Evens reads Psalm 91 in Haitian Creole. We are joining Young Life globally to pray Psalm 91 during this global pandemic.
We are pleased to announce that Charlie and Mary Scott will host three of our friends from Haiti in January. We have set aside three evenings to gather to hear from Chedrick, Noyo and Bouzy! They will share about the situation in Haiti and the ministries at The Good Shepherd School and Young Life Haiti.
JOIN US!!!
Sunday, January 5th, 4:00 - 6:00 pm at Disney Coronado Springs Resort. Text Julie at 678-640-7203 for Suite Number.
Monday, Jan 6th, 6:30 Dinner / 7:15 pm Presentation at Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church, Orlando
Tuesday, Jan 7th, 7:00 pm Dessert at Maitland Presbyterian Church, Maitland
Wed, Jan 8, 6:30 pm at The Good Life Church, Bradenton
PLEASE RSVP but if you forget ...don't let it stop you from coming! We want to see you!
This trip will be rescheduled in Spring 2020
We are planning a short trip to Haiti to dedicate the Ashley Anderton Memorial Library December 9-11. We will fly to and from PAP from ATL or you can meet us in Haiti. The cost of the trip is $200 and includes lodging at Walls Guest House, meals, transportation and travel insurance. It does not include airfare.
Monday, 12/9 Travel Day / Orientation /Dinner with staff / Rooftop Sharing
Tuesday, 12/10 Library Dedication and Christmas Party at the school / Lunch at Papillon Cafe and Boutique / Dinner at Walls / Rooftop Gathering
Wednesday 12/11 Visit Peace Cycle Social Enterprise / Depart
For more information contact Julie at Julie@haitichildsponsorship.org
In 1999 when our school in Haiti was in its 17th year of operation, we decided we should start Young Life. Pastor Tito Caneus, our co-founder, had made two trips to Florida and to Young Life’s Southwind Camp. He wanted Young Life for the kids in Haiti, so that year we appointed Chedrick, his son, to become the first Young Life staff person.
Young Life (Jenn Vi) took off not only in Port-au-Prince but also across the country. Twenty years later, there are 18 staff and 300 volunteer leaders sharing the love of Christ to kids in 62 communities including Pele and the Good Shepherd School.
We just got back from the wonderful celebration! This ministry became possible because of your support for the Good Shepherd School, so thank you for what you did and are doing for kids in Haiti. Your gifts provide for education, food and helped start the important work of Jenn Vi two decades ago. Thanks again and again!
Get ready to smile — Watch a 2 minute video of the CELEBRATION!
Wooby has been a faithful and vital part of serving with us in Haiti for over 20 years. He is truly an amazing man who is always willing to help in any way that he is able. He has become part of the Haiti Child Sponsorship family in many ways.
Wooby has a deep love for his family and with this, carries a large burden to help care for their basic needs. As you know, life in Haiti is not easy. He has always had a dream to build a house that they can all live in together. He was actually seeing this dream become a reality after saving and building a little bit at a time for SEVEN years. It was a small, four room, cinderblock home that provided shelter for 12 family members! But then in 2010, the ground shook; the house and all of his hard earned money and work had turned to rubble. Wooby has rebuilt one room and takes great pride in taking care of it but longs for the day that he can have the rest of his family join him and know that they are safe.
We have stepped in to help Wooby to re-build his family home. Would you please prayerfully consider joining us in this blessing for Wooby and his family? He has begun the process of laying a foundation for the two additional rooms.
UPDATE: The home is now finished except for the windows and some final touches. If you would like to give towards Wooby's home, please use this link and select "A Home for Wooby" on the dropdown menu. If you prefer to write a check, it can be made out to Haiti Child Sponsorship and mailed to: 320 Town Center Ave Suite C-11 #285 Suwanee, GA 30024. Your gift is tax deductible.
Thanks for your love and care for our friend!
This overpass is minutes from the Good Shepherd School and Young Life office. PHOTO: AP
We have found the following article from @thehaiticollective helpful in giving some context to the recent upheaval in Haiti. Things have slowly improved this week as the Prime Minister invited the population to resume normal activities. People are cautiously optimistic.
We hope the school will be open soon to resume classes and the daily meal program. Thank you for your prayers.
Feb 15, 2019 from The Haiti Collective
Over the past several days, many have been asking about what is going on with the crisis in Haiti. We are not a news outlet, and we don't pretend to be. Unfortunately however, much of what is happening is not easily accessible as the situation in Haiti has not garnered the attention it deserves.
The purpose of this update is to try to give you a better understanding of the situation with a top 10 list of information regarding "Operation Lock Down Haiti". We do not take a side but rather call on everyone to pray for God to intervene and cause peace, righteousness, and truth to reign in Haiti.
** 10 Things You Need to Know Regarding the Current Situation in Haiti **
1. The instability began with a failed electoral process and fragile transitionary government back in 2015/2016 as the president was elected with less than 20% turnout. Fast forward to July 2018, a nationwide protests across Haiti ensued against the PetroCaribe corruption scandal with Venezuelan oil money appropriated for Haiti. The end of Venezuelan oil has contributed to a fuel crisis which only worsened with exclusive contracts with companies who refuse to deliver new shipments when Haiti cannot pay their outstanding debts to the tune of $35 million.
2. Protests have been off and on throughout Haiti since July, but they escalated to another level on February 7. This is now the 9th day of what has been called “Operation Lock Down Haiti” – the goal of which is to shut down all aspects of Haitian life – political, social, economic, educational, and even medical.
3. The majority of the protestors are between the ages of 18 and 25 where unemployment is over 80% and who largely supported and believed the promises of the current political party in power – PHTK (which has largely been backed by the international community). Jovenal Moise, a banana farmer, was hand-picked by his predecessor and former president, Michel Martelly.
4. Here’s a sampling of the things that have happened over the last 8 days: most primary roads in and out of cities have been barricaded with boulders or burning tires, littered with rocks which have been thrown at vehicles; several gas stations have been looted; HQ for Haiti National Television was set on fire with many cars burned; 78 prisons escaped Aquin prison in south Haiti; journalists have been pressured and attacked, leaving one wounded with a gunshot to his hand; a one former police commissioner and wanted fugitive attempted to make his way into the national palace before being arrested by PNH.
5. On Tuesday of this week, President Moise recalls the Haitian Ambassadors to the United States (Paul Altidor), the United Nations (Denis Régis), and Mexico (Guy Lamothe) in the midst of the nationwide revolt, leaving Haiti without formal representation. Haitian Ambassador to France (Vanessa Lamothe Matignon) also resigned this week. Haiti’s Foreign Minister Edmond Bocchit is scheduled to meet with US National Security Advisor, John Bolton regarding the current security threat in Haiti.
6. The Haitian Gourde (HTG), which had already been depreciated to $1 USD = 65 gourde dropped dramatically to $1 USD = 87 gourde within a week, crippling the purchasing power of the already devastated poor. Everyone is sheltered and virtually in “lock down” with each passing day become a battle of the wills – the will of the people vs. the will of the government in who will outlast who. Extreme scarcity of food and water has Haitians protestors out with rocks in pans, exclaiming how tired they are of being hungry and needing help.
7. Many foreign workers and American mission teams have been evacuated via helicopter to the airport as roads are impassible. While helicopter evacuations are extremely expensive, they are nonetheless in great demand. Still several are stranded, unable to evacuate from their current location.
8. Hospitals and emergency services have struggled to stay in operation as they are short on supplies. Not only are basic necessities scarcely available, so are basic social and humanitarian services which are critical in times like this.
9. Last night, President Moise spoke for the first time since the start of Operation Lock Down in which he claimed support of the international community while appealing to the opposition parties to dialogue with him. He made it clear he will not resign and hand over control of the country to what he considers gangs and drug lords. Haitian Prime Minister Ceant refuses to resign or take responsibility for what has happened, though President Moise puts the finger of blame squarely on him.
10. In the aftermath of President Moise’s speech to the Haitian people, increased demonstrations and outbursts of violence are expected. Within an hour, the United States changed its travel advisory to Level 4: Do Not Travel, the highest travel advisory. The US government recognizes its limitations and inability to secure the safety and welfare of its citizens who enter into Haiti under such conditions.
Please continue to pray for #Haiti.
Our founders’ grandson, Caleb Scott, is participating in the NFL’s #mycleatsmycause for charity. He chose Haiti Child Sponsorship and Young Life Haiti to support. The cleats are on auction through Dec 12, 7pm. Bid here.
THANKS CALEB!!
If you have a sponsored child and would like to send a small gift please follow these instructions:
Choose age appropriate items from the list below.
Fit items in an 8.5 x 11 padded envelope.
Write name of child and your name on the envelope.
Please include a short note and /or photo of your family.
Please mail to:
Renee Moldrup
9524 Continental Drive
Knoxville, TN 37922
Deadline to receive the envelopes is Dec 7th.
Drawstring backpack
simple toys such as jump ropes, jacks, marbles, toy cars, puzzles, toy figures, hacky sack, etc
picture books or coloring books in English or French or Creole
colored pencils, crayons or markers, paper
sunglasses & hats
hair ribbons & barrettes
candy (nothing that melts)
bubbles
stickers
lotion & perfume (for girls)
nail polish & remover (for girls)
board games, such as checkers or chess
school supplies – composition book, pen, pencils, eraser, sharpener, ruler, calculator, chalk
water bottle
bracelets
hygiene items such as deodorant, soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste and nail clippers
This story is written by Jenna Scott, Haiti Child Sponsorship founders' grand-daughter. Jenna recently served in Haiti for 6 weeks of a 10 week medical internship (cut short by the recent riots and civil unrest).
Ken’s story did not start with me. In fact, I am not exactly sure when or where Ken’s story did begin. I don’t even really know how to spell his name. I do know that he and I will never be the same because of the way that the Lord intertwined our lives. Hopefully one day Ken will write down his own story and fill in all of the missing pieces. Until then, I can tell you the little bit that I do know. For starters, I know that some eleven years ago, Ken was born in Haiti, probably in a mountain village called Maissade. I know that his parents are no longer in the picture, that he did not start school with other kids his age, that he has experienced great pain, and most importantly, I know that God loves him and has been looking after him throughout his entire life.
The Streets of Maissade, where Ken grew up.
At some point in Ken’s early childhood, a serious infection developed in his knee. I don’t know what caused the infection, but I wonder about it often. Maybe he scraped his knee playing soccer; maybe he was burned. Maybe he cut his knee on a rock in the river. Whatever the cause, the impact was severe. Neglected, the infection intensified until at some point there were maggots festering in the wound. The abscess could no longer be ignored, and the time came for Ken to see a doctor. I’m not sure who the doctors were or what they did, but I know that what was left was dysfunctional. And so, sometime before the age of six, Ken was crippled. At least two years passed by before I met Ken. He transitioned to a new home with his aunt and cousins. He became accustomed to the physical and cultural consequences of being disabled.
When I met Ken in 2014, his was just one precious face among about fifty others. I was sitting in the park with a box of band-aids and a line of kids waiting to be “treated”. I noticed two kids cut the line. The older of the two grabbed my attention and pointed to his younger friend’s leg. At first glance, it looked as though it was broken, and his lower leg was dangling at the knee. My stomach turned, and my first instinct was just to pick him up and love on him as best I could. This was just a week-long trip after all. We’d been going to Maissade for three years and I had not once met this family. For all I knew, the boys would not return to the park while my team was visiting. So, I asked all of the regular questions. I learned that their names were Olande and Ken. They were cousins. Ken was eight years old. Olande did go to school. Ken did not. The more I talked to the pair of them, the more my heart ached for Ken. I decided to adopt him into my arms for the rest of the week, and I started to dream about what I could do for this boy.
As a fifteen-year-old girl with no income, connections or qualifications of any kind, there really was nothing I could do, and I knew that in my mind. Truthfully, my encounter with Ken was not out of the ordinary for Haiti. In a country marked by poverty, hardships, and disaster, you sort of learn to do what you can, pray a lot, and let God do the rest. No one is going to save Haiti, it’s too heavy a burden. The Lord had broken my heart for Haiti before, but with Ken it was different. He wrecked me. I was so overwhelmed by hopelessness that I ran to my bedroom in Maissade and collapsed on the bed in sobs. It was all so unfair. In my despair, I opened my bible directly to Acts 3, and I read this ---
"One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time of prayer—at three in the afternoon. Now a man who was lame from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple courts. When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, “Look at us!” So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them. Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong. He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God. When all the people saw him walking and praising God, they recognized him as the same man who used to sit begging at the temple gate called Beautiful, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him."
The Lord had given me a mission. I knew from that moment on that Ken’s story would not be about a boy who fell victim to the brokenness and hopelessness surrounding him, rather that he would become strong enough to walk, jump and praise the God who made it all possible. The people of Maissade would recognize him and be filled with wonder and amazement at how the Lord had entered into his brokenness and made him whole. I held Ken every day that week, and when it came time to leave, I made a promise to him that I would be back.
The next time I saw Ken was in a post-op room at Adventiste Hôpital in Port-Au-Prince after his first surgery. A miracle surgery that was only possible because of the Lord’s goodness, His connections and the generosity of my community back home. Due to the complexity of his condition, an external fixator was required to align and lengthen his leg. He moved to Port-au-Prince with his older cousin Edna to be closer to the doctor for follow up appointments. With extra money raised from his initial surgery, we were able to support Edna as she cared for Ken. Little did we know, Ken would undergo four more surgeries to date. I have kept a close relationship with him since that day, seeing him at least once a year when my team travels to his hometown. I am always blessed to see how his resilient spirit impacts the people he encounters. This journey has been difficult. I am often reminded how powerless I am in the midst of the brokenness of this world, BUT the Lord is faithful when it feels hopeless, and He is good despite the circumstances.
I was reminded of this truth this past July 2018 when I had the opportunity to see Ken at the Beach in Haiti. All little boys grow up, and Ken is no exception. He has shot up in height over the past year. I can hardly imagine that I used to carry him on my hip not too long ago. We smiled together as he stepped into the ocean for the first time. I watched him be amazed by the waves, the sand, and the seashells. He gaped at the giant crabs being sold by beach vendors. We built huge castles in the sand, and I watched as he learned not to build his fortress too close to the water if he didn’t want to watch it wash away. Despite the pain of his life, and the hardships he has endured at such a young age, he has a type of gentle joy that reminds me of the goodness in life, the goodness that comes from God.
Ken’s story is not over. He is still in physical therapy after his last surgery, and there is a possibility of future surgeries to make sure his legs grow at the same rate (he really is growing so fast). It is my hope that he continues his education and has all of the resources he needs to thrive in life. Ken’s story did not start when I met him, and The Lord was looking after him far before I ever looked into his big brown eyes, and The Lord will continue to be in control as we navigate life together.
The situation in Haiti is improving since riots broke out two weeks ago -- here is an overview/update and specific ways you can pray for Haiti, the school, and the community we serve.
Thank you for your faithful support of the work of our staff and leadership in Haiti. The good news is, the school is not dependent on Americans to run the daily operations of the school. We have a competent, capable staff doing so and for that we are grateful! We do depend on the support of our U.S. friends to fund the operations and for those people, churches, foundations, etc we are grateful as well.
Almost two weeks ago, the government announced that it would no longer subsidize gas prices, resulting in a 38-51% increase to the cost of fuel. The vast majority of the population lives on less than $2 a day and this would greatly affect their daily lives. Protests, riots, and roadblocks broke out across Haiti making it dangerous to leave your home.
Despite an announcement that the government reversed its decision on fuel prices, the unrest continued, leading to the resignation of the Prime Minister on Saturday, July 14. The US Travel Warning has been lowered to Level 3 which is good news.
We are proud of our Haitian staff that continue to press on and fulfill their call to serve the poor of their country. We are thankful to work alongside them and support their efforts to provide education and meals and hope to the community of Pele.
The sweet faces below are of students peeking under the door of the church during Teacher Appreciation Day at the school last week.
What they saw was their teachers being celebrated, honored and thanked for their dedication and service -- each teacher receiving a gift and certificate of Appreciation.
The children were so excited and got a glimpse that education matters and their teachers are valued and loved.
We just returned from a very good visit in Haiti. A year ago for my 80th birthday wish, I asked you, our donors, to consider giving to build the new church/multipurpose building at the school. You all responded in such a wonderful and generous way that a year later, just 2 weeks ago, we dedicated the beautiful new building!
It had been a long, eight years since the earthquake toppled the church...Hundreds gathered to celebrate...Three weddings began at 7am to begin the day...There was joy, laughter, singing, and dancing!
Mary and I were asked to “cut the ribbon “ before the service. We recruited Chedrick’s two beautiful daughters, Pastor Tito’s two granddaughters, to share in the wonderful occasion. A GREAT and unforgettable day! MERCI! THANK YOU!!
These interviews from two 7th graders at the Good Shepherd School remind us of what we do and why we do it - for the children and the future of Haiti
MEET REYNALDO
"My name is Reynaldo. I live with my parents and one brother. I am in 7th grade. For me, the school represents the pride of the area and of every kid who has a chance to receive education from this prestigious school. Very often people don't like to give good things to poor people but I can say that people at this school make a difference. Every day I receive good education from my teachers, good food from the kitchen and they make me feel that I am important. The school is a really good thing that is offered to poor people in Haiti. Sincerely, my parents would never be able to send me to school if that school didn't exist because they are not working. My favorite subject at school is Physical Sciences because I understand it better.
When I graduate from High School, I would like to go to a university where I will study to become a doctor. I think like that I will have an opportunity to give back to people in my country. Thank you very much to God and to all of you who have combined your strength to make a dream become a reality (My school). God bless you."
MEET ROSE BERLINE
“My name is Rose Berline. I live with my parents and three brothers. I am in 7th grade. I love the school because it has really good teachers to help us in our education. The responsibles share the Gospel with us and they encourage us to go to church. Mrs. Lovely always tell us that God loves us and they love us too. It's for that they have chosen to work at the school and they don't want to see one day that we are harmed because we have chosen to do bad things and follow the examples of bad friends. My favorite subject at school is English. I would like to be able to speak English one day. When I finish High School I want to become a flight attendant, it's my dream. Thank you everyone for your support to the school. You are doing exactly the work of God in helping poor children in Haiti to have a good tomorrow.”
We traveled to Haiti in November to serve at Young Life camp and to visit the school. Our task was to meet with the children for an art project -- creating a handprint Christmas tree for our annual Christmas card! What fun it was to help these kids paint their hand and make a print.
Here is the finished product:
When the earthquake hit Haiti in 2010, the large church/multipurpose building of the school was completely destroyed. Fortunately, school was out at the time, but a vital part of our school complex was gone. Nearly a year ago I was about to turn 80; my birthday wish was for the construction of the new church/multi-purpose building. Your response to my wish has been overwhelming! We are pleased to show you the picture of the building alongside the architectural drawing.
The exterior of the building is complete and beautiful! However, we do need benches for the interior. Chedrick tells us that each bench/pew will cost $200. We are going to have the Church dedication service on January 21. We would love to have 30 new benches on that date. Do you have a church or civic group or Sunday School class that would like to give a bench? And we would love to have you join us for that dedication trip January 18-23.
Thanks again for your wonderful generosity that makes the school and church a possibility!
Good news! Our 9th-grade class received a 91% passing grade on the National Exam. And even better, thanks to you and some very special gifts, we are adding the tenth-grade class at the school! These 60 students will be able to continue their education at The Good Shepherd School. Without the addition of the 10th grade, most would likely have had to drop out due to the cost. Your gifts made it possible for us to hire ten new teachers for the tenth-grade students.
More good news! Ten kids from our school joined about 20 other kids from Pele as they enjoyed a Jenn Vi (Young Life) week of camp. We are excited to report that nearly 1000 kids attended camp this summer. As you know, the Jenn Vi ministry is a direct product of our school.
Perhaps a first at a summer camp....so many kids went to the last camp that there was no room in "dorms" for them to sleep. So, the buses were turned into camper rooms for the overflow for the week. The camps were a wonderful time for every kid who attended.
Lucner, a teacher at the school, and campers at Young Life summer camp!
We are grateful to the staff, families, and students at Saint Thomas More School in Decatur, GA for their efforts to teach children about hunger! The annual Empty Bowls dinner serves up a simple meal of soup and bread in hand-crafted bowls made by the students as a reminder that too many people throughout our world are facing hunger. Our organization received proceeds from this event!
One student, reflecting on what she had learned, asked her teacher what else she could do to help children in Haiti. After much thought, she decided to raid her piggy bank. She brought in 25 envelopes with 30 cents in each envelope to donate to the school so kids could have lunch!
Thank you Gracie! You are inspiration to us all!
Greetings!
This month I will turn 80 years old which for some reason sounds a lot older than 79! And there is one present I am requesting and hoping for this year. On this day, seven years ago on January 12, 2010, the earthquake in Haiti destroyed the school. We will never forget that devastating day that took the lives of nearly 300,000 Haitians and crumbled the capital city. Since then, thanks to your many gifts, the school is mostly rebuilt. But there is one building in the compound that has not been rebuilt -- the CHURCH.
The former church, which held up to 2000 people also served as the auditorium for assemblies, graduations and special events for the children.
Church building pre-earthquake
Inside the church, pre-earthquake
During the earthquake, the second story walls collapsed and the roof fell to the ground. For the past seven years, the church services have been held in a makeshift building (tarps with a tin roof) on the school grounds.
The new building design
My Birthday Wish is for the church to be rebuilt in 2017!! We already have a contractor, design, and $100,000 project cost.
If you know of churches, foundations, or individuals that can help make this happen in 2017, it will be a great gift to me, the school, and the many families in the surrounding communities we serve. We need small gifts, large gifts, matching gifts, stock gifts and pledges. Just let us know if you can help fulfill my Birthday Wish!
We are so grateful for your continuing gifts and we pray that 2017 will be a wonderful year for you!
Charlie and Mary Scott,
Child Sponsorship Founders
Your donations to the Hurricane Relief Fund continue to be used for good! These 3 individuals' homes were repaired and new roofs put on after damaging winds from Hurricane Matthew blew them away. Sagine, Casemir and Josene are grateful for your support!
Thank you to all who donated to the Hurricane Relief efforts! The school suffered more damage than originally thought due to flooding. We are working with a Haitian contractor and consulting with two Young Life Developing Global Leader university graduates who recently earned degrees in civil engineering to solve the drainage problem. In Tent City, we have rebuilt two homes and provided water and general clean-up. And we are helping our Young Life friends rebuild in 3 communities where they minister on the coastline.
The water and drainage problem will be addressed with the Hurricane Relief Fund. The water and drainage problem will be addressed with the Hurricane Relief Fund.
This is Elissaint and his new home. Funds were used to rebuild a new roof! Thank you for rebuilding lives, homes and communities!
The Young Life staff and leaders raised $1000 from their friends and community in Haiti to purchase and deliver 2 carloads of much-needed supplies to Les Cayes area hit hard by the hurricane.
