Hope in Haiti https://hopeinhaiti.org Christ's Love for Haiti Wed, 28 May 2025 13:17:59 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0 https://hopeinhaiti.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/favicon.jpg Hope in Haiti https://hopeinhaiti.org 32 32 246683444 What comes next? https://hopeinhaiti.org/2025/05/what-comes-next/ https://hopeinhaiti.org/2025/05/what-comes-next/#respond Tue, 27 May 2025 13:10:47 +0000 https://hopeinhaiti.org/?p=12883 Dear faithful friends,

On the shores of the Red Sea, it seemed that the children of Israel were stuck – without a hope, without a home, without a way forward, and without safety as Egyptian chariots closed in from behind. In their fear, they quickly turned from joy and laughter to regret, accusations, and despair. But it was only because they had come to this point of being at the end of their own path that they could follow a new one. Only when they cried out to God did they have an incredible new way forward through the Red Sea as Jehovah parted it before their eyes.

In recent months, Hope in Haiti as an organization came to the end of our known path of ministry. In our commitment to be upright and faithful in handling funds you have invested, we had to remove ourselves from financial partnership with the schools and friends we have loved and worked with for so many years. This hard decision left us wondering what God would do next.

Meanwhile, in another community in Haiti, a group of people trying to make a difference for the lost and least-of-these children started a ministry in 2004 with an orphanage, and continued to make an impact providing schools, medical clinics, local leadership training, and more. New Generation Haiti was founded in partnership between Pastor Nathan Chariot of Haiti and Mike and Chris Leland of Washington, USA. Through flexibility, faithfulness to God, and accountability, they have been able to thrive in their calling to serve in life-giving roles for the spiritual, mental, physical, and emotional well-being of the people of the greater Gonaives area in western Haiti, even in this era of violent gangs and weakened authority.  Mike and Chris have been long-time friends and resources for Hope and Haiti over the years, so it was hardly a stretch to imagine partnering with them.

As the Hope in Haiti Board discussed many thoughts about how to proceed in ministry, Dixie began talking to Mike Leland about what appeared to be the end of our path as we know it. Mike spoke to Dixie and all of the board about prayerfully considering letting God open a new one to us in partnering with New Generation, to combine our passion for Haiti with the resources and opportunities of NGH’s organization. After weeks of prayer, fasting, seeking wisdom, and talking it over, we agreed that this new partnership was right for our organization!

We encourage you to read more about New Generation Haiti’s journey, their values, and the lives they are impacting. Their website, newgenerationhaiti.org brings their work to life with stories, photos and details. We want you to join us in investing in their work of rescuing, sheltering, teaching, healing, and training! We encourage you to directly partner with NGH with your time and your giving. Our goal is to merge our work with theirs as God continues to work in the beautiful people of Haiti. If you have questions, please reach out and talk to us about it! You can start by sending us a line at info@hopeinhaiti.org or contacting the team at NGH to find out more about their vision – go to https://www.newgenerationhaiti.org/contact/.

Please read their Letter of Introduction to learn more right away!

Taking the next step forward into new territory can feel dangerous. We are thankful that God has gone on before us and made a way through the wilderness so that we can stay faithful to His work in this changing world!

There is still Hope in Haiti!

Prayerfully,
Hope in Haiti Board of Directors

]]> https://hopeinhaiti.org/2025/05/what-comes-next/feed/ 0 12883 A time of transition for Hope in Haiti https://hopeinhaiti.org/2024/07/a-time-of-transition-for-hope-in-haiti/ https://hopeinhaiti.org/2024/07/a-time-of-transition-for-hope-in-haiti/#respond Sat, 20 Jul 2024 22:12:47 +0000 https://hopeinhaiti.org/?p=12449
Dear faithful friends,

We are so grateful for you and your constant support and love for the Haitian people. You have made a difference in so many precious lives!

The Hope in Haiti board has been discussing something important and we wanted to let you as our partners know what has been developing. As stewards of your gifts and donations, we are always zealous to make sure your investments are well-placed in the work of raising up educated young leaders, feeding the hungry of forgotten regions of Haiti, and providing school buildings, paid teachers, books, and HOPE! It has recently come to our attention that we can no longer be assured that your gifts are being used as directed in the regions in which we have been working. It is with much prayer, careful consideration, and great sadness that we have decided that we must cease our financial partnership with the schools, clinic, and church we have principally been backing. Our hearts and our prayers are still with each and every one of the students, staff, and leaders there, but our calling to be upright and fastidious in accounting for your donations requires us to make this change. Please be assured that we did not make this decision rashly or without concern and care.

As for what is next for Hope in Haiti, we are prayerfully seeking guidance on what opportunities might be open for us. We do not yet know what we will transition to, but we will keep you informed. There is much work to be done! However, until we have put down new roots and can safely direct your donations to the right cause, we are asking that you pause all donations, gifts, and sponsorship support with our organization. For those of you with automatic withdrawal donations set up, you will need to manage this through your bank or PayPal, whichever you are using. To see how to cancel automatic payments, see this link: PayPal Cancellation

We continue to ask for your prayers during this time of transition. Good overseas work is beautiful and complicated! But in the end, we just want to do whatever God wants. Pray for wisdom, judicious but open hearts, and good relationships.

Thank you for your understanding and for your support you’ve shown us for so long. We look into the future with HOPE that God will continue to use you in mighty ways!

Dixie and the Hope in Haiti board.

]]> https://hopeinhaiti.org/2024/07/a-time-of-transition-for-hope-in-haiti/feed/ 0 12449 Where does our help come from? https://hopeinhaiti.org/2024/03/where-does-our-help-come-from/ https://hopeinhaiti.org/2024/03/where-does-our-help-come-from/#respond Wed, 27 Mar 2024 19:14:07 +0000 https://hopeinhaiti.org/?p=12071
Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; […]The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. – Psalm 46:6-7
Dear Friends,As domestic and foreign news stories come and go from the headlines, I wonder if you’re aware of the current crisis in Haiti. The ongoing fighting, kidnapping and rampant sexual assaults have continued, but now have escalated since the end of February. Jimmy Cherizier (known as Barbecue), a former police officer and now Haiti’s most powerful gang leader, has been calling on Prime Minister Ariel Henry to step down. He claims the violence won’t stop until he resigns from office. On March 12th, President Henry officially announced he is indeed stepping down. Meanwhile, the gangs have seized or disabled most existing infrastructure, including access to food and medical care. Starvation, disease and homelessness are beginning to join with the violence in creating a horrific scene.

Bad news is never what we want to be writing about, yet that has been a theme lately. As partners in our ministry, we feel it’s important that you know what has been going on with these precious people.

  • Over 80% of the capital city Port au Prince has been taken over by gangs.
  • The airport has been closed
  • The Dominican border is closed
  • The main seaport is closed
  • The prisons were broken into releasing 3000-4000 of Haiti’s inmates
  • The US Embassy has evacuated all personnel
  • 17,000 Haitians have lost their homes
  • Only two functioning hospitals remain in the entire nation

Although Hope in Haiti’s work is more rural and therefore more insulated from the violence, the area is still greatly affected with roads controlled by gangs and fear is instilled in the people. Most of Haiti’s schools have closed this month because of the rise in violence. Thankfully our schools have been able to continue. We still are able to pay the teachers and provide education for hundreds of children.

In the midst of the pain, devastation, and instability, is there any hope? The author of Psalm 121 puts it this way: “I lift up my eyes to the hills– where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.” Our hope for rescue is through the Lord! He is powerful and merciful and He cares for “the least of these.” We must lean on the Lord and advocate for our brothers and sisters in Haiti!

Haiti needs your prayers! Pray for the children. Pray with love. Pray without judgment. We serve a God who is just.

“I call on you, O God, for you will answer me; give ear to me and hear my prayer. Show the wonder of your love, you who save by your right hand those who take refuge in you from their foes.” – Psalm 17:6-7
Hopeful,
-Dixie and the team
So many young students and their teachers rely on you and your partnership.
Pray for the futures of these precious children.
]]> https://hopeinhaiti.org/2024/03/where-does-our-help-come-from/feed/ 0 12071 Nan wo kids playing https://hopeinhaiti.org/2023/12/nan-wo-kids-playing/ https://hopeinhaiti.org/2023/12/nan-wo-kids-playing/#respond Mon, 18 Dec 2023 22:33:25 +0000 https://hopeinhaiti.org/?p=11718

I just recently received this video. I hope you enjoy the joy.

Dixie

]]> https://hopeinhaiti.org/2023/12/nan-wo-kids-playing/feed/ 0 11718 Not Abandoning Ship https://hopeinhaiti.org/2023/11/not-abandoning-ship/ https://hopeinhaiti.org/2023/11/not-abandoning-ship/#respond Thu, 16 Nov 2023 18:31:43 +0000 https://hopeinhaiti.org/?p=11609
Faithfulness in hope
Dear Friends,

“Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines,
though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food,
though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls,
Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior.” 
Habakkuk 3:17,18

It has been a season of danger and brokenness in Haiti, and of desperation.

The Dominican Republic shares the island of Hispanola with Haiti. Due to much violence and instability in Haiti, they have closed their borders – land, sea, and air. Many Haitians live in the Dominican and are now being told to leave. No visas are being given and no visas are being renewed. Haitians are very discriminated against openly. And thus, there is one less safe place to live if you are Haitian.

From August 2023 to October 2023 over 31,000 Haitians and 17,000 Cubans have fled their countries. Up to 15 planes each day have flown out of the capital city in Port au Prince, Haiti, loaded with Haitians looking for a better life. They pay high prices from $3,000 to $5000 US to fly to Nicaragua and are then bussed north through Honduras and through Guatemala until they reach the border of Mexico. Then they wait until they can be processed before continuing on their journey to the United States border, hoping for a better life. Many have sold their homes or borrowed money to pay for their tickets. Some take buses north and hundreds simply walk 1,125 miles to the closest US border with Texas. Some may be allowed to enter the United States, but many will be turned back. Some choose to stay in Central America or Mexico while others continue to try to find a way into “the promised land” of America. Now another hammer blow: as of Monday, October 30, 2023, the Haitian government has closed all flights to Nicaragua without any explanation, cutting off one of the few exits that existed and leaving several thousand people stranded at the Port au Prince airport, bags packed and no where to go but back into gang land.

Hopefully the last few emails from us have explained the backstory. Life has become hopeless for many in Haiti. With 80% of Port au Prince taken over by gangs the people are looking for a new life. Parents are desperate for their children to grow up safe and sound, and as such, they want them out of Haiti. They are willing to sacrifice nearly everything to send them far away, some never seeing their children again. Imagine…

Hope in Haiti continues to support the people of Haiti in this desperate situation. If ever we were to respond to our calling to help one another, it is now! Hope in Haiti has had to change our strategies, but we are not abandoning ship. By God’s grace and because Pastor Louinet is committed to the work of the Lord and working with his people, our schools are functioning. Your partnership allows us to support three schools and have about 650 students. We continue to employ about 80 people and faithfully pay them each month. And what’s more, we intend to stay and overcome the darkness! Recently we asked Pastor Louinet to consider throwing a Christmas party for the schools to celebrate our students, their families, and the birth of Christ. We pray daily and ask God to protect our friends. We choose to be joyful in God our Savior. Please join us in prayer to our God who has a plan, not only for the Haitian people, but for the entire world.

“The Lord is in His holy temple; let all the earth be silent before Him.” Habakkuk 2:20
In gratitude,
-Dixie and the team
]]> https://hopeinhaiti.org/2023/11/not-abandoning-ship/feed/ 0 11609 A refuge in times of trouble https://hopeinhaiti.org/2023/09/a-refuge-in-times-of-trouble/ https://hopeinhaiti.org/2023/09/a-refuge-in-times-of-trouble/#respond Mon, 18 Sep 2023 21:37:05 +0000 https://hopeinhaiti.org/?p=11423
Storms, gangs, and motorcycle 
Dear Friends,

“Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” Ps 46:10

Doing ministry in hostile territory

The work continues in Haiti despite the ongoing gang issues affecting almost all areas of life. The danger continues to escalate and more ground has been lost to the dark sides Reports have stated that 80% of Port au Prince is now controlled by gangs. These gangs or bandit yo control everything and everyone. Kidnappings are on the rise and control of the main highway is taking place farther north on the small island. When Pastor Louinet travels on his moto (motorcycle) to Gonaives to get supplies for the school he now has to check to see if the gangs are patrolling the main highway going north and south. Riding a moto to Gonaives usually takes about 45 minutes, but recently Pastor Louinet takes his moto up over the mountains, through Saint Michel, and around to reach Gonaives, making it a three hour trip one way. I have been to Saint Michel by moto and it is a grueling trip over rocky roads, through many unpredictable streams, and miles of dust.This is all to avoid as many gang members as possible. Please join us in praying for protection from these enemies.
Psalm 59:1-4

Time to rebuild.

In July our little school of Savanne Brûle which is very rural and nestled next to the the mountains was hit by heavy rain and winds and much damage was done. We have sent money to help the people buy supplies and rebuild what they can. We had hopes that they could have this finished by the time school began on September 11th, but many of the supplies coming from another area called Ti Riviere, were stopped by gangs and have been held. I’m told that the gangs will release them this week. Please pray with us that everything will arrive in Savanne Brûle safely and construction can begin.

School did begin in Nan wo this week, although school materials still haven’t arrived. They will be there soon, but children ar ealready filling the classrooms and teachers are preparing their lessons. Pray that the Lord will put a hedge around our schools and children can continue to grow and learn. God has been good to our friends in Haiti and the work in these schools continues on. I sincerely thank Pastor Louinet for his quiet strength and strong faith in leading his people and showing them the faithfulness of God. This past July he put on a camp at the school/church for all the young people complete with Bible classes and sessions on family and health. He held a conference for his 14 churches and they came together in Nan wo for a week of worship and teaching….kind of a giant family  camp!I think back on the building of the school and church and never dreamed it would be in constant continual use. This is all because of you, your donations and prayers. Your generosity moves my heart. We, who sit in our comfortable houses, can do something far far away to touch others, to make life just a little bit better for them and show the love of Jesus.
We need each other.

“The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.” Ps 46:11

In gratitude,
-Dixie and the team
]]> https://hopeinhaiti.org/2023/09/a-refuge-in-times-of-trouble/feed/ 0 11423 Shining in a Dark Place https://hopeinhaiti.org/2023/06/shining-in-a-dark-place/ https://hopeinhaiti.org/2023/06/shining-in-a-dark-place/#respond Thu, 15 Jun 2023 20:10:27 +0000 https://hopeinhaiti.org/?p=11228
What else are we to do but keeping spreading hope?
Dear Friends,

I know that it’s been a long time since I’ve sent you an update on Haiti and our work there. I guess I get tired of continually reporting earthquakes, flooding, gang violence, hunger and more. It continues. In the month of June alone (and we’re just halfway through), there was another earthquake in the southern part of Haiti and flooding spreading over much of the country. People lose their homes and people die. Many people are so frustrated with the gangs that they are now fighting back on their own and it’s reported that 160 gang members have been killed. Will it lead to peace? Not likely.

 

A new normal is taking place.

Before going out on the main highway that connects north to south, one must check to see if the gangs are out and about. If so, lay low. Life continues for the common people, because it must.  Farming is still necessary and markets continue to operate, although when going to market one must be prepared to carry money specifically to give to gang members, hiding the reserve cash somewhere on their body. If driving through a blockade, one must also be prepared to pay a gang member simply in order to pass. It must be so frightening to be approached by someone who can rob, kidnap, or even kill you without repercussions. Though gangs go to some schools to kidnap children, thankfully that hasn’t happened at our HIH sponsored schools.

 

This is now ‘normal’ way of life in which our three schools continue to educate children. Teachers come to teach. Students take exams, passing on to the next grade. Camp for youth (ages 12 to 40 yrs) is a huge event looked forward to by young people all over central Haiti. Flag Day is celebrated with musicians and parades. Women are honored for Mother’s Day with every mother receiving a new red t-shirt. Life goes on… And more than ever our friends need our help.

 

“In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning.  Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” John 1:3-5

 

Our partner, Pastor Louinet, has been a witness to that light and continues to shine in a very dark place. Please pray for him and his family as he is committed to God and his work. He says, “Thank you for your continued support. If it wasn’t for you, I don’t know what we would do.” With the help of Hope in Haiti partners like you, they have hope for the future of the children. Because of your gifts, he can pay the teachers and feed the children. He asks that God will bless each person who supports a country like Haiti.

 

Because of Him,
Grateful,
-Dixie and the team
Young men and women receive continued meals and education and a haven of normalcy and hope within our schools.
Mothers Day – celebrating the strong women of Haiti.
Students’ hearts swell with pride and hope observing Flag Day.
]]> https://hopeinhaiti.org/2023/06/shining-in-a-dark-place/feed/ 0 11228 Pastor Meet And Greet Invite December 2022 https://hopeinhaiti.org/2023/01/pastor-meet-and-greet-invite-december-2022/ https://hopeinhaiti.org/2023/01/pastor-meet-and-greet-invite-december-2022/#respond Fri, 13 Jan 2023 16:03:05 +0000 https://hopeinhaiti.org/?p=11037

Bundling up and dropping in

 

Dear Friends,

Thank you to all of you who came to welcome Pastè Louinet and his wife Clairemène, also known as Madame Pastè. We held an open house for them in Port Ludlow and Clairemène made a huge pot of Soup Joumou. Soup Joumou is eaten by everyone in Haiti on New Year’s Day, which is their Independence Day.  It is made with squash, potatoes, carrots, onions, peppers, goat meat, and spices.  Having no goat, we substituted beef, and it was delicious! The second open house was held in Sultan on New Years Eve and it was a sweet time together for Pastor and his wife reconnecting with friends. Many stopped by to talk, hug, take pictures and fellowship.

 
We also took an opportunity to speak with a group in Port Townsend and Pastor shared about their journey coming here and how difficult their lives in Haiti have become with all the gangs controlling the country. These people were truly interested and asked many questions about life in Haiti today. We are so thankful to be able to share our ongoing story with them.
 
Pastè Louinet and his wife left on a Wednesday night and made it back to Nan wo and their home Sunday morning. It was a long journey back trying to find motos and chofès (motorcycle taxis and drivers) that would take them on the roads blocked by gang members.  But thanks be to our Lord, they arrived home, just in time for the final day of a conference that he had organized over the phone from our house before he left!  Several hundred people walked down the rugged mountain paths to be with friends and family to sing, pray and learn together for five days. It was like one big family camp! In the midst of a country filled with chaos, these people are looking to God for their answers.
 
Blessings to each of you and thank you again for such a wonderful, warm welcome for Pastè Louinet and his wife.
 
Dixie & Harley

Madame Pastor weaving at the loom

]]> https://hopeinhaiti.org/2023/01/pastor-meet-and-greet-invite-december-2022/feed/ 0 11037 At long last! Pastor Louinet is coming to visit! https://hopeinhaiti.org/2022/12/at-long-last-pastor-louinet-is-coming-to-visit/ https://hopeinhaiti.org/2022/12/at-long-last-pastor-louinet-is-coming-to-visit/#respond Mon, 12 Dec 2022 22:57:43 +0000 https://hopeinhaiti.org/?p=11004
Better (5 months) late than never!
Pastor L and his wife are coming to America!
Dear Friends,

As promised back in the summer, Pastor Louinet Gilles and his wife are coming to visit with YOU this holiday season. Please join us Saturday December 31 in Sultan WA for a special time of fellowship and encouragement. They desire to meet with friends and supporters of the work Hope in Haiti is doing and we want to show our love and support for this faithful man and his wife.  We want to give them a time of rest away from the problems of Haiti for one week. I hope that you can make time to drop by for a visit with Louinet and his wife. There will be no real agenda other than showering them with love, snacking, and fellowship. The event will be “open house” style as folks drop in for as long as they wish.

When: Saturday December 31 from 11am -3 pm
What to bring: Something yummy to share with others – finger foodish –  and lots of encouragment
We hope to see you. If you can’t make it on this day but still wish to connect with Louinet, please call me 425.773.1460 and hopefully we can arrange something.
Hope to see you soon!
Dixie & Harley
Culture / Language corner:
  • Pastor Louinet commonly goes by “Pastor” rather than his first name alone, but if you are trying to figure out how to pronounce it, it’s “loo-EH-ney”
  • Pastor’s wife goes by her title, Madame Pastor.
  • Pastor and his wife speak Haitian Creole and Pastor has learned some English as well. If you’d like to impress with some Creole of your own, you can get started here.
]]> https://hopeinhaiti.org/2022/12/at-long-last-pastor-louinet-is-coming-to-visit/feed/ 0 11004 Faithful under fire: The unquenchable hope https://hopeinhaiti.org/2022/12/10991/ https://hopeinhaiti.org/2022/12/10991/#respond Mon, 05 Dec 2022 15:45:00 +0000 https://hopeinhaiti.org/?p=10991
Christmas built on the Rock
Why our friends in Haiti stay faithful even as violence escalates.
December 5, 2022

Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas from Hope in Haiti.

This morning I read a well-written article from BBC on Haiti.  It stated that the gangs continue in their efforts to overtake Haiti.  There is little the police can do in response. At least 60% of the capital city of Port au Prince and its surroundings have been taken over by gangs according to human rights groups.  The peak time for kidnappings are between 6 am to 9am and again in the afternoon/evening commute home. Many stay at their place of work due to the danger in traveling to and from home.  Few go out after dark. The main highway is unsafe for travel. Men are beaten and burned and women are raped in front of their families.

And yet in the midst of all this chaos Pastor Louinet continues educating children in the rural areas of Haiti.  Schools didn’t open until the first week in November this year due to the unrest.  I am so impressed with Louinet’s commitment not only to his own family but to his schools and his people.  Last night at about 10 PM three men came to him and asked him for money.  He told them that he didn’t have any money and they left. He believes that God will protect him and his family and he continues to serve in these very difficult and dangerous times.

NEWS: We are bringing Louinet and his wife here to the PNW for a week of rest to show him that we still support him not only financially but also with our love and prayers. Although airline prices are very high, we believe this would be something that would bless him and his wife. Please feel free to touch base with me and come and visit him and his wife to show your support.

As you spend time with family and friends, remember our friends in Haiti also.  Thank you for your continued support for the children in our schools. You are more than amazing!!!

“You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.  Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord, is the Rock eternal.” Isaiah 26:3
-Dixie and team
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