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| Child Hope International | November 2012 |
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Greetings in the name of our blessed Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!
Our message this month is simple -- We want to say thank you.
Thank you to the many people who help make what we do here in Haiti possible.
For those who pray -- thank you. Please continue to pray more for our children, staff, missionaries and community.
For those who give financially -- thank you. Without your selfless financial support we could not be here.
For those who donate their time and effort -- thank you. Whether in you country or here in Haiti, as a member of a missions team, or a church or school-based effort, your time and energy are much appreciated.
For those who sponsor children -- thank you. The children feel a bond to you and are very grateful for your support. You remain in their prayers.
For those who share kind words -- thank you. You are an encouragement to us.
There are so many others we are thankful for that continually serve, love, give and make a difference for Child Hope. To all we say "Thank You."
And finally, for the One who brought you to us -- the One who is responsible for the amazing miracles that continue to work in and through this ministry -- for our perfect, incredible, beautiful Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, we give you all thanks and praise forever and ever.
Have a blessed Thanksgiving! In Christ in Haiti, The Manasseros |
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Thankfulness in the Face of Adversity
 With Thanksgiving (in America) approaching in a few days, we are reminded of the many many things we have to be thankful about.
In the wake of such tragedies such as the 2010 earthquake, recent hurricanes and the extreme poverty that continues to permeate Haiti we look to our God for hope and perspective. Paul's words of gratitude in Hebrews 12:28 ring true: "Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom  that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe..." Though Haiti has been shaken and the people live in desperate times, we thank our God for the reminder that we are mountain movers because we live in the unshakable kingdom of our great and awesome God.
We live in a place and time where faith is the order of the day and not material or man-made solutions. Hundreds of organizations have a presence in Haiti, all looking to solve all or some of the nations ills, yet without the mighty hand of a mighty God, these efforts are futile.
 He is the one who can transform hearts, cities and nations. He alone has the power to move as only our creator God can move. And He moves especially well in the realm of the impossible - Because He is the God Who makes the impossible possible.
It is this God -- the God of the impossible -- whom we give our praise and thanksgiving. He and He alone shares with us a victory already achieved in Haiti. A victory He promises the world in His word.
We thank Him for the victory already achieved. We thank Him for His faithfulness. And we thank Him for His promises.
"...if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land." 2 Chronicles 7:14
Daily we see His signature in the lives of the people he changes.  Daily we see "beauty from ashes" abounding in Haiti. He is the God of the impossible and we look forward to seeing all of Haiti rejoicing in the victory He has already won for each and every Haitian. The victory achieved at the cross on Calvary and manifested in the resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
 Thank you for Haiti. Thank you for the Haitian people who teach us what it means to truly persevere -- from one tragedy to the next.
Thank you for the cross. Thank you for the resurrection. And thank you for the Blessed Hope we share in Your Kingdom.
To our God who reigns on high - to you be all glory, honor and praise!
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Giving to Make a Difference
Child Hope is a small Christian organization who operates on faith and trusts in God for our needs. Nonetheless, we realize that people considering year-end donations need information to be wise stewards. Here is a brief overview of who we are and what we do.
Child Hope in Haiti is known locally as Maison de Lumiere or the Lighthouse. We operate a boys home, girls home, primary school, medical clinic, guest house and transitional and vocational training center. We employ over 70 Haitians in addition to our non-Haitian missionary volunteers.
Raising Up Disciples
 Our primary mission is to raise up disciples of Jesus Christ, young men and women who show their love for God by loving others more than themselves. Giving young people hope that surpasses their circumstances is our prayer, that they will bring this hope to a nation where poverty, violence and disease tear at the very fabric of their daily existence. EducationWe believe that a good solid Christ-centered education will not only  provide children with opportunities for the future but will also help transform a nation that suffers high illiteracy. Our Maison de Lumiere School not only provides a great education for kids living at our homes but we also open the school up to children from our community, living tent cities and ravine areas, who would never have the opportunity otherwise. In addition to a classical education, computer training and English are taught at the school.
Saving Lives
Child Hope is firmly committed to saving lives -- both spiritually and physically. Here are just a few of the ways lives are saved:
 Feeding Kids - Through our muTch feeding program, we are able to feed 200 children three days a week. Many of these children were suffering from severe malnutrition. At each feeding the children also receive the Word of God and participate in sports and games.
Providing M edical Care - Something as simple as giving out malaria medicine can save a life. Our medical clinic is actively providing critical care for our community for just pennies. Visiting medical specialists, in addition to our local medical staff, provide excellent medical services for those who cannot normally afford to visit a doctor or hospital.
Providing Safe Shelter - Previously homeless children, restavecs (child slaves) and children-at-risk find safe harbor at the Lighthouse girls and boys homes. Each home provides a loving and nurturing, Christ-centered environment. Relief Assistance - Although Child Hope is the first to say we are not a relief organization, we have provided homes, food, medical and other assistance for hundreds of families who were impacted by the earthquake, hurricanes and other local tragedies. Vocational Training  Residents of the Lighthouse, as well as select local individuals, can learn a trade through our Transitional and Vocational Training Program, along with business and life skills classes that will help insure their success upon independence. Micro businesses specializing in furniture making, sewing, bakery, jewelry making, silk screening and bee keeping provide excellent training avenues for young people that will translate into survival and a possible career. Child Hope also maintains a an active guest house where Lighthouse kids learn hospitality industry skills. For more information on Child Hope's efforts in Haiti visit childhope.org.
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News Update
 Isguerda, one of one of our recent graduates, has been blessed with a job at a nearby hair salon. Her beauty school training and natural cosmetology talents developed while working on hair at the girls home has helped prepare her for her new job. Pray that she will do well and be a light for Christ in her new job.
Mr. Michelet, whose family was featured in last month's newsletter, is on the mend and is currently working for Child Hope doing a temporary project on our water system. He is happy to be moving back up in the working world and looking forward to job opportunities in the community in the near future.
Little Angelica has made a smooth transition back into her home  with her mother and two brothers. She still comes to every feeding program where she receives a healthy meal and gets a regular physical evaluation by the nurses who are able to monitor her skin condition. Thus far she is looking very healthy and happy.
Guy Marcus's mom Gertrude went into labor  last weekend. Unfortunately, she lost one of the twins. But her surviving baby boy Gael is cuter than ever and already has a funny personality. She is currently staying at the staff house to take care of her newborn in a cool, clean environment. 
The team from King's Harbor Church was recently in Haiti doing a number of work projects for Child Hope. One work team was able to frame new coverings for the outdoor kitchens at the staff house and boy's home. This is invaluable to us in the rainy seasons (PIC) and in the heat of the summer.
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Christmas 2012
 Christmas is right around the corner! Our preparations for the Christmas pageant continue full steam ahead. The kids are practicing for the nativity play, working on their dance routines and skits and gifts are being collected in the States for shipment to Haiti. However, funds are still needed as we have only raised ten percent of our budget for the program. If you are interested in contributing to Christmas for the kids this year, please click here.
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| Upcoming Events
Dec 7-17 - Reality L.A. Church - Los Angeles, CA
Dec 12 - muTch Special Christmas Meal
Dec 14 - MDL School Christmas Program
Dec 15 - MDL Christmas Pageant
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