Faithful servants : A Story of Grace and Provision

We all know brothers and sisters who work tirelessly for God’s kingdom within our communities and churches, serving with passion and selflessness. They don’t seek recognition but quietly give of themselves in service. These individuals inspire us to embrace the call God has placed on our lives.

When we learned about Famithe and Mislanda and their service to their churches under such difficult circumstances, we felt led to come alongside them in any way the Lord would guide us.

We recently received an update from one of our leaders in northern Haiti:

“Famithe is a sister from my church. She used to be a trader, but her life changed drastically when her husband became ill and eventually passed away. Left with a child and no resources, she was drained by the cost of her husband’s care. As she shared her story, I was moved to tears and promised her that, if God allowed, we would support her. This commitment weighed heavily on my heart, and I knew we had to help.

Then there’s Mislanda, another sister we know well, though she’s not from our church. An orphan with no family support, her faith in Jesus remains strong, and she actively serves in her local church. Knowing that your mission includes helping orphans, we wanted to include her as well.

Both Famithe and Mislanda were overjoyed to receive the funds we sent. Mislanda has already started purchasing goods, and Famithe will soon do the same. Their gratitude is overwhelming, and I will send pictures soon as a token of their thanks. May God continue to bless you all for your generosity.”

Through this, we see God’s hand at work in the lives of these faithful women, and we thank Him for allowing us to be a part of their journey. The small funds sent to both Famithe and Mislanda have enabled them to start small businesses, selling goods at the local market. This simple act of support has richly blessed them, giving them the opportunity to provide for themselves and their families in the weeks ahead. We are grateful for God’s provision and the chance to witness His blessings unfold in their lives.

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

Galatians 6:9

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The Power of God’s Word in Helping Others

When it comes to helping those in need, prayer and seeking God’s guidance are essential. Over the years, I’ve learned—sometimes the hard way—that well-intentioned assistance can occasionally cause harm, a lesson deeply explored in the book When Helping Hurts. Yet, the greatest gift we can offer is an introduction to a loving and powerful God who brings true transformation.

As Jeremiah 9:23-24 reminds us:

“Let not the wise boast of their wisdom or the strong boast of their strength or the rich boast of their riches, but let the one who boasts boast about this: that they have the understanding to know me, that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness, justice, and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight.”

And Romans 10:17 emphasizes:

“So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.”

Psalm 19:7-9 beautifully declares:

“The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes. The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever.”

Through Scripture, God reveals His character, His will, and His heart for humanity, allowing us to know Him personally and grow deeper in relationship with Him.

This is why we prioritize distributing Bibles to those in need, understanding that their deepest need is a relationship with their Creator. Everything begins with knowing Him.

In Haiti, however, Bibles are difficult to come by. Importing them safely into the country presents numerous challenges, often making them expensive. Despite this, we remain committed to making God’s Word accessible, believing it is the key to living a truly abundant life.

Tim Hickson - Lasting Change Haiti

A Story of Hope for Neicha, Lorwensky, and Bet

Neicha, Lorwensky, and Bet, three siblings living near Port-de-Paix, Haiti, have faced unimaginable hardship over the past few months. Their father tragically passed away, leaving their mother, Lovemika, to raise them on her own. As a single mother, Lovemika has struggled to find steady work, which has made it nearly impossible to provide basic necessities like food, let alone afford the cost of her children’s education.

For this family, school is a vital lifeline, offering hope for a brighter future. However, the annual cost of education—about $300 per child—along with the expense of uniforms and shoes, has pushed that dream out of reach. Despite their circumstances, Lovemika and her children remain committed to their local church, where they serve in any way they can.

When we shared the story of Neicha, Lorwensky, and Bet with the Lasting Change Haiti family, the response was heartwarming. Three generous families came together to provide the financial support needed to cover school fees for all three children for the year. But they didn’t stop there. These families also made it possible for the children to have new uniforms and shoes, while offering additional help to provide food for the family during this difficult time.

Thanks to this outpouring of love and generosity, Neicha, Lorwensky, and Bet now have the chance to continue their education and move forward with hope. Their story reminds us of the power of community and the profound difference we can make in each other’s lives, one family at a time.

Update : Regarding the money we sent for Lovemica’s children’s school, it has been a great blessing. After paying the school fees, we used the remaining funds to buy fabric for the children’s uniforms. With the leftover money, we helped Lovemica start a small business. This will allow her to provide food for her children before and after school. The business may need to grow, but it’s a good start. I will send you some pictures of Lovemica and her business soon.

Savings Groups in Haiti

At Lasting Change Haiti (LCH), we are dedicated to sharing the gospel of Jesus and transforming lives, one person at a time. One of our most impactful initiatives is the RESTORE: Savings Groups program, which works within local churches and communities across Haiti.

The RESTORE: Savings program helps establish Savings Groups as a ministry within churches. These groups are small, community-based collectives where members come together regularly to save money, access small loans, and provide mutual support. The goal is not only to improve financial health but also to experience the reconciling power of Jesus in every aspect of life.

Woven in and through the curriculum of the Savings Groups is the gospel of Jesus Christ. Each week, group participants engage with a biblical lesson, deepening their understanding of God’s love and His gift of salvation. As they journey through the curriculum, members not only learn to manage their resources wisely but also grow in their faith, discovering more about the love of God and how it transforms their lives.

One of the most remarkable aspects of these Savings Groups is how they bring people together, breaking down barriers of secrecy and jealousy. By creating a safe and supportive environment, group members build trust and openness, which fosters a sense of community and belonging. This not only improves financial stability but also draws people closer together, strengthening bonds within the community and enhancing their spiritual lives.

In Haiti, where financial resources can be scarce, these Savings Groups offer a beacon of hope. They provide a safe place to save money, offer small loans, and build a supportive community. This not only improves financial stability but also fosters spiritual growth and strengthens bonds within the community.

Thanks to the support of our donors and partners, LCH is able to continue this vital work. we have been able to start two groups, with another starting soon. The RESTORE: Savings program is more than just a financial initiative; it’s a journey of spiritual and communal transformation.

Thank you for being a part of this journey with us. Together, we are making a profound difference in the lives of many in Haiti. 🌟

Why I love and support Lasting Change Haiti

A Perspective from Steve Gilbert

(Board Member and Partner to Lasting Change)

 “No, O people, the Lord has already told you what is good, and this is what he requires: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.“

Micah 6:8

This is one of my favorite scriptures in the Bible, and I feel Lasting Change aspires to live up to this powerful scripture through their efforts in Haiti and in the USA. Through their actions, many lives have been transformed through the love of Jesus. 

The Lasting change board of directors in both countries are committed to doing what is right,to love mercy,and to walk humbly with our God. After traveling several times to Haiti our teams made a commitment to “ keep coming back” Not only for building projects, but more importantly for relationships. As a board member in the USA I have been involved in many ways as we have had meetings,prayed, had fundraisers and tried to  make sure “ our helping didn’t hurt” in the long run. With God’s and many donors help, we came up with many ideas, many from the local Haitians.

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 I love being involved in God’s work that will help individuals have skills that they can use for a lifetime.We want to help make them self- reliant. It makes me think of the saying,” you can give a man a fish for today,or you can teach a man to fish for a lifetime”
    I want to stay involved in L.C for many years to come, I want to keep hanging around to see what God will do next!!!

Steve Gilbert (Lasting Change board member)