Published Wed, Sep 03, 25.
Written by Daniel Van Wieren.

North Haiti boasts natural beauty and a wealth of amazing people--where we are, by the grace of God, is safe from the current national dangers! In this place pronounced by locals like the morbid device "guillotine," decades ago, was was very spot where citizens gathered to dedicate the country to Voodoo. But it's now also the very spot where the light of the Gospel breaks darkness, and thick darkness (Is 60:2). But darkness stands no chance when fully surrendered people unapologetically proclaim and live the true Gospel of Jesus--this is the case in our Haiti school (not that it's not the case at all our Mentor Leaders locations!). God has space to destroy the works of darkness (1 John 3:8) as His children come alongside others to help with real needs, to disciple, and teach them to be a light and salt; this is exactly what we do in providing Aid, Restoration, and Sustainability. Do you remember reading about Rose-Lourde and her sister in our program?

This amazing young woman fled the capital and all its turbulence with bullets flying overhead, and tragically witnessed lives of precious people she loves lost in front of her eyes. Her mother and siblings, also in our program, fled and they survived to find a new life awaiting them in the safe north, where they have a sweet refuge and their hearts can flourish in an environment of love, and where a strong Christian education is helping them become leaders who will transform their community and whatever realm of career they dream of pursuing.

By the way, if you wonder if the Christian education is really working, the exams we received back after review for 9th grade are 100%.

As we prepare for our school year, we're thrilled for the good hope and future that can be offered to each child, each Rose-Lourde, Denise, each child still praying for full sponsorship, who are survivors who will thrive like an oasis in a desert. Can you imagine being the first person in time-out-of-mind from your family to leave the thralls of poverty and become a blessing to your country, and a mighty weapon in the hands of God? Supporting a Mentor Leaders student, you don't have to.