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| Child Hope International | June 2011 |
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Blessed Be His Name!
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Just when you think the worse is over for the already suffering people of Haiti, more tragedy strikes.
The recent rains, that lasted only a few hours, resulted in over numerous deaths and left many families homeless -- once again -- completely losing what little they had.
We hurt deeply for these people who have survived earthquakes, hurricanes and suffering like most people will never know. Sadly, tragedies have become a way of life for Haitians. News articles use adjectives like "resilient," "steadfast," "tough," and "resolute" to describe Haitians when they face these difficulties. We see something more -- something most media overlooks. We see people of faith, growing in their reliance on a God of the impossible,a God Who never ceases to love them, Who will never leave nor forsake them, a God who is their "rock" and their "fortress" -- despite their circumstances.
Some would say, "How could a God who loves allow such constant tragedy to impact one group of people?" Some things we may not be able to answer but there is no doubt that the faith of Haitian people is humbling.
We are seeing lives being transformed. People who recognize the love of their Savior. They are not just resilient - they are faithful. They trust in a God who is bigger than any circumstance or tragedy they face. They rely on Him because He is faithful.
In the midst of these tragedies we always hear Haitians recite the Psalm that Haitians know by heart...
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
Continue to pray for the Haitian people - that their faith would grow, that there would be great healing and restoration across the land, and that their great Hope would increase daily.
In Christ in Haiti, The Manasseros |
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Flash Floods - Once Again Tragedy Hits Port-au-Prince
 A night of down-pouring rain, flashes of lightning, monstrous thunder, flash floods, mud slides and screams heard from afar.
At our Monday night young men's Bible study, someone stopped by to ask us to pray for a young man who they believed had been washed into the ravine and couldn't be found. We prayed fervently! We prayed believing that he would be found alive and unharmed. Afterwards, some of our boys and staff joined in the search.
Much of the night was spent the night in prayer, pulling people off rooftops and out of mud, and assisting famililes from the ravine and neighboring tent cities whose homes were destroyed from the rapid rushing water.
It was somber morning as we heard about one of our staff members, Fritzner, who lost his entire home and all his possessions. A number of people died from our neighborhood and some were still missing. Many homes were destroyed from water damage and mud up to three feet deep in their houses. Yet, we believed God's promise The LORD your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. (Zephaniah 3:17).
Through prayer, faith, and generous donations, we received over $6,000 in relief funds. As a result, we've been able to issue grants to families who lost their homes so they could rent new homes. Donations of tarps, shovels, wheel barrels and other items from the Red Cross and Save the Children allowed us to help dig people's homes out of the mud and assist those in need. Our efforts continue as we have cleaning crews helping our neighbors clean and rebuild parts of their homes.
And Praise God! The young man we prayed for was found later that night alive and unharmed! God has certainly turned our mourning into dancing! (Psalm 30: 11)
Thanks again for your generosity! There is still a long list of people in need of homes, clothes, furniture, home repair, etc. If you'd like to continue to support our relief efforts, please donate at: https://childhope.webconnex.com/donation_form?notes=Relief%20Fund&category=14234
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Meet Stanley
 He is one of our newest additions to the Boys Home, joining us last January with his four siblings. After losing his mother during the earthquake last year, he began living under the care of his grandmother and 15 year old sister, Wadeline, before coming to Maison de Lumiere. At just 6 years old, he'd often be seen taking care of his 3 younger siblings - bathing them, picking out clothes for them, and keeping them out of harm's way. It broke our hearts to see such a young boy with so much responsibility. Yet, with maturity beyond his years, he happily did all he could to help his elderly
randmother and sister raise the three younger kids.
Since Stanley has been with us, we've seen his once solemn and serious countenance turn into a joyous, bright, vivacious personality. He's enjoying being a kid, not worrying about
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Here is Stanley with some of his siblings (left to right) - Tiyou, Stanley, Wilson and Adnaika
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taking care of his siblings all the time. He has an infectious laugh and smile that make it easy for him to form friendships and charm visitors. One of his favorite songs to sing is Big House by Audio Adrenaline and performed by Mister Bill (both in Creole and English). His loud, raspy voice, is easy to pick out in the crowd of voices singing. He loves playing soccer, skateboarding, and playing with his siblings and new brothers at the Boys Home.
Please pray for Stanley, that God would continue to heal the pain from the loss of his mother and that he would grow to know the love of Jesus. To sponsor Stanley, click here:
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Educating  Haiti's Future Leaders
An education in Haiti is a luxury most cannot afford. There are few public or free schools. The expense of uniforms, books and tuition are beyond the grasp of most Haitian families. Currently, 48% of the adult population in Haiti is illiterate and 80% is unemployed. Without education, the generation-to-generation poverty and hopelessness continues.
In October of 2010, Maison de Lumiere (MDL) School transitioned from being an American school taught in English, to a French Haitian School staffed completely by Haitians; 7 teachers, 2 aides, and a Principal. Of our nearly 70 students, half are from our orphanage and half are from our neighborhood (some living by the ravine or in a nearby tent city). At
 | | MDL School computer class hopes to better prepare students for good jobs after graduation. |
our school, the children are able to receive a free, quality education in a Christ-centered environment, as well as receive two meals every week day. They are taught French, Creole, Bible, math, science, history, social studies and computer science. And soon English will be added.
The reason we chose to teach in French is because it is the official language of Haiti and, thus, the language of government and commerce. Every government exam, job application, and College class are in French.
It is our goal to prepare each student with the educational, vocational, life and spiritual skills needed for a successful Christian adult life - to be shining "lights for Christ" in Haiti.
Since the education is provided at no charge, sponsorship is necessary to continue to provide this valuable community service. For just $20 a month you can sponsor a neighborhood child to attend MDL School. Sign up here.
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Summer Teaching Opportunities at Child Hope Haiti
 We're looking for enthusiastic teachers with a love for the Lord, love for kids, and a gift in teaching one or more of these subjects: Bible, French, Math, Music, Singing, Art, Arts and Crafts, Photography, Dance, Writing, ESL, Physical Education.
Opportunities to serve are between August 9th-September 10th for 2-5 weeks. Come join our team and be a part of helping our students excel in their academics and enrich their education! For an application and a more detailed description of the internship, click
here.
Deadline for applications is July 6th. Email Jessica Selga at Jessica@childhope.org
for more information.
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Outside Kids Education on Hold
We were blessed this last year to have added 37 outside neighborhood kids to the MDL student body. But, because of limited class size, there were many who were unable to attend. For those who were unable to attend, we were fortunate enough to be able to issue grants for them to attend another school.
Unfortunately, this year, we did not receive the funding to continue to provide education grants for up to 50 outside children. As a result, they currently will not be attending school in the 2011-2012 school year.
Please pray that the Lord will provide the means for these children to continue their education. If you wish to contribute to a fund for this purpose, you may contribute here. Type in the words "OUTSIDE KIDS" in the Special Instructions box.
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Upcoming Events
June 25-July 2 - Kaitlin Evans Missions Team
July 8-15 - Vince Eilenberger Missions Team
July 21-23 - Eye Glass Clinic by West Virginia Missions Team
July 28 - August 6 - Camp-in-a-Box
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