝗿𝗼𝘄𝗻

Those who know Riderson will tell you that one of his best qualities is his willingness to serve. It’s a great mark of leadership, especially in a culture where leaders can often be domineering. “I’m always happy to do any kind of work for LSM,” Riderson says, “whether it’s making coffee or mopping the floor.” Riderson has such a heart to serve others that one of his biggest adjustments to leadership was learning to delegate office tasks in order to better serve our staff as a manager. In the last several years, Riderson and his wife Prestina have embarked on a new journey of servanthood as parents. “Through discipleship, LSM is creating a better future for kids in Haiti,” Riderson says. “Now that I have my own children, I’m more invested in that future than ever before!”

𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗲’𝘀 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗖𝗮𝗻 𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝗜𝗻𝘃𝗼𝗹𝘃𝗲𝗱:

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
Sign up for our enewsletter by clicking here.
Learn more about LSM Family Sponsorship.
Give directly to support our work.

10Apr2023

JOY FOR THE JOURNEY

April 10, 2023

Drew Neuenschwander

Devotions

𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗱𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗖𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲𝘀 𝗖𝗮𝗻 𝗕𝗼𝘁𝗵 𝗚𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗨𝘀 𝗮 𝗖𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗿 𝗨𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗞𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗱𝗼𝗺 𝗼𝗳 𝗚𝗼𝗱

“Individualism” is a defining quality of U.S. culture, especially compared to other countries. This is a challenge to LSM because Haiti and Ethiopia, the two primary foreign countries we serve, both have cultures that emphasize “collectivism.” In other words, Americans place a higher value on self-reliance while our friends in Haiti and Ethiopia often focus more on the common good. From a Christian worldview, both perspectives may provide lessons that we can take to heart. For instance, LSM’s international staff might more easily understand that we are not our own (1 Cor. 6:19), that none of us should think of ourselves more highly than we ought (Romans 12:3), and that we should all serve cooperatively within God’s Kingdom rather than just pursue our own interests. At the same time, our American staff might more easily understand that salvation comes from a personal relationship with Jesus (1 Cor. 8:3) and that free, individual choice is one of the most important gifts He’s given us to live a full, abundant life (2 Cor. 3:17). The difficult aspect of working across cultures is that LSM staff must practice teachable humility and stay alert for miscommunications. And the blessing is that every day, we have an opportunity to step out of our cultural lens in order to see God and those around us in a fresh light. Could you and your family benefit from a multicultural perspective? Maybe consider sponsoring a Home of Hope and starting a relationship with a family in Haiti. It could provide just the change in perspective that your family has been looking for!

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽: 𝗔 𝗣𝗿𝗮𝘆𝗲𝗿 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗠𝗼𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗻 𝗖𝗵𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗵

If we take away the sign out front, is it still worship? Perhaps you come from a church where it may feel less like worship if there isn’t a band and lights, if you don’t raise both hands, or if you don’t post a tweet from the service? Maybe you come from a more traditional church where it might feel less like worship without hymnals and stained glass. What if there isn’t a smile and nod from your friends nearby? What if we remove the Sunday crowd completely? What if there’s no message? Or no music? Is it still worship if it’s just us and God spending a moment together? If He’s asking us for a big leap of faith, do we call that worship? What if He’s asking us to do something small instead, something no one else would ever notice? Do small things matter enough to be worship? Is it worship if the thing God is asking us to do is uncomfortable or unpopular? Is it worship if it hurts our pride or if it stains our khaki pants? Open our eyes, God. To think outside of the box and to remember that our worship is for an Audience of One. To be reminded that Jesus just wants us to sit at His feet like Mary, learn from Him, and then to go out like the Apostles. Seeking Rahab, the thief on the cross, the Samaritan, the tax collector. The destitute, the poor in spirit, the penitent, the vulnerable, the least of these. Open our eyes to worship in all its forms. Show us what it looks like to walk with You today. Give us the grace to escape society and self. Teach us to worship!

𝗣𝗿𝗮𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗔𝗴𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘀𝘁 𝗦𝘆𝗻𝗰𝗿𝗲𝘁𝗶𝘀𝗺: 𝗪𝗲 𝗗𝗼 𝗡𝗼𝘁 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗲 𝗮 𝗚𝗼𝗱 𝗼𝗳 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗳𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗕𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝗟𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀

The U.S. Department of State estimates that 4 out of every 5 Haitians practices a form of voodoo combined with Christianity. Voodoo in Haiti has a dark history of employing fear to abuse and manipulate people. The mixing of Christianity with something untrue, known as “syncretism,” is something we must monitor in our Homes of Hope, where children might come to us with ideas about Jesus that are polluted with untruth. Syncretism also poses a challenge as we seek to share Jesus more broadly through efforts like the Gospel Project. It’s a subject the Bible speaks about extensively. In the Old Testament, God was constantly reminding his people to avoid polluting their beliefs with the destructive ideologies of their neighbors. You may remember Joshua’s command to “choose this day who you will serve” (Josh. 24:15) or Elijah’s question: “how long will you waver between two opinions?” (1 Kings 18:21). In the New Testament, Paul and the early church fathers spent a significant amount of time battling a second iteration of the same fight, reminding believers “you cannot drink from the cup of the Lord and the cup of devils” (1 Cor. 10:21). We do not serve a God of confusion (1 Cor. 14:33). This week, let’s pray for God to make himself clearly known to those in Haiti and around the world who sincerely and diligently seek Him (Jer. 29:13).

𝗛𝗼𝗽𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘀: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗜𝗻𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗰𝘂𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝗮 𝗪𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗮 𝗦𝗽𝗶𝗿𝗶𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

Of all the important resources that developing countries lack, perhaps the most critical is hope. When despair creeps in, collective participation falters and suffering increases. How can a student focus on studying if they don’t feel safe from local gang activity? Why would a tradesman start a business if they fear their government’s corruption will undermine what they’re trying to build? At LSM, we focus on making families feel safe in spaces that we can control, such as the classroom and the home. By pointing vulnerable kids to our greatest hope, found in Jesus, we’re endeavoring to keep the vital flame of participation alive in a new generation. Will you, too, participate with us by lifting up these efforts in prayer?

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗚𝗼𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗹: 𝗚𝗼𝗱 𝗥𝗲𝘄𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗱𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀

If we could read the story of your life, what kind of book would it be? Are there paragraphs where you lost your way, chapters that you wish you could go back and tear out? Romans 3:23 tells us all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. Sadly, not one of us can change our identities or expunge our pasts. But we can be thankful to serve a God who can. Through Him alone, our stories can be rewritten, the mistakes and pains of our past blotted out by grace. In John 15:15, Jesus tells us He no longer considers us servants – but friends – and children of our Father in Heaven. This week, let’s remember to walk in that grace and to live each day in close communion with the One who made our redemption story possible.

𝗕𝗮𝗱 𝗡𝗲𝘄𝘀 𝗔𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝗨𝘀 𝗗𝗼𝗲𝘀𝗻’𝘁 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲 𝗔𝗻𝘆𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗚𝗼𝗱’𝘀 𝗚𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗡𝗲𝘄𝘀!

We serve in Haiti, Ethiopia, and the United States, all three of which have dealt with challenges this year: political turmoil in the U.S., an earthquake in Haiti, a regional civil war in Ethiopia, and a global pandemic affecting all three. We’ve grieved losses from these tragedies in turn. But 1 Cor. 4:13 reminds us we’re not to grieve like those who are without hope. No matter what bad news besets us, LSM remains steadfast, resting in the greatest good news of all, the Gospel. Because of Jesus, we know how the story ends. This knowledge emboldens us to stay open to joy in hard times, to rebuild when things fall apart, to help others, and to expand His kingdom!

𝗘𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗛𝗶𝘀 𝗚𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗸𝘀𝗴𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗛𝗶𝘀 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘁𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗣𝗿𝗮𝗶𝘀𝗲, 𝗕𝗲 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗸𝗳𝘂𝗹 𝘁𝗼 𝗛𝗶𝗺 & 𝗕𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗛𝗶𝘀 𝗡𝗮𝗺𝗲

Want to be happier? Healthier? More resilient? More joyful? More forgiving? More loving? More generous? More relational? More optimistic? Research has shown that practicing gratitude can improve your life in all of these areas! And it’s not difficult to do. Gratitude is like a muscle that can be strengthened through daily use. Today, why not sit down and write out a list of all the blessings in your life? Have you taken time recently to express gratitude to the people who mean the most to you? This week, let’s remember to keep thankful hearts and freely express appreciation to those we love!

𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗲’𝘀 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗖𝗮𝗻 𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝗜𝗻𝘃𝗼𝗹𝘃𝗲𝗱:

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
Sign up for our enewsletter by clicking here.
Learn more about LSM Family Sponsorship.
Give directly to support our work.

30Mar2023

HOW IS LSM’S APPROACH UNIQUE?

March 30, 2023

Drew Neuenschwander

Distinctives

𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗴 𝗗𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗺𝘀 𝗦𝗲𝘁 𝗦𝗮𝗶𝗹 𝗧𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗟𝗦𝗠’𝘀 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝗾𝘂𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝘂𝘂𝗺 𝗼𝗳 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗲

LSM serves the world’s most vulnerable children through our unique Continuum of Care, which equips each child to reach their God-given potential. We’re empowering young people to change their communities for Christ and pass their leadership skills along to the next generation, permanently breaking cycles of poverty and despair. From Trauma Recovery to Educational Enrichment, from Kinship Care to Family Preservation, from Discipleship to Lifeskills and Vocational Training, we’re helping young dreams take flight. Dreams that can transform communities – even the entire world!

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗦𝗲𝘁𝘀 𝗨𝘀 𝗔𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗼𝗹𝗱𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗞𝗲𝗲𝗽 𝗔𝘀𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 “𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁’𝘀 𝗡𝗲𝘅𝘁?”

When LSM was founded, ministries helping vulnerable kids were less common. How do we stand out today? One good answer is our unparalleled commitment to “what’s next?” We started in Adoption Resources, but what was next? We established Homes of Hope to provide in-country care for kids who weren’t adopted. We helped them heal from abuse and trauma, but what was next? Discipleship, internships, and vocational training to help those children become adult leaders. Donors provided generous support, but what was next in terms of our stewardship? We established businesses to supplement giving and help even more kids. Today, LSM is still set apart by relentless innovation, plus the long view we take on our kids and the Kingdom. You make it possible!

𝗥𝗲𝗱𝗲𝗺𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝗠𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗗𝗼𝗲𝘀 𝗟𝗦𝗠 𝗖𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗮 𝗛𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗛𝗼𝗽𝗲?

This is what it looks like when God takes a piece from each of twelve broken family situations and glues them together to make a new family, a Home of Hope. How does it work? First, local churches in Haiti help LSM locate an upstanding Christian couple that feels a strong call from God to care for vulnerable kids. Next, our staff works with churches to locate twelve boys or girls who are orphaned, child slaves, or at high risk of becoming slaves. We search for kids who have the greatest needs and highest potential, then match them with our carefully chosen couple to create a permanent family, a Home of Hope. Through your support, we offer trauma recovery, mentorship, and other tools to help equip our kids to achieve their full potential and reach their culture for Christ!

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗦𝗲𝘁𝘀 𝗟𝗦𝗠 𝗔𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁: 𝗟𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗘𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗼𝘆𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗜𝘀 𝗟𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗘𝗺𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁

LSM employs more than 150 Haitians across our businesses, our child development staff, and our construction crews. But did you know that not one of our permanent, on-site Haitian employees is an American? Our Haitian operations employ Haitians. Likewise, our Ethiopian ministries employ Ethiopians. We rarely send short-term teams, and those we do are mainly focused on teaching, not doing. This avoids cultural erosion and unintentionally taking employment from the local workforce. The work we’re doing to build productivity and resilience in our individual children is crucial. But someday, our kids will move out into society, where they will have their best shot at success in a community and local economy which LSM is helping to ensure is also productive and healthy.

𝗖𝗵𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗵𝗲𝘀’ 𝗥𝗼𝗹𝗲: 𝗙𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗟𝗼𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗡𝗲𝗲𝗱𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗘𝗺𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗴 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀

We’re often asked how LSM identifies vulnerable Haitian kids who are most in need. The answer is that we work with local leaders, especially churches, which are often deeply aware of concerns in their communities. Churches also help us identify candidates to be Home of Hope parents. Typically, LSM looks for couples who don’t yet have children of their own, but who show leadership in their church and neighborhood. Once we identify twelve boys or girls and a couple to serve as parents, we build them a home – at which point the Haitian church provides our newly formed family with emotional and spiritual support, including tools for trauma recovery, discipleship, and leadership that complement LSM’s own programs. In Haitian culture, anyone – regardless of age – who has a gift for singing or preaching in church is treated as a community leader. From helping us identify vulnerable children to empowering them with leadership opportunities, Haitian churches offer a crucial source of stability and spiritual growth for our kids!

𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗲’𝘀 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗖𝗮𝗻 𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝗜𝗻𝘃𝗼𝗹𝘃𝗲𝗱:

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
Sign up for our enewsletter by clicking here.
Learn more about LSM Family Sponsorship.
Give directly to support our work.

10Jan2023

OF SUCH IS THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN

January 10, 2023

Drew Neuenschwander

Children

𝗛𝗲𝗻𝗿𝗶 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗢𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗕𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗛𝗼𝗽𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗧𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗠𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗰

Henri knows a guitar like the back of his hand. He can even play behind his back! Despite Henri’s youth, he often plays at his local church, in the community, and at LSM events. He says, “I lost my mother when I was young. I needed a doctor, but I had no money. My situation was desperate. Today, thanks to LSM sponsors, I have a loving family. I’m studying to become an engineer so I can help other children pay to attend school. Music makes me feel close to God, and I use it to share what he’s done in my life!” Many of our other children also sing and play music thanks to LSM’s Child Development Program. With the Psalmist, they’re worshiping God through life’s peaks and valleys, reaching hearts with music where words often fall short.

𝗟𝗲𝘁‘𝘀 𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗮 𝗠𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗛𝗲𝗹𝗽 𝗔𝗻𝘀𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝗘𝘀𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿‘𝘀 𝗣𝗿𝗮𝘆𝗲𝗿!

We first met Esther at age 4. Her parents lived in poverty, and she was malnourished, at risk of starving or becoming a child slave. Thankfully, you made it possible for Esther to join a Home of Hope! At first, Esther showed signs of trauma: she was emotionally distant and slow to trust people. Today, she is one of the healthiest, most wholehearted young ladies living in her Home. Esther has a sharp mind and scores extremely high on tests for creativity and problem solving. She tells us, “My prayer is to serve God as a nurse and care for orphaned kids!” You can send her an encouraging note and help us begin new stories of redemption in Haiti by becoming an LSM Family Sponsor!

“𝗧𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗘𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗵 𝗚𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗪𝗮𝘆,” 𝗢𝗿𝗽𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝗯𝘆 𝗮𝗻 𝗘𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗵𝗾𝘂𝗮𝗸𝗲, 𝗙𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝗯𝘆 𝗚𝗼𝗱

Elisa’s father died before she was born, and she became an orphan at 5 when her mother died in Haiti’s earthquake of 2010. Elisa was in danger of starving or becoming a slave when LSM discovered her and found an opening for her in one of our Homes of Hope. She attended school and church for the first time and quickly showed excitement about learning. She’s interested in masonry and block production, which is great because we are always looking for engineering, block production, and construction interns. Her favorite passage of Scripture is in Psalm 46: “God is our refuge and strength. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way.” Elisa wants to build schools to help improve the lives of vulnerable children in Haiti!

𝗢𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗢𝗿𝗽𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗲𝗱, 𝗣𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗽𝗽𝗲 𝗦𝗲𝘁𝘀 𝗛𝗶𝘀 𝗦𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝗮 𝗙𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗛𝗲𝗹𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗻

Growing up in Haiti, Philippe lost both of his parents at a young age. Thankfully our supporters made it possible for us to welcome Philippe into a Home of Hope along with eleven other boys and two loving, Christian parents. Today, Philippe is an excellent student and young leader who excels at his household responsibilities. He also plays the piano and drums. Philippe loves science and says he wants to become a doctor someday so he can help vulnerable kids. His favorite Bible verse is Psalm 3, which reads in part: “From the Lord comes deliverance. May your blessing be on your people!” God delivered Philippe using your support, and now this young man is studying hard in the hope of multiplying that blessing to others!

𝗔𝗹𝗶𝗱𝗮: “𝗜𝘁‘𝘀 𝗡𝗼𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵𝘆 𝗪𝗵𝗼 𝗡𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝗮 𝗗𝗼𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿, 𝗕𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗶𝗰𝗸,” 𝗠𝗸. 𝟮:𝟭𝟳

Growing up in southern Haiti, Alida lost her mother at a young age. Her father, a farmer, tried to care for Alida and her seven siblings, but the family often went hungry. When supporters made it possible for Alida to join a Home of Hope where she would receive care and an education, her father became emotional and said he was glad to see his daughter receive a chance at a better life. Today, Alida is an excellent student and role model who enjoys singing and studying French. She wants to be a doctor and an evangelist so she can care for the needs around her, inside and out. Thanks for putting a tear in a weary father’s eye and a big dream in a young girl’s heart!

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗔𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗛𝗲𝗹𝗽? 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗔𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆?

Meet Lucie, one of the kids living in an LSM Home of Hope with a traumatic history behind her and the hope of a bright future before her. When we introduce you to a child like Lucie, perhaps you say a silent prayer: “Lord, I feel you touching my heart with this child’s story. Are you calling me to take some responsibility in her journey of healing?” It’s a tricky question because 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 is a word often associated with weight or obligation. It’s also a fairly large word, so what if we break it down into “𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗲” and “𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆?” What is our ability to help? What is our response to that ability? Kind of simplifies the question, doesn’t it? Let’s all help where we can!

𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗲’𝘀 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗖𝗮𝗻 𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝗜𝗻𝘃𝗼𝗹𝘃𝗲𝗱:

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
Sign up for our enewsletter by clicking here.
Learn more about LSM Family Sponsorship.
Give directly to support our work.

10Oct2022

CALL TO PRAYER: UNREST IN HAITI

October 10, 2022

Drew Neuenschwander

Children, Combating Exploitation, Haiti, News

“The Bible says that our response to trials in life can result in praise, glory, and honor to Jesus Christ (1 Pet 1:6-9). Haiti is currently in the midst of such trials and yet the faith of our Haitian staff is strong and inspiring. We share the below update to encourage you to pray and to remain steadfast in your faith in spite of whatever trials you may be facing.”

– Doug Isch, President of LSM

SPECIAL UPDATE FROM HAITI

Recent months have been uniquely challenging in Haiti. In 2021, Haitians saw the assassination of their President and experienced a devastating 7.2 magnitude earthquake near Les Cayes. This year, Haitians are feeling the effects of rampant inflation that has increased to over 30%. The pain of this inflation is only exacerbated by increased criminal gang violence, protests, and severe gasoline and food shortages. Many in Haiti are barely surviving the higher cost of basic needs.

Despite inflation, earthquakes, civil unrest, and other challenges, our Haitian staff and families continue to trust God and share their faith. Their hope is rooted in the Gospel and their faith is strong despite the constant struggles. Our mission has always been to provide a deep biblical foundation to equip our children for difficult times. By God’s grace, our staff and families in Haiti remain steadfast, fully believing that the current news does not change the greatest news of all, the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord. – Psalm 112:7

Our Haitian staff and families remind us that even in difficult times, we should put our faith in God and continue to spread the Good News of God’s love. Will you join us in praying for our Haitian staff and children during these uniquely difficult days?

PRAY WITH US

Please join us in praying against the turmoil, gang violence and fuel and food shortages in Haiti. Pray that Haitians would know that true peace only comes from our Heavenly Father during these difficult times.

𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗲’𝘀 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗖𝗮𝗻 𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝗜𝗻𝘃𝗼𝗹𝘃𝗲𝗱:

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
Sign up for our enewsletter by clicking here.
Learn more about LSM Family Sponsorship.
Give directly to support our work.

1 2 3 4