Finding the 91 lost sheep in HaitiAs children of God, we are often compared to sheep in the Bible. In Luke 15:4-6, Jesus tells His disciples that we are more than sheep--we are lost sheep. We need the Good Shepherd, our Savior, to find us and bring us home. This is true as much in Haiti as it is in America, Canada, and everywhere else in the world. We rejoice to be members of the same flock as our brothers and sisters at Branch Lutheran Schools in Haiti; we are all sheep found by Jesus.
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But what if the flock could grow larger?
At Branch Schools, that’s our mission every day. In recent times, Haiti’s political and economic situation has been like a ravenous wolf, bringing fear, threats, and uncertainty--yet the power of God’s Word still stands as a fence, guarding Jesus’ little lambs.
This year, Branch Schools has already seen record enrollment! What an immense joy and blessing to witness the growth in the schools as more and more students come to hear God’s Word every day. Especially in the face of doubled and tripled food prices for necessities, such as flour and rice, these students find both spiritual and physical nourishment when they step through the doors at Branch Schools.
But what if the flock could grow larger?
It can--with your help.
Today, there are 91 children in the neighborhoods around the Port-au-Prince schools who want to attend Branch Schools. 91 children who are hoping to be in the classroom when the semester begins in mid-October. 91 children whose families don’t have the funds for uniforms, shoes, and schoolbooks. Which means, right now, there are 91 children who can’t come to school. 91 children who are still lost sheep.
At Branch Schools, that’s our mission every day. In recent times, Haiti’s political and economic situation has been like a ravenous wolf, bringing fear, threats, and uncertainty--yet the power of God’s Word still stands as a fence, guarding Jesus’ little lambs.
This year, Branch Schools has already seen record enrollment! What an immense joy and blessing to witness the growth in the schools as more and more students come to hear God’s Word every day. Especially in the face of doubled and tripled food prices for necessities, such as flour and rice, these students find both spiritual and physical nourishment when they step through the doors at Branch Schools.
But what if the flock could grow larger?
It can--with your help.
Today, there are 91 children in the neighborhoods around the Port-au-Prince schools who want to attend Branch Schools. 91 children who are hoping to be in the classroom when the semester begins in mid-October. 91 children whose families don’t have the funds for uniforms, shoes, and schoolbooks. Which means, right now, there are 91 children who can’t come to school. 91 children who are still lost sheep.
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In Haiti, it costs $108 to send a child to school. $108 provides a uniform, a pair of shoes, and the schoolbooks for the year. Branch Schools does not charge students tuition and will never turn a child away, but these basic necessities still stand as a barrier to many families. For 91 children, $108 will overcome that barrier--and on the first day of school, they will be sitting right there on the bench, soaking up God’s Word.
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If just 4 people give $27 each, that’s enough to send one child to Branch Schools when the 2024-2025 school year opens on October 10. When that happens, that child will eat breakfast, study math, reading, writing, and history, play soccer with friends, and learn about how much their Good Shepherd loves them.
Will you join us in welcoming these little lambs to the flock of found sheep?
In Christ,
Emily Helmen, Senior Development Coordinator, Becki Lonnquist, Development & Communications Manager, Kathleen Menke, Treasurer, Darryl Folkens, Secretary, Mike Nichols, Vice Chair, & Lee Petersen, Chairman
P.S. The cost of rice in Haiti in December 2023 was $32/bag. Today, it’s $105/bag. For the price of a bag of rice, with your help, a child can come to Branch Schools!
Will you join us in welcoming these little lambs to the flock of found sheep?
In Christ,
Emily Helmen, Senior Development Coordinator, Becki Lonnquist, Development & Communications Manager, Kathleen Menke, Treasurer, Darryl Folkens, Secretary, Mike Nichols, Vice Chair, & Lee Petersen, Chairman
P.S. The cost of rice in Haiti in December 2023 was $32/bag. Today, it’s $105/bag. For the price of a bag of rice, with your help, a child can come to Branch Schools!
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Welcome, Becki!We are thrilled to announce the addition of Becki Lonnquist to the Branch Schools family! Becki will be serving as the Development & Communications Manager. See below for a little more about Becki, and please join us in welcoming her to the team!
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About:
Becki is a Minnesota native and currently lives with her husband Peter and their young daughter and two cats in Minneapolis, MN. She has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mass Communication from Minnesota State University Moorhead where she graduated from in 2014. She also studied Media in 2012 at the University of Lincoln in England. During college she went on mission trips to Grand Rapids, Ontario, Canada, where she taught at a pop-up Vacation Bible School to Cree (formally First Nation) children living in and around the community and enjoys volunteering locally through organizations like Habitat for Humanity - Twin Cities and food shelves.
She comes to Branch Lutheran Schools of Haiti with a plethora of experience in development and nonprofit communications through her work with faith-based and human services nonprofit organizations. She first learned of Branch Schools as a member of Mt. Olive Lutheran Church in St. Paul, MN and through some members her husband’s family, who are involved through volunteering and serving on the Board of Directors. Becki and Peter have become supporters and continually pray for Branch Schools and Haiti.
In her freetime Becki enjoys spending time with friends and family, going on walks and hikes, being outdoors, attending live music concerts, volunteering and is somewhat of a foodie who loves trying new cuisines.
Becki is a Minnesota native and currently lives with her husband Peter and their young daughter and two cats in Minneapolis, MN. She has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mass Communication from Minnesota State University Moorhead where she graduated from in 2014. She also studied Media in 2012 at the University of Lincoln in England. During college she went on mission trips to Grand Rapids, Ontario, Canada, where she taught at a pop-up Vacation Bible School to Cree (formally First Nation) children living in and around the community and enjoys volunteering locally through organizations like Habitat for Humanity - Twin Cities and food shelves.
She comes to Branch Lutheran Schools of Haiti with a plethora of experience in development and nonprofit communications through her work with faith-based and human services nonprofit organizations. She first learned of Branch Schools as a member of Mt. Olive Lutheran Church in St. Paul, MN and through some members her husband’s family, who are involved through volunteering and serving on the Board of Directors. Becki and Peter have become supporters and continually pray for Branch Schools and Haiti.
In her freetime Becki enjoys spending time with friends and family, going on walks and hikes, being outdoors, attending live music concerts, volunteering and is somewhat of a foodie who loves trying new cuisines.
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CRAFT & BAKE SALE!
Saturday, October 12th, 9 am to 2 pm - Mayville, WI
Benefit sale for Branch Lutheran Schools of Haiti, Inc., a 501 c 3 non-profit. Held at Trinity Community Center, N6409 Cty. Rd P, Mayville, WI 53050. Quilts, dish towels, fall décor, Christmas items, jewelry, and much, much more, plus a wonderful array of baked goods! |
Thanks to You, Students in Haiti Receive...
Educational SupportSchool Supplies
Books Classrooms Teachers |
Physical SupportFood
Water Nutritious Snacks Health Supplies |
Spiritual SupportHaitian Creole Catechisms
Lutheran Classes Confirmation Worship Services |
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"Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them..."
-Mark 10:14 |
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For children in Haiti, the situation is bleak. Their homeland is the poorest nation in the western hemisphere and has the lowest literacy rate of just 61.7%. School fees are difficult to afford for many parents, as 75% of the population lives on $2.41 or less every day, yet education is a light and hope for the next generation and is desperately needed.
Branch Schools is a WELS affiliate, Lutheran non-profit organization that sends funding to six schools in Haiti; three elementary schools, hosted at three orphanages in the Port-au-Prince area, one middle school in Pilate, one preschool-kindergarten in Les Palmes, and one preschool-kindergarten in Cap-Haitien. These schools serve hundreds of students and employ over 60 teachers. A common saying in Haiti is that the country is "70% Catholic, 30% Protestant, and 100% Vodou." At Branch Schools, the children hear the Word of God in their classrooms every day and learn of the amazing love and salvation found in Jesus. They memorize the 10 Commandments, Apostles Creed, Lord's Prayer, and more as they dive into a thorough study of the Bible's teachings. Will you help Branch Schools continue this vital mission in Haiti? |
Download Flyers:
Click the files below to download flyers and brochures about Branch Schools and help us spread the word about this ministry! 
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