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. Our 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 – not by adult staff, but by Home of Hope children – 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!
All around the world, Christmas is celebrated through the lenses of various cultural traditions and perspectives, all pointing back to the hope that we find in Jesus Christ!And while culture and tradition may vastly change what Christmas looks from one part of the world to another, the holiday can also be changed through lens of personal perspective and experience.
COUNTING BLESSINGS: LET’S KEEP A THANKFUL, HEALTHY OUTLOOK
Here at LSM, our mission is to help and empower the world’s most vulnerable children, those who have suffered as a result of human trafficking, starvation, and extreme poverty. Even here in the United States, suffering has increased this year due to a global pandemic and a subsequent nationwide economic downturn affecting local businesses and jobs. Pains like these are even more deeply felt in developing countries that don’t have safety nets and economic surpluses to fall back on.
As we enter this Christmas holiday, let’s not let the disappointments of this year cause us to forget that there are still many in this world who are worse off. Let’s remember to count our blessings and to remember that our “rock bottom” would be considered a “mountaintop” for many in this world!
Let’s look to Scripture, our guide to understanding the mind and heart of Christ: the meaning of the Christmas season. Here we find plentiful reminders that his heart is with the last, least, lost and lonely at all times – but even more at this time of year. As we gather with family – or perhaps schedule video calls instead – let’s reflect on these passages below, and remember to say a prayer for those who have no family that loves them. How can these individuals ever hope to experience the love of God, if not for the Hands and Feet of Jesus?
IN THE SEASON OF FAMILY, GOD’S HEART IS WITH THOSE WITHOUT
James 1:27 “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.”
Matthew 5:3-4 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.”
Psalm 146:9 “The Lord watches over the foreigner and sustains the fatherless and the widow, but he frustrates the ways of the wicked.”
Psalm 82:3 “Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed.”
Psalm 34:18 “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
Psalm 68:5 “A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling.”
Psalm 68:6 “God sets the lonely in families.”
INVISIBLE SCARS OF TRAUMA IN HAITI AND THE LONG ROAD BACK
One of the darkest realities in Haiti is the restavek system, which is a system of child slavery that results in all imaginable forms of abuse and deprivation. The children LSM helps are either former restaveks or are in a situation of desperate poverty that puts them in danger of being trafficked. The kinds of hardship our children have experienced results in psychological trauma, meaning our kids come to us mentally and spiritually broken. We can’t simply put them in school and hope for them to succeed. Our recognition of the deep soul surgery that our children need to heal and thrive is what led us to establish our Trauma Recovery program, which provides our children with the spiritual tools they need – not only to lead healthy, well-rounded lives, but to become leaders and help others in their communities.
A SPECIAL CHRISTMAS GREETING FROM OUR CHILDREN IN HAITI
In 2020, our children took a moment to say “thank you” to our donors here in the United States. Without your generous gifts, it wouldn’t be possible for LSM to help bring about God’s redemptive work in the lives of children. One of the most powerful lessons we teach our kids is through the LSM Gospel Project, in which our children go out into their communities with humanitarian supplies and evangelistic materials. The takeaway that we teach our kids is that when we’ve been blessed, God wants us to bless others in return. As you and your family count your blessings this holiday season, please take a moment to consider how God is calling you to partner with us to bless LSM’s children in Jesus’s name, empowering them to become leaders and pay your gift forward!
HOW DO HAITIANS CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS?
Haitian families celebrate the birth of Jesus by decorating their homes with candle-lit paper lanterns called “fanals” and candles called “petas.” On Christmas Eve, Haitians traditionally attend church and sing songs like “Minuit Chretien,” their version of “O Holy Night.” After church, families return home to celebrate Christmas together. Children enjoy playing “wosle,” a game similar to jacks. Popular food items at these gatherings include pumpkin soup and “kremas” or eggnog. Haitians rarely exchange gifts for Christmas. As we thank God for our family this Christmas holiday, don’t forget to thank God for the broader family of God – and the incredible opportunity we have to serve one another!
>WHAT CAN I DO?
You can learn more facts and statistics about how Christmas is celebrated around the world at WhyChristmas.com. And while learning about the countries and peoples of the world, perhaps use the site as an opportunity to pray for them. Ask God to move in their lives.
You can follow all of our other Christmas coverage on and , including our Year-End 2020 video and more!
Finally, open your Bible to Luke 2 for a great reminder of what the season is truly all about. How does God sending his precious son to earth inspire and compel us to live differently? Perhaps in 2020, you have a new idea for how you would like to partner with LSM as we spread the hope of Christmas to all by serving the world’s most vulnerable. Tell us your idea, and let’s work together to shine the light of Christmas around the world in 2020, starting in the darkest places!
Note: This message was recorded before the Coronavirus outbreak that has dramatically affected the U.S., Haiti, and Ethiopia in recent weeks. Therefore, the pandemic is not specifically mentioned or addressed in this message. Nevertheless, the key points of this video remain true.
In case you’ve missed some of the incredible stories from this year on the blog, we wanted to share a few of our favorites. There are many testimonies praising God’s faithful work here at LSM – from volunteers in the States to staff in Ethiopia and an orphaned child in Haiti. Their stories are a beacon of hope. Each life touched is precious and each life is connected to you. It takes money, sacrifice, love and prayer to make this ministry possible. That has come from all of you!
The beauty of this ministry is seeing lives changed, as well as watching the Body of Christ come together with genuine love on behalf of the vulnerable children and families we serve. You are the life blood of LSM – and we hope that you’ll be deeply encouraged by these stories today. And if you’re not feeling connected, we’d love to bring you closer into the LSM family this coming year so you can witness these miraculous stories first hand.
As the sun rose upon her, she put her worn and broken feet on the ground. The life she lives is one of hardship. She did not always know where her next meal would come from or where she would lay her head down at night. The pressure on her young mother was to keep her children alive and take the next step. She could not see much further than that.
When Loving Shepherd Ministries entered in, the struggle to stay alive was removed. This little girl was surrounded by people who loved and cared for her. Her mom was given tools to help provide food and stability.
Where did those gifts come from? They came from you.
Our ministry in reaching vulnerable children would not exist without your loving support. We understand that there is sacrifice involved each time you give. Your gifts are changing lives, empowering mothers and leading souls to the Greatest Gift ever given! The beauty of gift giving is waiting for that joyful smile when it is is unwrapped.
Thank you for the gifts that you give to vulnerable children around the world every single day. From all of us at Loving Shepherd Ministries, we want to wish you a Merry Christmas!
May you find peace and true joy this Christmas in knowing that the perfect gift has been wrapped in swaddling clothes and already given! His name is Jesus.
Get Involved:
Give the gift of a Mother’s love and change the life of a child. Become a Family Sponsor in Ethiopia and connect to many families just like the one you read about here.
All around the world Christmas is one of the most important and highly anticipated holidays of the year. But the way Christmas is celebrated often varies from country to country. Here are some holiday traditions from Haiti and Ethiopia, where LSM operates.
WORSHIP AND FAMILY TOGETHERNESS IN HAITI
Haitian families celebrate the birth of Jesus by decorating their homes with candle-lit paper lanterns called “fanals” and candles called “petas.” On Christmas Eve, Haitians traditionally attend church and sing songs like “Minuit Chretien,” their version of “O Holy Night.” After church, families return home to celebrate Christmas together. Children enjoy playing “wosle,” a game similar to jacks. Popular food items at these gatherings include pumpkin soup and “kremas” or eggnog. Haitians rarely exchange gifts for Christmas. Time spent with family and worshipping God are activities Haitians tend to value most.
Last year, the staff at our grocery store in Les Cayes played an important part in the seasonal landscape. More than a place to find fresh produce, vegetables, and dry goods, our store serves as a source of hope and community for locals. To further this mission and shine a light on the reason for the season, our staff got in the holiday spirit by holding a raffle and decorating the store, inside and out. Check out this video of their work. Didn’t they do a fantastic job?
GAMES AND FAMILY FESTIVITIES IN ETHIOPIA
Ethiopians follow the Julian calendar, which means they celebrate Christmas a bit later than we do. On January 7, they observe their version of Christmas called, “Gena,” meaning “the birthday of Jesus.” They attend church services on Christmas Eve and Christmas day, and then return home. Children often play games like “Ye-Gena Chewata” which is a combination of hockey and soccer. Families also gather to enjoy their favorite Ethiopian dishes, such as “wot,” a spicy Ethiopian Christmas stew. Like Haitians, Ethiopian families do not usually exchange gifts. Instead, they dedicate their time to family togetherness and thanking God for sending his Son to earth!
In years past, our Ethiopian staff has marked the Christmas holiday with parties for the children, including crafts, lessons, food, singing, and giveaways of clothes and school supplies. One year, we celebrated by sharing the Gospel with locals and by handing out food and aid.
REMEMBERING THE REASON FOR THE SEASON
It’s fun to learn how Christmas is celebrated around the world, as well as the different traditions and values that are emphasized by various cultures. But no matter how we celebrate the season outwardly, what’s more important – and universal – is the celebration that takes place in our hearts. Merry Christmas from our LSM families around the world. As we celebrate, let’s keep Jesus first!
WHAT CAN I DO?
You can learn more facts and statistics about how Christmas is celebrated around the world at WhyChristmas.com. And while learning about the countries and peoples of the world, perhaps use the site as an opportunity to pray for them. Ask God to move in their lives.
You can follow all of our other Christmas coverage on and , including the story of a young lady here in the United States who took action to raise money and help vulnerable children and orphans through our family assistance program in Ethiopia.
Finally, open your Bible to Luke 2 for a great reminder of what the season is truly all about. How does God sending his precious son to earth inspire and compel us to live differently? Perhaps in 2020, you have a new idea for how you would like to partner with LSM as we spread the hope of Christmas to all by serving the world’s most vulnerable. Tell us your idea, and let’s work together to shine the light of Christmas around the world in 2020, starting in the darkest places!
What a year! We are so grateful for the amazing things God has allowed us to be a part of in 2019. Here are just a few of the highlights:
LSM TECH WILL WELCOME OUR FIRST STUDENTS IN EARLY 2020! It’s been quite the road getting to this point, but this incredible initiative will provide vocational training, work skills and biblical discipleship for our Home of Hope kids. What an incredible opportunity for these future students!
WE’RE EXPANDING IN ETHIOPIA! The Seeds of Hope Program in Addis Ababa just launched this Fall. Our programs in Ethiopia now serve one of the poorest slum areas in the capital. Today, 60 children and their single moms are being cared for. For the first time, they are being given the tools and discipleship they need to become a thriving, stable family.
BRICKHOUSE FAMILY MINISTRIES MERGED WITH LSM IN AUGUST and we’re so thankful for the open doors this provides to expand our local reach. We are re-imagining what this program can look like and have many conversations with those in foster care and the state. As those details get worked out, we are so happy to be able to offer FREE counseling for foster and adoptive families. What a blessing this has already been for dozens of children and their families.
THE GOSPEL PROJECT provides incredible opportunities for our Home of Hope families to share the Gospel with their neighbors in tangible ways. You can read how volunteers here in the States are serving and how it’s empowering our young people in Haiti at the same time.
Beyond that, when we think about the last decade at LSM, it’s almost unbelievable to think about how much we’ve grown. Thanks to you – and the direction of the Holy Spirit – we’re serving hundreds more vulnerable children in a complete Continuum of Care from childhood through adulthood. It’s not a quick fix. It’s the stuff that brings generational change. You can read more about LSM’s journey since 2002 here.
Thank you for partnering with us in 2019 and for the 17 years of our ministry. We praise Him for the hundreds of lives touched through the Body of Christ working together here at LSM. We look forward with great anticipation to what He will continue to do in the coming years. May your 2020 be blessed with your daily bread and much more as you continue to serve in His Kingdom!
We can say “thank you” with our mouths and type it out here so you can read it on your screen, but a true heart of thankfulness comes from within.
From the bottom of our hearts, we want to say, “Thank you.” You have given to LSM through the years, and your gifts have transformed the lives of many desperately vulnerable children in Haiti and Ethiopia. This year, we’re also expanding that reach to right here in the U.S. as we open our arms to care for vulnerable teens through the BrickHouse Program.
THANKS FROM A VULNERABLE TEEN IN FOSTER CARE
“Thank you” from the young boy whose addictions cost him everything. He lost it all and thought there was no one left to care for him. He is waking up today free from bondage and with more blessings than he can count.
MESI FROM HAITI
“Mèsi” (thank you in Haitian Creole) from the Home of Hope children who were once abandoned, lonely, hungry and afraid but now have a mom and dad who love them and care for them. They are happy. They are safe.
“Mèsi” from the Home of Hope parents whose once empty arms are now full of children to love. They are joyfully making memories together and praising God for the gift of family.
“Mèsi” from our Haitian staff who have stable jobs and can provide for their families, too. They are pursuing their own God given talents as they daily serve on behalf of our Home of Hope families.
“Mèsi” from the communities who are benefitting from the Gospel Kits that our Home of Hope families are giving out. They are hearing about the Good News of Jesus!
አመሰግናለሁ FROM ETHIOPIA
“ አመሰግናለሁ” (thank you in Amharic) from single moms in Ethiopia who are off the streets and are now running their own small businesses. They have the ability to provide food, education and a home for their children that they desperately love.
“ አመሰግናለሁ” (thank you in Amharic) from the vulnerable children in Addis Ababa who are going to school for the first time and have enough to eat every day. They know that without you, they wouldn’t survive, much less thrive as they grow into adults. Because of your support for them and their moms, today they are dreaming of big things for their future!
These smiles are because of you!
With all our hearts, we want to say, “Thank you!” Your giving has changed entire lives, families and communities. We feel truly blessed to partner with you in this ministry that is so close to the heart of God! May you all have a very Happy Thanksgiving!
November 10 is Orphan Sunday, a global day that churches and individuals set aside to pray and advocate on behalf of the orphan. We hope your church or family takes a moment this weekend to learn more and to get involved as well!
John 14:18 teaches that all believers are former spiritual orphans who have been adopted by God. This means that God’s special affection for the orphans in our world is the same love that prompted Him to send His son to die for us. For this reason, helping and advocating on behalf of orphans is a cause that should resonate with each us personally.
Christian Alliance for Orphans estimates that there are 140 million orphans worldwide. Here in the U.S., 112,000 foster children are waiting to be adopted, some of whom are classified as “hard to place. ” The term “hard to place” can be due to several factors. Some children have experienced trauma, neglect and abuse, leaving them with PTSD and detachment disorder. Trust is difficult for them. Sibling groups and children with special needs are also difficult to place.
In developing countries, the plight of an orphan can be even more dire. Twenty percent of the world’s young people never attend school, and eight percent of the world lives on less than two dollars a day. These realities disproportionately affect those living in developing countries, especially the most vulnerable. A child’s nation of origin may even determine their chances of living past 5 years old. Tragically, about 15,000 children in the world die daily from preventable causes, especially in developing countries.
But the wonderful news is that since 1990, that number has been cut in half! Global poverty has also been reduced by more than half in the last 20 years, due largely to the united efforts of governments, nonprofits, and advocates like you.
Among other examples, international and domestic adoption have provided a tremendous benefit to the world. CAFO reports that over the last decade, more than 112,000 domestic and 103,000 international adoptions have occurred here in the U.S. And many vulnerable children who haven’t been adopted are being reached in their home countries through ministries like LSM.
Not all orphans and vulnerable children will be adopted. This is especially true with some governments closing their borders to international adoption in recent years. It’s crucial that we provide comprehensive, in-country support in the parts of the world where we see the greatest needs. Here at LSM, we’re working hard to create generational change through Family Sponsorship, Child Development, Trauma Healing, Vocational Training, and much more.
Thank you for partnering with LSM to help ensure that every child is given an opportunity to achieve their God-given potential!
WHAT CAN I DO?
Learn more details about the realities facing vulnerable children around the world by viewing research compiled at un.org, brookings.edu, and cafo.org. Talk to your church or family about ways you can do more to help orphans and vulnerable kids around the world.
Join churches around the world on Orphan Sunday (Nov 10) in praying for the vulnerable. And ask God how he’s calling you to help.
If you believe God may be calling you to meet these needs by considering adoption or foster care, we’d love to help you start gathering information. Please visit our free Adoption Resources page.
