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Branch Blog

Branch Schools is Hiring!

10/6/2025

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Branch Lutheran Schools of Haiti, Inc., a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization based in the United States, is seeking a part-time Administrative Coordinator. This position will report to the Development & Communications Manager and will work regularly with the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors. The role is mostly remote with possible occasional travel within the U.S.

Organization
Branch Lutheran Schools of Haiti, Inc. was founded in 2015 originally to fund three Lutheran preschools. After seeing increased growth and need, later three more schools were added throughout Haiti .Today, around 1,800 students are anticipated for the 2025-26 school year, about 100 of whom are orphans. Branch Schools provides funding for a superintendent, three orphanage and school directors, three other school directors, and 65 teachers, all Haitian nationals. We also fund nutrition, clean water, building projects, emergency support, and other needs that impact students on an as-needed basis. Our schools have experienced rapid growth and gained an excellent reputation in the neighborhoods they serve. Our hope is that Branch Schools’ students will have a positive impact in their communities and share the love of Jesus with others. For more information, please visit branchlutheranschoolshaiti.org.


Responsibilities

  • Create, update and maintain organizational records, files, and databases with accuracy and confidentiality.
  • Assist with tracking and maintaining records of office-related expenses.
  • Complete bookkeeping tasks, such as maintaining donor contribution records, expense and income tracking, account reconciliations, report generation, etc. 
  • Produce, read, and analyze administrative reports, providing data summaries and details to the Executive Committee and Development & Communications Manager. 
  • Schedule and coordinate travel arrangements for staff, volunteers, and Board of Directors as needed.
  • Assist with preparing agendas, taking minutes, and distributing materials for Board of Directors and Executive Committee meetings (all meetings held virtually).
  • Provide administrative support to the Development & Communications Manager and the Board of Directors.
  • Assist with email and correspondence management, including drafting and proofreading documents.
  • Support the coordination of special projects and organizational initiatives as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications & Skills


  • Active membership in WELS, ELS, or a Confessional Lutheran Church.
  • Heart for cross-cultural mission work.
  • Personal integrity, accountability, and ethical decision-making.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
  • Ability to travel occasionally, including some evenings or weekends.

Desired Qualifications & Skills

Education & Experience


  • Educational background or equivalent work experience in administration or office management, communications, nonprofit management, or related fields preferred.
  • Previous experience in administrative or coordination roles, ideally in a nonprofit setting.

Technical Skills

  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office or Google Suite. 
  • Comfort with online platforms such as Zoom and other remote communication tools.
  • Experience with databases or CRMs is helpful (training provided if needed).
  • Ability to work independently in a remote environment.
Benefits
  • Compensation range: $15–$20/hour (flexible based on qualifications and experience).
  • Flexible working hours and remote work.
  • Part-time position (10-15 hours per week)    
  • Excellent opportunity for professional growth and experience in nonprofit administration

To Apply:

Please email your resume and cover letter to [email protected]  


administrative_coordinator_job_description_-_branch_schools_.pdf
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In memory of Lee Petersen

8/18/2025

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It is with both sadness and hope in Christ that we share the news that Lee Petersen, Board Chair of Branch Lutheran Schools of Haiti since its founding over 10 years ago, has been called home to his Savior.

Lee was a faith-filled, mission-minded, kind, and caring leader whose heart for children in Haiti and for sharing the Gospel shaped our ministry from the very beginning. His steady leadership and deep love for the Lord impacted countless lives, and he will be truly missed.
We invite you to read Lee’s obituary and join us in giving thanks to God for his life and legacy:
 Read Lee’s obituary here

Please keep Lee’s wife Linda, their family, and all who loved him in your prayers. We rejoice knowing that Lee is now at rest with Jesus, whom he served so faithfully.

Note from the family: 

The memorial flowers and trees options are auto-generated by the newspaper (StarTribune). The family prefers memorials to go to Branch Lutheran Schools of Haiti.  If you would like to donate to Branch Lutheran Schools of Haiti in memory of Lee Petersen, please click here or the donate button. You can leave a note for the family by using the note section and the "in memory of" option at the bottom of the donation box. 

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Celebrating 10 Years as a Nonprofit: Branch Lutheran Schools of Haiti

8/11/2025

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This year marks a significant milestone: 10 years since Branch Lutheran Schools of Haiti officially registered as a nonprofit organization in 2015. Far more than a date on a calendar, this moment invites us to celebrate God’s grace, community dedication, and growing impact in the lives of Haitian children.

From Humble Beginnings to Lifelong Learning
From its origins in three orphanages serving around 100 children in 2015, Branch has grown into a network of three orphanages and six Lutheran schools, now educating over 1,600 children each school year. 
Located across Haiti—including schools in Port‑au‑Prince (elementary), Pilate (middle school), Les Palmes and Cap‑Haitien (preschool-kindergarten)—we’ve built a mission grounded in faith and service, guided by our WELS affiliation. 

 Why Education—and Why Haiti?
Tuition-free education is transformative in Haiti. With 75% of the population living on $2.41 or less daily, school fees are often unattainable. Branch ensures education remains accessible for God’s children. 
Literacy in Haiti remains low (around 61.7%), making each classroom a beacon of hope and empowerment. 
Daily spiritual formation—memorizing the Lord’s Prayer, the Apostles’ Creed, the Ten Commandments—is integrated into academics. Children hear the Word of God in every classroom. 

Ten Years of Grace: What We’ve Accomplished
Thanks to donors, partners, and prayerful support:
Branch now supports six schools and three orphanages, with over 1,600 students served annually. Education is offered completely tuition‑free, alongside care for orphaned children. Haitian staff lead classrooms and programs—rooted in local culture and Gospel-centered leadership. Even amidst political unrest and national challenges, Branch has worked diligently to maintain safe and consistent schooling.

Vision for the Next Decade
As we reflect on this remarkable journey, we remain committed to expanding and deepening our mission. Our goals include:
- Adding classrooms to meet increasing demand.
- Investing in teacher training and bringing more people to Christ.
- Extending outreach to new communities and regions across Haiti.

With your partnership, we can move confidently into the future, trusting God to exceed all our hopes.

 Join the Celebration
Thank you for helping Branch Lutheran Schools of Haiti reach this milestone. Whether through prayer, financial support, or sharing our story—you make all the difference.
Let’s celebrate 10 years of Branch Lutheran Schools of Haiti, Inc., and look forward to many more years of welcome, Gospel hope, and Christ-centered education. To God be the glory!
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15-Year Anniversary of the 2010 Earthquake

2/6/2025

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January 12, 2010, marked a devastating moment in Haiti’s history. The catastrophic 7.0 magnitude earthquake claimed hundreds of thousands of lives, displaced over 1.5 million people, and left countless children without parents or homes. Yet, amidst the heartbreak, the resilience of the Haitian people shone brightly.

In the immediate aftermath, Rev. Terry Schultz and his wife Mary, who had been stationed in the Dominican Republic, joined the WELS Christian Aid & Relief effort to help in Haiti. They developed relationships with, and ultimately supported three orphanages in Port-au-Prince, providing shelter and care to children who had lost everything. These orphanages became the foundation of a transformative mission that, in 2015, evolved into Branch Lutheran Schools of Haiti through the support of generous donors and volunteers. What began as three orphanages serving 100 children has grown into a network of three orphanages and six schools, now educating over 1,600 children.This remarkable growth reflects the enduring commitment to the mission of nurturing Haitian youth with education, faith, and hope.
​

Fifteen years later, Haiti stands at a crossroads. While the earthquake response brought about some progress, the nation continues to grapple with political instability, economic hardship, and escalating violence. Yet, we remain steadfast in our hope for a brighter future, trusting in God’s plan to overcome these challenges.

Branch Lutheran Schools of Haiti continues to fulfill its mission of addressing the educational, physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of Haitian youth. For many of the children attending our schools, education and the opportunity to learn about our Lord and Savior would be unattainable without Branch Schools. We ask that you continue to keep the children, Branch Schools, and all of Haiti in your prayers.

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“We had lost loved ones, friends, and family members, and we still mourn their brutal and sudden departure. We’ve lost a lot, but we received a lot. Thank you for 15 years of support, accompaniment, and solidarity. On one hand, we are saddened by the loss of our loved ones; on the other hand, we are happy to have met you through this painful event. God gave, He took away, and we celebrate life!” – Orphanage Director, Port-au-Prince School and Orphanage

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2024 Giving Tuesday Update

1/28/2025

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We are overwhelmed with gratitude for your incredible support this GivingTuesday. Because of your generosity, and the $15,000 matching funds by a few incredible anonymous donors, we not only met but exceeded our goal, raising an astounding $57,800!

Your gifts will have a profound impact. Despite the immense challenges in Haiti, our six schools remain open, serving as beacons of hope and places where children grow academically, spiritually, and in their faith in God.

Through your kindness, you’re helping provide a brighter future for hundreds of children who might otherwise not have access to education or the word of God. 

As we celebrate this success, we ask you to continue keeping the children who attend Branch Schools, their families, and our dedicated staff in your prayers. They face daily challenges, yet their faith and resilience remains strong. Praise God!

Thank you for being part of this mission.
​

Blessings to you, 
Becki Lonnquist 
Development and Communications Manager
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Farewell & God's Blessings! -Emily

12/13/2024

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Four and a half years ago, I sat down at my computer and wrote an email that began with “My name is Emily and I have recently been blessed to begin work at Branch Schools as their Development Coordinator. This ministry is near and dear to my heart and I am so grateful to the donors like you who have supported Branch Schools and the work in Haiti--and I would love to get to know you better!”

Since then...wow! Getting to know you all has truly been one of my greatest blessings of the last few years. This ministry has only become dearer to me as I’ve been amazed again and again by the impact you have made in Haiti. There are not many jobs that have the privilege of witnessing such an outpouring of love, and I am so grateful to have experienced it with each of you.

December 13 marks the last day I will serve as the Senior Development Coordinator at Branch Schools. I look forward to the exciting opportunities God has put before me, as I transition into college teaching, but I will treasure these years at Branch Schools. You have made them so special.
​

May God continue to bless this ministry and all those who support it!
​

Merry Christmas!
Emily Helmen, Senior Development Coordinator
​Branch Lutheran Schools of Haiti, Inc.

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Join us this GivingTuesday!

11/19/2024

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We invite you all to join us this December 3 for our 2024 Annual GivingTuesday fundraiser!

At Branch Lutheran Schools of Haiti, we know that Christ has the power to transform lives through education. But for so many children in Haiti, access to the word of God and a quality education often remains out of reach. Together, we can change that!

This GivingTuesday, we aim to raise $35,000, with generous $15,000 in matching gifts to double the impact of your donation. Your gift will help us provide:
  •  Quality Christian education
  •  Daily meals for our orphans and food for our students to keep nourished and focused
  •  A foundation of hope and support
  • School supplies and materials to support learning
The dollars you so generously give will bring hope to the children at our six schools and three orphanages to overcome challenges and embrace their God-given potential.

In Joshua 1:9, we are commanded:
"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."

Please pray with us that the children and people of Haiti continually be strong and trust that the Lord is with them.

You can donate now or on GivingTuesday (Dec. 3) by clicking the "donate" button above or donate via check:
Branch Lutheran Schools of Haiti, Inc.
C/O Kathleen Menke, Treasurer
1627 Dunlap Street North
St. Paul, MN 55108
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The 2024 Annual Report is Published!

11/11/2024

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Thanks to your support, over 1,400 children, including about 80 orphans, received a Christian education, nutrition, and clean water this past year. Despite challenges like increased gang activity in the Port-au-Prince area, your generosity helped fund classroom expansions, new teachers, and emergency support during crises.

We invite you to read the full 2024 Annual Report.

 God grant us the ability to continue this work so that we may continue to be a source education, support, hope and strength for the children of Haiti. 

"It is God who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure." – Psalm 18:32 

Read Now >>
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Save the Date: Giving Tuesday - Dec 3!

10/15/2024

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GivingTuesday takes place this year on Tuesday, December 3 and we invite you to join us!

GivingTuesday is a global generosity movement that inspires people to take action for causes they care about, like Branch Lutheran Schools of Haiti, making it the ideal time for you to make a meaningful impact. This annual event, held the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, harnesses the power of community and creates a collective moment of giving, multiplying the difference you can make.

Here is why Giving Tuesday matters for us: 

  1. Amplified Impact: Thanks to some of our incredible donors, Branch Schools will have matching gift opportunities on GivingTuesday, which means your donation could be doubled or even tripled, maximizing your contribution’s effect.
  2. Momentum for Good: GivingTuesday kicks off the holiday season by shifting the focus from consumerism to compassion. Your donation helps create excitement and encourages others to give.
  3. A Time of Need: As the year comes to a close, like many nonprofits, we are assessing our budgets and entering planning season. Your support on GivingTuesday helps ensure that we can continue our essential programs and services within our schools and orphanages throughout the year.
  4. Be Part of a Global Movement: By giving on this day, you’re joining millions of others around the world who are standing up for causes that matter to them. It’s a chance to unite with a global community and contribute to something bigger!
Your gift, no matter the size, makes a huge difference on GivingTuesday. Join us in spreading kindness and generosity this season!

How you can get involved: 
  1. Make a donation
  2. Share about Branch Schools to your friends and network
  3. Continue to pray for Branch Schools 
  4. Start a fundraiser on Facebook
However you choose to support Branch Lutheran Schools of Haiti this GivingTuesday, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts! 

Galatians 6:10 ~ "Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers."

God Bless! 

For any questions, please reach out to our Development & Communications Manager, Becki at [email protected]. 
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Meet the Staff: Becki Lonnquist, Development & Communications Manager

9/11/2024

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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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Branch Lutheran Schools of Haiti, Inc. is a Federal tax-exempt corporation under IRC 501 (c)(3). Your donation is tax deductible. Copyright © 2015