We’re about halfway through the year, and the social and political landscape of the country has not improved. There have been some significant changes, and at the same time, not much has changed at all. The violence and threats of violence are still present issues. A new government has been installed, and Kenyan soldiers now have boots on the ground.
Jesus said in John 14:27, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”
The world, the country of Haiti, will not give us peace. But our hope is in the provider of perfect peace. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.
Peace. This is what He is providing to so many in Jacmel, Haiti, through the ministry of Children’s Hope. Our children and staff remain safe behind the walls and gates of our children’s home compound. The clinic has remained open and is seeing patients. The children have finished school for the year and are enjoying the summer break. These things are such a blessing in the chaos.
We have a few more things we want to highlight and share with you about some exciting things happening at Children’s Hope.
Schools
End of the School Year
The school year is now complete, and summer is officially here. We had 58 children complete school. We’re so proud of them.
Some of the older kids were able to celebrate the end of the school year with a pool party.
Not only are we proud of them academically, but some of the boys have been doing very well in athletics. They have been playing on a soccer team and have had an incredible opportunity to participate in something special when they were recently invited to play in a tournament with teams from other local schools, and our boys finished third!
Bible Training Center for Pastors
BTCP Graduation
We proudly congratulate the 16 students who recently graduated from the BTCP program. Six women and ten men completed a 2-year course on Bible training. Some are pastors from remote villages, learning more to share with their congregations, some want more Biblical knowledge to use in ministry leadership, and some want to become pastors.
Pastor Marc and Pastor Nicolas have been leading this program for several years. Their leadership profoundly impacts the lives of many in Jacmel and the surrounding areas.
This graduation may end the journey for this small group, but it also marks the beginning of a new group of 22 students starting their 2-year process through the BTCP program.
Infrastructure
Diesel is Coming Back
With the gangs having a firm grip on roads and transportation, the southern part of Haiti has been at the mercy of the gangs, having the roads open or closed for the distribution of goods around the country. When the roads are closed, necessities like fuel and food are not being moved from Port au Prince to Jacmel or anywhere in the south. Recently, however, we have been able to secure diesel fuel. This is critical for us because diesel is how we get power, and power is how we run things like the lab in the clinic, dental tools, lights for security, and so many more things. We’re thankful to have a little better access to diesel lately so we can keep the lights on.
Recent Developments Haiti
Latest Developments
The country has had two significant developments in the past couple of months. After the resignation of Prime Minister Ariel Henry, a coalition of several countries worked together to install a new government. This government is still trying to establish itself and take control of the chaos in the country.
This new government was a condition that needed to be met for Kenya to deploy troops to Haiti. On June 25, the first contingent of Kenyan security forces arrived in Haiti, with more expected soon. With the new government and Kenyan soldiers in place, the country is hopeful for positive change.
JOINING THE JOURNEY
Interested in Sponsoring a Child?
You can change the life of a child in Haiti. Children’s Hope cares for over 60 children at our children’s home in Haiti.
These are all children from hard places or difficult situations. At Children’s Hope, they are secure, they are loved, and they have the opportunity to thrive. They are taught God’s great love for them and that He has a good plan for their life.
The monthly giving of our child sponsors makes this all possible.
