3Jul2020

Meet Our Ethiopia Team

July 3, 2020

𝗙𝗮𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗘𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗼𝗽𝗶𝗮: 𝗣𝗮𝘂𝗹𝗼𝘀, 𝗦𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗚𝗼𝗱’𝘀 𝗟𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗧𝗵𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗗𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀

Paulos Mamo, one of our dedicated program managers in Ethiopia, has served LSM for more than ten years, helping children and their single moms break cycles of desperation and poverty through our business, education, trauma healing, and discipleship programs. Early in Paulos’ ministry, he still remembers the first time he and LSM helped a young mother who was on the verge of resorting to prostitution to feed her kids. A decade later, Paulos has collected hundreds of similar stories. The work is difficult, but also inspiring. Paulos says he has “no greater joy” than helping our moms become business owners and seeing the kids achieve their full, God-given potential.

𝗛𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗮: “𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲’𝘀 𝗡𝗼 𝗚𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗦𝘂𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻 𝗦𝗲𝗲𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝗧𝗿𝘂𝗲 𝗛𝗼𝗽𝗲!”
Hlina Wondwossen developed a heart for the overwhelming needs she saw growing up as a child in Ethiopia. Today, she has realized that calling by working with LSM, helping vulnerable young women who have been forced to make desperate decisions to provide for their families. Hilina and Paulos Mamo help our single moms find dignified jobs. LSM also provides counseling, educational opportunities, and local church support for our moms and their kids, empowering the next generation to break recurring cycles of poverty and desperation. “For me,” Hlina says “There’s no greater success than seeing someone find true hope!”

𝗝𝗼𝗵𝗻𝗲𝘆 𝗔𝗻𝗱 𝗠𝗲𝗸𝗱𝗲𝘀: 𝗛𝘂𝘀𝗯𝗮𝗻𝗱-𝗮𝗻𝗱-𝗪𝗶𝗳𝗲 𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗺, 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗲𝗿 𝗢𝗿𝗽𝗵𝗮𝗻𝘀, 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗘𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗼𝗽𝗶𝗮’𝘀 𝗩𝘂𝗹𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗻
Before becoming an incredible husband-and-wife ministry team for LSM in Ethiopia, Johney and Mekdes grew up as kids in a massive orphanage. They received food and education, but they were not prepared for the outside world, given the nurturing of a family, or introduced to Jesus. Both came to faith outside the orphanage. The pair reconnected and eventually married. Due to their history, Johnny and Mekdes have huge hearts for the single mothers and their children for whom LSM is providing educational help, counseling, small business training, and physical support. “A parent,” Mekdes says, “is like the loving shepherd who sacrifices their own life for their sheep.” We are so thankful for these two and their transformative work for families in Ethiopia!

𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗲’𝘀 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗖𝗮𝗻 𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝗜𝗻𝘃𝗼𝗹𝘃𝗲𝗱:

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17Apr2020

Semira: The Gift of Empowerment

April 17, 2020

Drew Neuenschwander

Uncategorized

I am a 33-year old single mother living in Ethiopia, and my family is a living testament to the faithfulness of our awesome God, who has walked with us through our darkest days. Our little family has seen many stormy times, and I can’t say that I’ve always understood the Lord’s plan. All I know for certain is that He’s never abandoned us, and His grace has always been enough.

𝗔 𝗕𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗸 𝗕𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴

From the beginning, my life never seemed to go as planned. I was born and raised in Addis Ababa, the capital city of Ethiopia. Following cultural customs, I married at the young age of 17 and moved over 300 miles away from my family to a new town, where I gave birth to my first child. When my son was 6 years old, my husband passed away without warning. The pain of losing him was very difficult, but I pressed on.

Alone with my son, I moved back to Addis Ababa to restart my life. For two years, I worked hard and cared for my son. Every day was difficult, and I feared for our future. During this time, I met a nice man and remarried. A year later, I gave birth to my second child, a daughter. My husband worked hard, yet our growing family’s financial struggles began to strain our marriage.

I was desperate to help solve my family’s financial problems, so I made the difficult decision to leave my two children and travel to the city of Dubai. I worked hard as a housemaid in order to give my kids an education and future opportunities. After five years, I returned to my family with money saved and a renewed hope for our future. Our lives were good for a short time. A year after I returned from Dubai, I gave birth to our third child. My husband and I planned to use our savings to start a business so our growing family could become more financially stable.

𝗔 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗰 𝗧𝘂𝗿𝗻

But one day changed everything. Our house was robbed, and the money I had worked so hard for during my five years in Dubai was stolen. My hopes and plans for a better future evaporated instantly, and the painful sacrifice of being separated from my seemed to have been all for nothing. Adding to the devastation, my husband blamed me for the robbery. Our conflict spiraled, and soon my husband divorced me. I was once again left alone as a single mother, now with three children. Without money, I was unable to pay my family’s rent, and we were soon evicted. While we were homeless, I used the small amount of money I had to send my children to school. We slept on the street at night, hungry, scared and never knowing what the next day would bring.

𝗔 𝗟𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗗𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀

But I soon learned that God had plans for my family! After living on a crowded street in the slums with my family for a number of weeks, I met LSM staff members Paulos and Hilina. They had been praying that God would direct them to vulnerable families like mine, and they could see my family’s despair, as well as signs of the trauma we had endured. They showed us God’s grace by taking us off the streets that same day and inviting us to stay at the Family Renewal office. I was humbled to receive help from strangers, but I was also grateful that my children could feel safe at last. Over the next 8 days, LSM’s Family Renewal staff helped me find a new home. I knew God was giving my family a second chance.

LSM’s Family Renewal program has provided us with counseling, encouragement, and support in our time of desperate need. Besides my family, LSM’s Ethiopia staff is also reaching 40 other single mothers just like me who were on the brink of giving up hope. We thank God every day for LSM, and for this program, which is helping us restore both our dignity and our faith!

𝗙𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗺𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗗𝗶𝗴𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆

My three children are continuing their education. They attend LSM’s after-school tutoring program three days a week with a meal before lessons. Each Saturday, my children are given trauma recovery training, taught life skills, and provided with individual counseling sessions. Along with these tools, my children enjoy daily meals, Bible studies, and activities that empower them to build safe, healthy relationships with other children. When my children first came to LSM, they were often sick and had low self worth and poor hygiene. Now they are happy, healthy, confident young leaders who are performing well in school and who are hopeful about their future for the first time!

The Family Renewal program also provides my family with food support and medical care. I attend life skills and pre-business training, which is equipping me to start my own business! I never wanted to depend on charity, but LSM’s program does not feel like charity. Instead, Family Renewal is helping me build long-term independence. I feel like am regaining confidence every day. Above all, LSM is teaching my family that God is in control and that He knows everything our family has been through. Despite hardships, we are learning God has a purpose in our lives and that He loves us dearly. After years of desperation, my family’s emotional and physical wellness is being restored. Hope is replacing despair. Dignity is replacing shame. God is showing us our worth in Him and planting seeds of hope in our hearts!

𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗲’𝘀 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗖𝗮𝗻 𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝗜𝗻𝘃𝗼𝗹𝘃𝗲𝗱:

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14Apr2020

Child Snapshots

April 14, 2020

Drew Neuenschwander

Child Development Program, Child Snapshots, Child Sponsorship Uncategorized

𝗠𝗲𝗲𝘁 𝗮 𝗙𝗲𝘄 𝗙𝗮𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗟𝗦𝗠 𝗙𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝘆 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗼𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽!

Learn more about the stories of redemption God is telling in the lives of a few of our children in Haiti!

𝗠𝗲𝗲𝘁 𝗦𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗵: 𝗔 𝗕𝗲𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗱 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘁, 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗝𝗲𝘀𝘂𝘀

Sarah’s father died when she was young. Her mother, who suffers from a mental health condition, gave Sarah to another family as a restavek (child slave) and moved to Port-au-Prince. Sarah worked long hours carrying water, and her family beat her when she was tired. Thanks to the help of supporters like you, Sarah was rescued and welcomed into one of our Homes of Hope. Today, her future looks a lot brighter. She studies and works hard, and she is dearly loved by her parents and eleven sisters. We are all thankful to see Sarah’s heart healing and shining for Jesus!

𝗠𝗲𝗲𝘁 𝗪𝗶𝗹𝘀𝗼𝗻: 𝗔 𝗙𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗘𝗻𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗮 𝗦𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗞𝗶𝗻𝗴

Wilson grew up the youngest of eleven children in rural Haiti. His father was old and unable to provide for the family, so they ate just once each day. The family’s situation was so desperate that Wilson was in danger of becoming a child slave. Today, living in a Home of Hope, Wilson still counts himself as part of a large family (twelve boys), but everything else about his life has changed. He never wants for food, shelter, or educational opportunities. Wilson is known within his family for his gentle words and courteous attitude. He has a sharp mind and is pursuing a career in mechanical engineering!

𝗝𝗼𝘀𝗲𝗽𝗵: 𝗟𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗼𝗳 𝗼𝗳 𝗚𝗼𝗱’𝘀 𝗥𝗲𝗱𝗲𝗺𝗽𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝗶𝗻 𝗛𝗮𝗶𝘁𝗶

Joseph’s father died when he was very young. His mother, who was unable to provide for her kids, often mistreated and beat Joseph. He was on the verge of starving or becoming a slave when LSM found him and welcomed him into a Home of Hope. Joseph is now five years old, and his life today looks very different. He has food to eat, his own bed, brothers to play with, and parents who teach him about Jesus. When we see Joseph’s beaming smile, it’s easy to miss signs of his traumatic history – a powerful testament to God’s redemptive work in his life. By providing a quality education and trauma recovery programs, we are setting Joseph up to succeed and bless those around him.

𝗟𝗲𝘁’𝘀 𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝟲𝟬 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗛𝗲𝗹𝗽 𝗨𝘀 𝗔𝗻𝘀𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝗩𝗮𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗮’𝘀 𝗣𝗿𝗮𝘆𝗲𝗿

Vanessa’s dad died of a fever when she was young, and her mother struggled to provide for the family. When LSM found Vanessa, she was thin and weak and had never attended school. Today, she lives in one of LSM’s Homes of Hope, where she excels in her literature and computer classes. She enjoys music and cooking and hopes to become a nurse. Vanessa’s favorite Bible verse is Psalm 27:7, “Hear my voice when I call, Lord. Be merciful to me and answer me.” At LSM, we want to help answer that prayer for Vanessa and hundreds of children like her by getting stories like Vanessa’s in front of as many people as possible.

𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗲’𝘀 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗖𝗮𝗻 𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝗜𝗻𝘃𝗼𝗹𝘃𝗲𝗱:

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10Apr2020

Ministry Distinctives

April 10, 2020

Drew Neuenschwander

Business Development, Child Development Program, Core Values, Distinctives, Family Preservation Program Uncategorized

𝗔 𝗙𝗲𝘄 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗟𝗦𝗠’𝘀 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗮𝗰𝗵 𝘁𝗼 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘆

Here are a few collected bullet points regarding LSM’s approach that are fairly unique within the world of ministry.

𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗮𝘆: 𝗔 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗴𝗺 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗖𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝗻 𝗘𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻
Haitian schools often rely on stock lectures and rote memorization. In contrast, LSM’s model emphasizes communication, collaboration, and problem solving. We believe kids will be best served in life by minds trained to work with others and find out-of-the-box solutions. That’s why half of our Homes of Hope receive supplemental educational training and the other half of our Homes attend schools operated by LSM. We’re trying to set an example of what education in Haiti can look like because we want to equip a new generation of innovators, problem solvers, job creators, entrepreneurs, engineers, and artists to build a prosperous future in Haiti!

𝗟𝗦𝗠 𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵: 𝗖𝗮𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗝𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗲𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗢𝗻𝗲 𝗘𝗴𝗴 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺 𝗮 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻?
Morning at LSM Tech in Haiti means it’s time to collect eggs! Some of the eggs from LSM Tech go to Homes of Hope, where children we have rescued from lives of poverty and abuse will enjoy tasty omelets and scrambled eggs for breakfast. Some eggs will be sold in a local grocery store, where several of our older students recently had internship opportunities. The opening of LSM Tech brings the journey of our eggs full circle, as children who enjoyed eating our eggs in LSM Homes and sold eggs as store interns now collect those eggs as LSM Tech student workers. That’s the LSM vision in an “eggshell” – those who benefit from LSM giving back to the ministry and Haiti, itself. One egg, one vision, blessed by God, can bring life to an entire nation!

𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗗𝗼 𝗪𝗲 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗼𝗿 𝗙𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗼𝗳 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗱𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗞𝗶𝗱𝘀?
One reason our sponsorship model is based on families, not individual kids, is that most child sponsor programs end after a certain age or grade level. We think in terms of family, which is a lifelong relationship. Rather than meet the basic needs of millions, we focus on the deep, whole person needs of the 240 kids we serve, believing this will have a farther-reaching impact. LSM sees our kids the way a parent sees a child – not as a name and age, but as a deeply known and loved family member. It’s difficult to succeed in Haiti whether you’re a child, or age 18 and up. As our kids grow, LSM walks alongside them, helping as needed as they become servant leaders, disciple others, and reach their culture for Christ!

𝗕𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁: 𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗿 𝗙𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗛𝗮𝗶𝘁𝗶
LSM operates a 10-acre Industrial Park in Haiti, which produces high-quality concrete products. We are using these products to build LSM projects and to raise revenue that helps us advance the mission. In October 2016, Haiti was hit by Hurricane Matthew, a horrible disaster that devastated Haiti’s infrastructure and that cut hundreds of lives tragically short, often due to structural collapse. Disasters have a greater fallout in places like Haiti because structures are poorly made and tend to crumble under stress or impact. The blocks LSM produces are built to withstand tremendous force, and therefore may save lives the next time a hurricane or earthquake strikes. LSM’s Industrial Park also provides a source of employment, commerce, and ministry!

𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗲’𝘀 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗖𝗮𝗻 𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝗜𝗻𝘃𝗼𝗹𝘃𝗲𝗱:

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3Apr2020

Highlighted Updates

April 3, 2020

Drew Neuenschwander

Annual Benefit Auction, Construction Projects, Education Program, Fundraising, Leadership Skills, Sustainability, Taylor University Uncategorized

𝗧𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗸𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮 𝗠𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗪𝗲’𝘃𝗲 𝗕𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗨𝗽 𝗧𝗼!

We at LSM have been keeping busy these past 6 months. Here are a few highlights from our various programs and areas of outreach.

𝗖𝗵𝗲𝗲𝗿𝗳𝘂𝗹 𝗚𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴, 𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗰𝘆 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘆𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝘁 𝗟𝗦𝗠’𝘀 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗮𝗻𝗮 𝗔𝘂𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟬 (March 2020)

LSM’s Indiana Auction was one of our most successful to date! President Doug Isch shared an update on LSM’s new Kinship Program in Haiti that will allow us to reach more hurting families than ever before. We were also excited to highlight the opening of our LSM Tech campus in Haiti and the in-depth spiritual training that students will receive there. Cheerful giving was displayed by all ages, including a group of young people who helped raise money again this year by selling candy to their peers. LSM’s Indiana Auction is made possible by a remarkable army of volunteers and businesses from Adams and Wells counties who come together each year to raise support for orphaned and vulnerable children. We thank and praise God for all who were involved!

𝗢𝗩𝗖 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲: 𝗥𝗮𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗩𝗼𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗩𝘂𝗹𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲! (February 2020)

LSM recently had an opportunity to invest in the next generation of advocates for vulnerable children and families at Taylor University‘s Care Conference, hosted by TU’s Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC) office. We had numerous exciting encounters throughout the scheduled lineup of speakers, panels, and breakout sessions, including Keegan, a junior at TU who was mentored years ago by an LSM staff member that shared with him our Business Development Plan for Haiti, inspiring him to attend TU and study OVC and Business Development. Seeds planted today may bring a harvest in generations to come!

𝗖𝗼𝗼𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗨𝗽 𝗦𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗙𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝗽 𝗜𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗛𝗮𝗶𝘁𝗶 (January 2020)

Construction Project Manager Troy Leyse recently used our office studio to record a video for Haitian Home of Hope parents in which he explained and demonstrated some exciting new cooking equipment. A rice cooker and warmer, two induction burners, and a set of compatible pots and pans are being shipped down to nearly all of LSM’s Homes of Hope to replace more expensive and less reliable propane burners and equipment. The cost of propane has been going up, and we expect the rise to continue. The unrest in Haiti a few months ago caused a supply shortage that further escalated the issue. Our solution uses electrical solar panels, meaning our Homes will be able to cook effectively and inexpensively without propane – or even local power. Bon Appétit!

𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗖𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗮𝘁 𝗟𝗦𝗠 𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗶𝘁𝘂𝘁𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗛𝗮𝗶𝘁𝗶 (January 2020)

Classes are in session! LSM Tech, a project years in the making, has finally come 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 recently moved into our new residential dorms, where they will live and work while attending college classes. In addition, students will receive technical training and learn practical hands-on skills that will serve them well throughout life. The students’ technical work will also bring in revenue, providing sustainable funding for their ongoing education!

𝗥𝗮𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝗹𝗮𝗴: 𝗞𝗶𝗱𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗛𝗮𝗶𝘁𝗶 𝗢𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗲𝘀 𝗧𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗘𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 (December 2019)

This past fall, protests and political unrest kept our kids from attending school. To catch up, many grade school students are attending school for extended sessions and even some Saturday classes. Our kids have seen dark days in Haiti, and they’re 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 this past weekend and was delighted to see that the students had gathered of their own accord to do some extra studying. This is exam season, so let’s pray for those, as well as other tests our children will soon face!

𝗙𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝘆 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: 𝗔 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗟𝗦𝗠 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺 𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗲𝘀 𝗥𝗼𝗼𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗕𝗹𝗼𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗺𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗘𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗼𝗽𝗶𝗮! (November 2019)

LSM staff members Paulos Mamo and Hilina Wondwossen recently launched a second location for our Family Preservation program in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. We’ve acquired a compound in one of the poorest slums of the city, and the program has grown quickly to meet needs, currently serving more than 60 children and their single mothers! For the first time in their lives, children are receiving educational enrichment, their mothers are receiving business training, and families as a whole are receiving the tools, discipleship, and sense of stable community they need to thrive. Thanks to your generous support, our work in Ethiopia continues to grow, making a multi-generational impact, mother-tested and child-approved!

𝗕𝗿𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗜𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗻𝘂𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗵𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗼𝗻 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘆 𝗮𝘁 𝗟𝗦𝗠 𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵 (September 2019)

In previous posts, we’ve shared about the fuel shortage and political unrest in Haiti. Nevertheless, our building crew at LSM Tech continues to push forward in spite of challenges. Project Manager Jose Delpeche recently provided the team with a great example of servant leadership by picking up a shovel and helping to dig a footer for the foundation of our latest project: an apartment for Jean Wesly, the Dean of Students. It’s rare to see a supervisor laboring in the trenches, but extraordinary challenges call for extraordinary, Christlike leadership and humility. We’re grateful to have a team that mirrors His heart and example!

𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗲’𝘀 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗖𝗮𝗻 𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝗜𝗻𝘃𝗼𝗹𝘃𝗲𝗱:

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
Invite your friends to follow us on social too.
Sign up for our enewsletter and prayer list.
Learn more about LSM Family Sponsorship.
Give directly to support our work.

31Dec2019

THE BEST ON THE BLOG IN 2019

December 31, 2019

Amber

BLOGS, highlights, stories, year in review Caring for Orphans, Combating Exploitation, Ethiopia, Family, Haiti, LSM, Uncategorized

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.

USA

BEHIND THE SCENES AT THE AUCTION – A VOLUNTEER TESTIMONY

EVENTS THAT ARE INSPIRING AND CHANGING LIVES

LEARNING TO LISTEN – A FOSTER DAD’S JOURNEY

ETHIOPIA

FROM ORPHANS TO ADVOCATES – A STAFF TESTIMONY

TIMMY – A BOY’S TRANSFORMATION

ABANDONED BUT NOT FORGOTTEN – A SINGLE MOM’S JOURNEY

HAITI

DIO – ONE JOB SECURE’S A FAMILY’S SURVIVAL

THE GOSPEL IS SPREADING IN HAITI

THE POWER OF ONE – ROSELINE

Thank you for following along! If you haven’t yet, please subscribe to the blog to hear these amazing stories all year round.

11Dec2019

CHRISTMAS AROUND THE WORLD

December 11, 2019

Drew Neuenschwander

Adoption Resources, Caring for Orphans, Christmas, Fighting Poverty, Foster Care Children, Nonprofit Ministry, Social Justice Causes, Vulnerable Kids Caring for Orphans, Family, Uncategorized

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 Facebook and Instagram, 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!

27Nov2019

HOW DO WE SAY THANK YOU?

November 27, 2019

Amber

Home of Hope, stories, Thank you, thanks, thanksgiving Caring for Orphans, Family, LSM, Uncategorized

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!

Get Involved:

Give the gift of family. Sponsor one of our Homes of Hope in Haiti.

Give the gift of security. Sponsor a single Ethiopian mom.

Give the gift of loving support. Sponsor our BrickHouse Program.

Give the gift of Jesus. Help pack a Gospel Kit or Donate so we can send them to Haiti.

8Nov2019

GOD’S HEART FOR THE ORPHAN

November 8, 2019

Drew Neuenschwander

adoption, churches, foster care, ministry, orphans, poverty, social justice, vulnerable children Caring for Orphans, Family, LSM, Uncategorized

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.

9Oct2019

CARING FOR FOSTER & ADOPTIVE FAMILIES

October 9, 2019

Amber

Adoption Resources, adoption support, counseling, empowering families, foster care, foster care support Adoption, Caring for Orphans, Family, LSM, News, Uncategorized

We are thrilled to be expanding our care for local foster and adoptive families through the LSM BrickHouse program. This summer, LSM gained a new arm to our domestic work with the merge of BrickHouse Family Ministries. (Read more about it here.) As we reimagine this program, we’ve considered how we can best support foster youth in our community – and the families that welcome them home.

FREE CHRISTIAN COUNSELING FOR FOSTER & ADOPTIVE FAMILIES

It’s clear that foster and adoptive families often face unique challenges as they bring healing to children from hard places. Even if a child has been in the family’s care since they were very young, there are often attachment issues that they bring with them since before birth! Add on the complexities of racial integrations, neglect or abuse a child might have faced, and there’s a myriad of difficult scenarios to navigate through. We want to offer help!

Adam Carroll, LMFT-A, is our first Christian counselor on staff – and he’s excited to be able to provide free counseling for local foster and adoptive families as he has availability. We’d love to offer this critical support for families in the Bluffton, IN area. If you know of a local family who is currently or who is considering adoption or fostering, please share this with them! To learn more, please email Adam at adam@loving-shepherd.org

ADOPTION RESOURCES

In addition, we continue to serve hundreds of families each year through our free adoption resources program. The road to adoption is complicated and sometimes eligibility within certain countries is not clear. Our staff can help answer those questions for you, break down the costs and coach you on the right questions to ask – all free of charge. It’s our prayer that these tools will empower you as you seek to care for the vulnerable child God has for you!

LEARN MORE AND START YOUR ADOPTION RESOURCES FORM TODAY!

Whether God has called you to be a foster or adoptive parent, or you’re best suited to financially support others raising vulnerable children, we believe everyone has a place in His work! As we serve together, we want to thank you because none of this is possible without your prayerful support. You are enabling us to help care for these families – and the vulnerable children they love.

GET INVOLVED

Pray for foster and adoptive families – and the children they are raising! We pray their stories can be testimonies of His goodness despite the brokenness of this world.

Help us provide free counseling and adoption resources for families answering His call. We can’t provide these resources without your help! GIVE HERE.

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