Stories of Hope | October 2022

VIOLET | KEY WEST
God has crossed our paths with many people across the Caribbean and with others whose hearts are for Jesus to transform the lives of every man, woman, and child in their community. One pastor we have worked with for years doing pastor training in Haiti, the DR, and the Bahamas is Pastor Carey—he is a force for the gospel. Violet is Pastor Carey’s Haitian daughter-in-law who was born in the Bahamas. She’s lived in Key West for ten years and had not interacted much with the Haitian community there. That is, until volunteering to serve with Mission of Hope in Key West. Violet quickly became one of our greatest blessings in Key West, translating, connecting us with the community, and helping us navigate new cultural norms. She also was an integral part of the very first Hope for Her event in Key West.

After a summer of incredible ministry alongside hundreds of HopeGo participants, Violet sent our team a message. “You have allowed me to get back in touch with my culture and people. I love you guys. I’m so happy you invited me to be a part of something bigger than ourselves—it’s the work of God.” Along with her message, she sent photos of kids in the Haitian community with brand-new backpacks. Violet and her church members went out and purchased backpacks for these kids. Violet’s desire to sacrificially give, serve, and reconnect with her Haitian roots is a picture of the redemptive work we have seen God do as we continue to step out in faith where He leads. He is doing powerful work throughout the world and it’s a blessing to be a part of it.

HAITIANS SERVING THEIR NEIGHBORS | KEY WEST, FL
Another incredible story that we’re celebrating from Key West is that a community of primarily Haitian church members volunteered to pack 25,000 meals at a meal packing event! Three Haitian churches served with two local churches and together brought 60 volunteers! Pastor Jean Jean is one of the pastors who was a key leader in making this event happen, and his church members along with volunteers from the community spent a day packing meals to be pre-positioned on True North to be used in times of disaster response.

Those from the Keys and the surrounding Caribbean islands are no stranger to the difficulties that come after a large tropical storm. People from the Bahamas, Haiti, Jamaica, and surrounding countries each have been affected by natural disasters, and they know just how important a box of food is after losing everything. Please be praying these meals are an avenue to share the love of Christ with people who have experienced devastation. Pray these bring hope to the hurting.