Spring 2024 News

Loving Shepherd Ministries helps the world’s most vulnerable children reach their God-given potential. We rejoice that by God’s grace and your support, our Christ-centered programs are helping to transform the lives of hundreds of children in Haiti, Ethiopia and the U.S.

Every child we serve has felt despair and hopelessness at some point in their lives. And yet it is often during these dark times that God shows Himself to be the God of new beginnings, as He reaches out to them through LSM and provides them with new resources, new hope, and a new vision for the future. In this newsletter, you will read of a young man in Haiti who was recently baptized, and you will read about a Muslim family in Ethiopia who has discovered a brand-new relationship with Christ! We stand in awe and appreciation of the Lord, knowing that “it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13).

We’re very thankful for God’s love and your support as we offer a new beginning to the world’s vulnerable kids!

“It is often during dark times that God shows Himself to be the God of new beginnings.”

HAITI: BAPTISM & A NEW CITIZEN OF HEAVEN

Simon was 7 years old when he came to our first Home of Hope in desperate need of help after his father died in an accident and his mother passed away from an illness. As a double-orphan, Simon was in real danger of becoming a child slave. But God had a plan for Simon and gave him a new Home of Hope family where he began to thrive.

After graduating high school, Simon enrolled at LSM Tech. Adjustment to living on campus was difficult and he began to rebel against the high academic standards and to resist godly counsel which resulted in poor decisions. Eventually, LSM leadership determined an alternative path would be best. This hard decision caused Simon to re-evaluate his choices, as God graciously used this time as a wake-up call. He began to see the blessings he’d been given and the dangers of his bad decisions.

After serious soul-searching, Simon surrendered to Christ – a new beginning! He was recently baptized and is actively involved in his church. He also enrolled at one of the best universities in Les Cayes to become a school principal, while also serving youth in his community as a mentor.

One of our Haitian staff shared, “Simon’s deep love for the Lord is evident in his daily efforts to strengthen his relationship with Him. While he has made mistakes along the way, I have witnessed his remarkable growth into a wise and devoted individual who lives his life for the Lord. His unwavering desire to serve others is truly remarkable and sets him apart. I am excited to see the incredible journey that the Lord has in store for him.”

*Names changed for privacy

ETHIOPIA: A MUSLIM FAMILY FINDS HOPE IN CHRIST

Aster’s young life was full of heartache. Her mom, Melat, had been orphaned at the age of 8 and began working as a maid. She married and eventually gave birth to Aster when she was just 16 years old. Tragically, Aster remembers the day her father committed suicide. She became very depressed and lost any hope for the future. This Muslim family was desperate and hopeless when God graciously led them to our Family Preservation program. Our staff ministered to them and shared the mercy of God. Melat received Christian counseling, business training and life skills, while Aster received Christian education, counseling, and school support.

As their hearts began to heal, they experienced God’s love and accepted His invitation for salvation. These changes were seen in their Muslim community as they grew in faith to boldly share their testimony. Melat shared, “I was very scared for my daughter because she was so depressed after the death of her dad, and I worried about her future. But thanks to God’s loving plan and LSM’s support, counseling and discipleship, Aster is a different person today who shares God’s love with others!” Thank you for your support which makes this possible!

*Names changed for privacy

SUPPORTING LOCAL FAMILIES

Foster and adoptive parents face unique challenges. When parents are stressed, an entire family can struggle. Our USA program now offers foster and adoptive parents a free stay at our beautiful LSM Respite Home, which provides a way to relax, recharge and reconnect. We are excited to provide this opportunity for local families on the front lines of helping kids. Thanks for your support and making this possible!

FINANCIAL STEWARDSHIP

LSM once again earned a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, the nation’s largest, most respected evaluator of charities. Charity Navigator objectively analyzes thousands of nonprofits on their financial health and accountability. This 4-star designation, the highest rating possible, means we exceed industry standards. Less than 1 in 4 nonprofits in the U.S. receive the 4-star rating.

PRAY FOR LSM

Pray for HAITI as the country is currently experiencing riots and unrest. Pray for the safety of our families and staff.

Pray for our FAMILY PRESERVATION PROGRAM IN ETHIOPIA as single mothers and their children are being empowered to share their faith and testimony.

Pray for our USA PROGRAM as we serve foster & adoptive parents by offering them time away at our new Respite Home.

GIVE FINANCIALLY

YOUR PARTNERSHIP gives vulnerable children a chance to have hope in Jesus. We can’t do this without you. Will you join us?

TO GIVE: Donate online at: loving-shepherd.org/give  (Please select Spring 2024 Newsletter in the “What Prompted My Donation” dropdown.