News from Branch Schools Students and staff at Branch Schools joyfully celebrated Christmas together with songs, crafts, and fellowship. We were also blessed to receive many messages of Christmas greetings and heartfelt gratitude for the continued prayers and generous support from those who walk alongside us. Port-au-Prince School Community Mourns the Loss of a Beloved Leader One of our Port-au-Prince school and orphanage directors recently shared the difficult news that her father—a respected community leader and longtime supporter of Branch Schools—was facing a severe medical crisis. After days spent in the hospital, he sadly passed away. In Haiti, medical care often requires payment upfront, and hospital stays and funeral expenses can quickly become overwhelming. While our director was able to cover a significant portion of these costs, the remaining medical and funeral expenses became more than she could manage alone. She reached out to Branch Schools for support. Through our partnership with WELS Christian Aid and Relief, the remaining balance was covered. We are deeply grateful for their continued partnership and the vital work they do to support families and communities around the world. “Dear friends, brothers, and sisters, I can’t find the right words to thank you. Please accept my thanks nonetheless. Thanks to you, the funeral has been paid. Thank you, Branch Lutheran Schools of Haiti and Christian Aid and Relief. May God continue to bless you.” Sharing from the U.S. Team As we recently celebrated the birth of Jesus and are in the Epiphany season, I find it meaningful to pause and reflect on the past year and to praise God for his faithfulness to us and our brothers and sisters in Haiti (Isaiah 25:1). 2025 was a year of celebration as Branch Schools observed 10 years of faithfully funding the schools, students, and teachers in Haiti. 3 new classrooms were added and now over 1,800 enrolled children daily hear the saving word of God. One of our founding members and longtime friend, Lee Petersen was called to be with Jesus in heaven in August. Lee faithfully served the mission of Branch Schools as Chair of the Board of Directors. We named the scholarship fund in his memory – Lee ‘Engineer’ Petersen Scholarship Fund. Looking ahead to 2026, I am filled with hope and excitement. Branch Schools will continue to fund the essentials for the schools to operate – salaries, supplies, nutrition, etc. We also plan to add elementary grade levels in 3 of the schools next school year. Pastor Rona Abraham is making connections in villages and cities across Haiti, and a school addition could be in our future. To fund this growth and future expansions, we are focused on maintaining and developing connections, networks and donors throughout the US. We recently added board members (Linda Petersen and Terry Schultz) and staff (Mandy Moll) and are looking for more volunteers to assist us with this work. As Branch Schools looks ahead to its next 10 years, we are focused on building on the foundation of the amazing God-led growth over the past 10 years. I want to express my gratitude for your dedication and partnership with Branch Schools. We are so thankful for you, who faithfully support us through prayers, donations, fundraisers, encouragements, and in so many other ways. We could not fund the schools in Haiti without you. Thank you! God blessings to you in 2026, Kathleen Menke Branch Schools Chair & Treasurer Celebrating with Soup Joumou  The 1st of January is often thought of as a new beginning. It’s a time for renewal, a time to set goals, and a time to look to the year ahead with hope and excitement. For Haitians, it also is a time to ponder their past. January 1, 1804, marks the day when the people of Haiti were liberated from French rule. Before this day, the slaves grew the ingredients to make a special squash soup for their French masters, but they were not allowed to eat it themselves. Now, Haitians traditionally eat this Soup Joumou on the first day of the year to celebrate their independence and reflect on their freedom. You can make your own Soup Joumou with the recipe linked here. Haiti at the Winter Olympics  In a little less than a month, athletes from around the world will come together to compete in the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. Though Haiti has long been represented at the Olympics, it wasn’t until 2022 that they were part of the Winter Games. Two athletes will be representing Haiti again this year, participating in Alpine and Cross-Country Skiing. Upcoming Presentations and EventsThe following is a list of presentations, fundraisers and tabling events that are coming up for and with Branch Lutheran Schools of Haiti:
If you would like more information about presentations, fundraising or to request a speaker/representative from Branch Lutheran Schools of Haiti to visit your church or group, please reach out to [email protected]! We would love to share about this work and how God is working in the hearts of the children in Haiti.
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 Can you tell me about the volunteer work you have done with Branch Schools? My volunteer work began almost as soon as Missionary Terry Schultz visited Haiti after the 2010 earthquake. He asked if I would coordinate a group of WELS and ELS women to make pillowcase dresses for the girls. Also he asked if I would organize a good-used shoe drive for boys and girls alike. Thus, I became the Special Projects Coordinator for Missionary Schultz’s mission work in Haiti. This led to many more projects and fundraisers for the orphans. Once Missionary Schultz was given permission to start the three schools, the projects list grew, as did the need for money for shipping, etc. I became completely absorbed by my work for the children in Haiti. I was blessed to be able to visit Haiti, beginning in 2014. The trips allowed us to take many, many items that the children and teachers needed. I felt so blessed to be able to make these visits. After Branch was formed to take over funding for the schools in 2015 my volunteer work for the children continued, as well as three more trips to Haiti with suitcases full of supplies, clothing, toys, and small gifts for the children. As a Friend of the Board, and the wife of the Chairman of the Board, all travel costs, etc. were paid for personally. No money was taken away from the children to fund any of this. How has Branch made an impact on your life? Branch has impacted my life in so many ways. I found that I had a love for the orphan children who were our first students. Though we could not communicate verbally due to language differences, we felt their love for us also. Just playing simple games, giving out small handcrafted gifts from our volunteers, as well as fruit and crackers put smiles on children who had very little to smile about. However, they were now being given a wonderful education and learning about their Lord and Savior. Each trip found them healthier and happier than the one before. Each of these trips also reinforced my commitment to these children and their families. What would you share with someone who is just learning about Branch or a new donor? The people of Haiti have so little. Most live on less than $2.00 a day. Work is hard to come by. Food is becoming less available and more expensive everyday. Many Haitians follow the “religion” of Vodou. These children are taught about their Savior and his forgiveness every day. They also share this knowledge with their families. Without Branch support none of the work in Haiti, with now over 1,600 students, would be possible. As money is now our only way to support these schools, our donors are extremely important to the work being done there. What do you like most about being involved with Branch? Knowing that these special children in Haiti are getting the opportunity to learn about their Lord and promise of eternal life in heaven is most important. Being able to promote Branch throughout the WELS and ELS; speaking at church groups, LWMS rallies, OWLS groups, and schools is one of life’s greatest pleasures. What are some future goals and/or dreams you have for Branch? To continue promoting the welfare and education of the children of Haiti. If God blesses Haiti with more schools and growing enrollments, I pray that Branch will be able to grow support from donors. What do you love the most about Branch Schools? We are a loving, caring, giving group of individuals who have come together to create places where Haitian children can continue to learn and live in Jesus. We support each other in our non-profit endeavors, as well as in our personal lives. I experienced this love and care when I lost my husband of 52 years to cancer in August of 2025. What’s a project you want to work on or get involved with for Branch Schools? I would like to do whatever I can to foster awareness of the needs in Haiti. I enjoy traveling to other parts of the U.S. to spread the word about the children of Branch. God has blessed our work over the first ten years, and I would like to work in any way possible to spread the word to all corners of the country. What is the biggest career challenge you see Branch Schools facing? The biggest challenge in Haiti is space. The three founding schools are at or nearly at capacity. They will need to find ways to accommodate more grades and more students. Also, the schools are limited in their teaching as Branch had no high schools currently. There is a definite need, but with that comes a much larger budget. Branch needs more large donors, grants, and support from WELS and ELS member-owned businesses. Why should people support Branch Schools? We all need to support Branch Schools as they are educating children in the Word of God. Children whose souls would be lost to black magic if not given the chance to attend these schools. We already know that the few children we have lost to illness or crime were learning about their promised home in heaven and were given the gift of eternal life.   With this year and season of giving coming to a close, we want to take a moment to express our deep gratitude for your support on GivingTuesday and our annual year-end campaign. Your gifts, along with the $14,000 matching funds from generous anonymous donors, helped us to raise $42,669! There is still time to make that number grow. Any additional year-end gifts will be added to that total and help us get closer to our goal of raising $50,000. But your gifts are more than just numbers and totals. Your gifts provide more than 1,800 children in Haiti with daily meals, a safe environment to learn and grow, and a sense of stability in a place where each day is full of challenge and hardship. Most importantly, your gifts provide these children with a Christian education and the opportunity to grow in their faith every day. We consistently receive words of thanks from our directors to all of you for your prayers, support, and continued love for the children in Haiti. We are grateful for your partnership in this mission. We thank you for the love you have for these precious children. We pray that the Lord blesses you richly in the year ahead, just as He has blessed us through you. “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” - Colossians 3:17  Branch Lutheran Schools of Haiti would like to introduce our newest addition to the the U.S. development team, Mandy Moll. Mandy is working part-time as a development coordinator and will be working to assist in our outreach efforts. Welcome Mandy!
Mandy Moll is currently a Texan who was once an Oregonian who was raised a Michigander. After graduating from Wisconsin Lutheran College with a Bachelor of Arts in English, Mandy spent the next many years raising her three sons with her husband Dan, a WELS pastor who is currently serving God’s people at Abiding Faith Lutheran Church in Fort Worth, Texas. Prior to moving to Texas, Mandy and family spent fourteen years in Portland, Oregon. During this time home with her boys, she did a variety of writing and editing projects. Once the family moved to Texas, Mandy began substitute teaching in the local school district, an opportunity that allowed her to make connections in the community and let her light shine. She and her husband both attended WELS grade schools and high schools. Their boys were also able to spend their early years at a WELS school. She is so grateful for the blessings that Christian education has brought to her life and is excited to use the gifts God has given to her to aid in bringing that same education to the children of Haiti. Mandy leads the youth ministry team at her church, helps to run their Mornings with Mommy program, and is a regular volunteer at Camp Shiloh Lutheran Retreat. She loves to get outside to walk or bike, taking in God’s creation and looking for critters. In recent years, she’s been writing and illustrating, sending weekly stories to her niece’s preschool class and working on a children’s book that she hopes to see published someday. She especially loves any time spent with her now-grown boys as they settle into their lives. We are excited to have you as part of the team, Mandy! 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
Minimum Qualifications & Skills
Desired Qualifications & Skills Education & Experience
Technical Skills
To Apply: Please email your resume and cover letter to [email protected] 
 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. 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!  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. “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 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  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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