Child Hope International In This Issue
Meet Gibson
MDL Graduation 2011
Back to School
New CD
Needs
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Glory to His name!
Greetings in the Name of the
One who was and is and is
to come,
This summer has been a
busy one. We have been
blessed with some wonderful
teams and a great group of
interns.
Since the orphanage began,
we have always used the
summers as a time to boost
the children's academics
and help them to learn new
skills.
Summer school and
vocational training kept all of
us very busy. Summer
school mornings focused on
individualized tutoring in
French and mathematics,
while the afternoons were
filled with lessons in furniture
making, silk screening,
sewing and baking. We also
have sports, violin, guitar
and singing lessons, special
summer events and much
worship and fellowship
together.
We are so very thrilled that
the children are excited and
eager about their futures. It
is our prayer that they will
view the things they do now
and in the future as their own
September 2011 Meet Gibson We first met Gibson (officially spelled
"Gipson") when he and his older brother
Evans would walk down the center island
of Delmas street knocking on car windows
to beg for change. He was seven at the
time. These two beautiful little boys, with
there infectious smiles, broke our hearts. We would always roll down our widows,
talk with them and give them a treat. When we had feedings in the area we
always invited both brothers. Later, we
found out that their mom was begging on
the side of the road, holding their one year old baby brother Lixson. Even little Lixson knew
how to reach his hand out for gourdes. It was a sad sight. When we approached his mother to see if we could help, she told us her husband
abandoned them for another woman and that they
had to move from the countryside to Port-auPrince to beg because they had no other way to
survive. We offered to take the boys into our
home but the mother said no. She needed them to
collect money on the street and she didn't want to
separate from them. She cared for them but, in
her own desperate way -- an emotion most of us
will never know but is common place in Haiti.
One day, the mother came to us in a panic. She
said that the police were rounding up all the street
kids and throwing them into children's prison and
that most of them will never get out. She asked if
we were still willing to take the kids. We said, of
course.
Ariana with Evans and
Gibson (right) when we
Since
coming
first met them.
into our
boys
home, both Gibson and Evans have given their
lives to Christ and have grown tremendously. Gibson has a heart for worship and, after
learning just a few guitar chords from mister bill,
became an incredible guitarist and now leads
worship for the kids at MDL. He also assists with
teaching guitar class. Evans followed suit and
plays djembe drums for MDL and Port-au-Prince
Fellowship Church. Academically, Gibson has excelled, ranking first or second in his class nearly every year. Both Gibson and Evans were accepted into Excellsior School, a leading prestigious college
prep private school in Port-au-Prince. Both of these boys have humble sweet spirits and
are always serving and helping others.
Shortly after he boys moved into the orphanage, we were able to hire their mother as an
assistant cook at the boys home. When Susette was miraculously cured of cancer, she
gave her life to Christ. Little Lixson, their baby brother, now six years old and still living with
his mother, has been attending MDL school and is doing very well. We are so very blessed to have witnessed how God has transformed this family with the
hope and love of Jesus Christ. Please remember Gibson and his family in your prayers. If
you are interested in sponsoring Gibson or Evans, you may do so online. Lixson can also
be sponsored at our school scholarship page. Thank you and God bless. MDL Graduation 2011 personal gift to God -- for
His glory.
_________________
If anyone speaks, he
should do it as one
speaking the very words
of God. If anyone serves,
he should do it with the
strength God provides, so
that in all things God may
be praised through Jesus
Christ. To him be the
glory and the power for
ever and ever. Amen.
- 1Peter __________________
With recent graduations,
both in school and at MDL,
the summers are looked at
as a time of transition -- a
moving from one season to
another. We pray that,
besides educational
accomplishments and
career strides, that there is
also a moving closer to their
Creator, a greater reliance
on the One who is greater
than all.
We are constantly amazed
at the achievements and
growth these beautiful young
people attain. But we also
know that it is also not easy. Some still deal with scars
and hurts from their past. Some see the hopelessness
of so many people in their
country and become
discouraged. Others look at
the things that can
discourage as motivation
fuel to overcome and
succeed for the glory of
God.
Each child is a unique
creation of God with unique
needs, concerns and
approaches to life. Those of
you with children of your
own know what i mean. Now take and multiply that
by 50 children and you can
see the scope of the
challenge.
That is why we feel so
blessed when teams and
interns come to serve. Each
person that comes here with
the heart to serve, with a
willingness to pour the Love
of Christ into the children
makes a meaningful,
indelible mark. Working
hand in hand with the MDL
staff and missionaries here,
we serve as one body, with
the same goal -- to bring
Glory to the One who saves!
Thanks also to all of you
It was a day of both sorrow and joy sorrow for missing the daily presence of
the kids graduating, and joy to see these
young adults moving forward into
adulthood and a new exciting season of
their lives. The graduation ceremony was held at
Quesqueya Church and featured a
devotional by CHI chairman Peter
Bohlinger, slides of the graduates in their
early years, sharing of early MDL stories
about the kids by Bill and Susette,
presentations of certificates and special
gifts, and closing prayer over all the graduates. The event was attended by fellow MDL
friends, staff and family members of the graduates. After the ceremony, graduates were
taken out for a special dinner at Karibe Hotel in Petionville. When the children at Maison de Lumiere turn
18, they are required by Haitian law to move out
of orphanage. We realize that for some, this is
early but we try to prepare them as best as
possible. That is why we developed the
transition program. The focus of the program is
on first, building a strong spiritual foundation,
and then, to equip them with life skills (i.e. how
to budget, set up a bank account, and live
independently), and business and vocational
skills that will translate into income for their
futures. Mikerlin, our first MDL
Ideally, the program starts preparing MDL
female graduate, receives a children for graduation as early as age twelve.
Learning life skills and teaching basic trade
certificate from Childhope skills through shop classes at MDL school, the
idea is to better prepare them eventually for
board chairman Peter
independent life. Our goal is that at 18, each
Bohlinger.
child will (if possible) have completed high
school, speak English, French and Creole,
have a drivers license, be proficient on computers, know a least one vocational skill, have
basic business skills, money in the bank (from having worked part-time jobs) and be solidly
grounded in their Christian faith. We make a big deal out of graduating out of the
homes because we believe it is a significant rite
of passage - a transition to a new season in life. Our 2011 MDL graduates are Semy Charles,
Jeff Jules, Jonas Simon, Mikerlin Auguste,
Anderson Joseph and Patrick Toussaint. Each
of them has their own goals and plan. Because
they were all older when they first were brought
into the homes, they did not finish high school and they want to complete school. Most will
complete school in the evenings and work during the days. Some have jobs at MDL Patrick is Staff House Caretaker & Translator, Jonas is Boys Home Caretaker, Anderson
is the MDL School Caretaker, and Mikerline is Assistant Nanny. Semy has a sponsor that
is helping him launch a motorcycle taxi business and Jeff is learning furniture making at the
transition home. Although some of the graduates will live off campus, we will remain in
regular contact via weekly Bible studies and other MDL events. We are excited for each of the graduates and look forward to how God will use them for
His glory. Please remember our graduates in your prayers. Back to School
An education in Haiti is a luxury most
cannot afford. There are almost no 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. This was part of the reason for
establishing MDL School. who who continue to
contribute by prayer,
financially, in service, in
word and in more ways than
i can describe here. It is the
collective efforts of the body
of Christ that is helping these
kids to achieve victory in
Christ!
Thank you Jesus! Thank
you fellow servants!
In Christ in Haiti, The Manasseros
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Videos
Michelett (pictured here), her
parents and six siblings share a
one room cider block house near
the ravine. MDL school offers her
the opportunity to a great
education and to learn
computers at the same time. Her
family is hopeful for her success.
MDL School is attended by both children
from Maison de Lumiere and needy
children from the community. Because
the local children are from very poor
families the school is available at almost
no cost. However, in order to do this, we
require sponsors for each child. The
cost for one child to attend our school,
because of our excellent teaching staff,
small 10-child-per-class classrooms, two
meals per day, computer lab and other
above standard benefits, is hundreds of
dollars. However, a child with sponsors
providing a minimum of $20 per month,
can attend. This way, we hope to cover
most of the costs of the neighborhood
kids' education.
We want the children attending MDL
School to have an above-average
education, all built upon a strong
foundation in Christ. Won't you please
consider helping these special children
with the opportunity to succeed. To
sponsor a child's education at the MDL
school just click here. It's Here! Preachers4Christ Debut CD It has been a labor of love for Israel Jean Baptist, 2010
MDL graduate, for quite some time now. This young man
has a heart for the Gospel and wants the world to know
about Jesus. That is why he produced this CD by his
vocal group called Preachers4Christ. The CD is called
"The Gospel." He is joined by fellow MDL graduates Jeff
Jules and Patrick Toussaint, and current MDL residents
Elisee Frederic and Clifford (T-John) Revolte. He is also
joined by a few other friends, including Ariana Manassero. The Gospel is a mix of rap, hip hop and R&B flavored
original Christian tunes, sung in English, and prominently
featuring the soulful voices of Ariana and a local Haitian
gospel singer named Mercado. Inter-dispersed with rap choruses from the MDL boys, the
songs are a beautiful representation of the faith of it's singers. Songs such as The Gospel
(I'm Not Ashamed) and Everything are already receiving airplay on local Haitian radio. We are so very thrilled about this project that we are encouraging all Child Hope supporters
to listen to the CD and decide for themselves. The CD is available for purchase through
Child Hope through our donation page on can be purchased/downloaded online at CD
Baby, Amazon and iTunes.
Please pray that this CD will reach many hearts for Christ and that our Lord be glorified by
these inspirational young people. Needs
People are always saying, "Please let us know what you needs are so we can pray and
help." So, we are asking you to join us in prayer for our most pressing needs. The
following needs are are few of the items we need at this time and we are inviting you to join
us in prayer.
Electrical Transformer
Here in Haiti, when the power goes down, you have two choices: wait for the electric
company (EDH) to fix the problem (six months or, sometimes, years) or you can fix it
yourself. Three of our facilities have major electrical problems because we have been
waiting over a year for EDH to replace a bad transformer. We have electric surges, low
voltage and other problems that are destroying appliances and anything electrical at the
Girls Home, Boys Home and School/Clinic. To buy, install pole and wire a new
Transformer we would solve a major problem. Please pray! Cost: $3,500.
Small Used Truck
Our little white truck that is used for hauling trash, picking up diesel gas, propane and a
host of other things is out of commission and we need a replacement as soon as possible. We are confident we can buy a small used truck for $2,000.
MDL School Kids Scholarships
More than half of the students at MDL School are needy children in the area. (See above
article). We need sponsors for 40 children. Cost to sponsor one child: $20 per month.
Outside School Sponsorships
The children who cannot make it into MDL school have, for the last 4 years, received
assistance to attend other schools in the area. This is the first year we do not have the
funding to help these children. Many of these children will not attend school if we do not
assist. In addition, we select schools that serve the children a meal to insure they eat. So,
in many cases, this is the only meal these kids will receive because their family cannot
feed them. The cost to send 35 needy children to school for a year is $6,000, the cost for
one child is $300. This includes registration, monthly tuition, daily school meals, uniforms
and books. We thank those who have already faithfully given in this area.
Staff House Generator
Currently, the new staff house (the old girls home) that houses interns shares a generator
that is located at the new girls home (old guest house). The generator is not doing well
supplying power to both buildings. Therefore, we are praying for funding to purchase a
generator for the staff house. Cost: $5,500.
Convection Oven
Great news! The bakery micro-business that operates through the transition home, has
just received a new contract to supply snacks (cookies, cupcakes, etc.) to Quesqueya
Christian School. This is wonderful for the program however all goods are being baked at
Brittany Meadt's personal oven in her home and has limited baking space. The school
wants bakery goods sent daily but we can only supply three times a week. Approximate
cost for a used convection oven: $2,700.
Maybe there is an item or items on the above list you can assist with. To donate online, go
here. For more information call 888-808-9595. Please join us in praying that the Lord
provides or inspires individuals, schools, churches or others to assist. God bless.
Upcoming Events
Oct 14-21 - Living Way Christian Fellowship Missions Team
Oct 28-Nov 5 - Kings Harbor Church Missions Team
Nov 11-18 - Ranch Church Missions Team Nov 26-Dec 3 - Reality L.A. Church Missions Team Contact Info
Brittany Rauschkolb Financial (sponsor payments, donations) Brittany@childhope.org
Jessica Selga General information, Internships, Donations Jessica@childhope.org
Alicia Simmons Missions Teams, Guest House, muTch, Administration Alicia@childhope.org
Child Hope International 1225 Coast Village Road Suite C Santa Barbara, CA 93108 888-808-9595 info@childhope.org