Friday, October 30, 2015

Global Orphan Sunday

November 8, 2015 is Global Orphan Sunday. A time to stop and remember those considered orphans- whether true orphans or economic orphans (parents place children in the care of an orphanage because they feel they can not provide the basics of food, clothing, shelter and education). There are an estimated 360,000 orphans in Haiti and another large number of children living with families not their own as domestic servants in exchange for promised lodging, food and education. We know some of these children personally and to hear their stories can be heartbreaking and overwhelming. BUT... God knows them too. He sees. He hears. He cares. And we are blessed to be used by Him to reach out to some of these children on a regular basis due to the generosity of people like YOU!

As this Orphan Sunday approaches would you pray with us and consider the following needs? 

1.  Sponsor an orphan monthly. $32 per month provides education (uniform, books, tuition), clean water, food, medical care and other items. We currently have about 15 children in need of monthly sponsors. 

2.  A one-time donation or monthly donation toward Nanny salaries at the orphanage in Port au Prince we partner with? Monthly salaries are just under $800 per month for all nine women combined. These women are invaluable in the ministry they provide to the children. 

3. Sponsor a delivery of fruit/milk to the orphanage (this is done twice per month) so the children get fresh items and variety in their diet. $75 providea milk and a piece of fresh fruit (or two).

4.  Donations toward helping those trying to keep their children at home and not put them into orphanages. We work on job creation and skill training with these older children and parents so they can provide for their own needs rather than resort to orphanage placement. 

5.  Donations toward our sustainable project in Bas-Citronniers. The more sustainable the school can be, the more children they can feed and educate- thus greatly decreasing the liklihood that parents will resort to orphanage placement or sending their children into domestic servitude. They need funds to pay teachers and expenses, but more importantly, to develop their gardens, goat raising project and other things to become self sustaining. 

Donations can always be sent to us at Hearts United with Haiti. PO Box 55. Morgantown, PA 19543. They are tax deductible. You can also donate from the website - there is a donate page that connects you to paypal. www.heartsunitedwithhaiti.org. 

THANK YOU for your consideration of the orphans in Haiti and for helping us in our efforts toward orphan prevention. God will combine the efforts of ALL to do His work and bless these precious children. 
Fruit (mangos) delivered twice per month. 

Bracelets the girls in the countryside make to support themselves. 

Working on the business plan for raising goats in Bas-Citronniers (to sell and help supplement the school budget)
Some of the orphans at Life is Wealth Orphanage in Port au Prince. 





Thursday, October 29, 2015

Update 10/29

Driving home through Champ de Mars yesterday. It is good to be back, visit the orphanage, see our little artist friend (Richardson), etc..... Today we head back for more time with the orphans, pay a few bills, exchange chicken food that the chickens won't eat, buy some fruit/milk for the children (we missed the 25th due to the election and yesterday the fruit left was not prime so we ordered fresh stuff), and have an important legal meeting in the evening. Busy days, but finally getting out and about! 



Wednesday, October 28, 2015

Banquet Update

Our annual fundraising banquet held on October 16, 2015 went VERY WELL with an amazing turnout and great program.  Though none of us had set a goal for funds we hoped to raise, we were blessed by the generosity of those in attendance! Here are a few photos to share from the event. 
Astreede Augustin (one of our Haitian translators) and Sophia Charles ( former trip participant) provided special music... In Creole and English. 

Joyce Martin was honored for over five years of faithful service on the Board of Directors. 
Pastor Tim VanDalen psoke and gave testimony about his experiences after bringing two groups to Haiti with Hearts United (one in 2013 and one in 2015)
Redgi Alvarez (Haitian Coordinator for the organization) was able to share a bit about his role as supported missionary in Haiti. Redgi is one of two Haitian nationals who help manage the day-to-day ministry in Haiti. 
Founder Crystal Funk was able to share a bit about the future plans for the organization and the needs within the ministry. 
   **note: photo credit to Jordan Bush Photography- sorry but internet is not good enough to download them, so they are copied from my phone here in Haiti as I viewed them on the screen. Thanks Jordan!!

---We have received MANY e-mails and messages from people asking what needs are still to be met so we will be posting soon to give an update on those needs. Sorry, but time just keeps moving along and it is tough to keep up with it all but we DO value all our donors and those who support the ministry in so many ways.