 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
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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  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. 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:
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  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  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:
How you can get involved:
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].  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.  John Alan Sebald has been immersed in education, leadership, mission advancement, and fundraising for almost four decades.
Currently, John serves as Director of Development at Wisconsin Lutheran High School in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. WLHS is the largest private high school in Milwaukee—and one of the most culturally and ethnically diverse high schools in the country. John is a sunshine and espresso lover. He believes God has wired him with the unique ability to find coffee shops without asking for directions. John is also a husband, father, and grandfather. He enjoys live music, audiobooks, lifting heavy things, cooking, and adventures with his wife, Kristi. Most of all, he’s a firm believer in the power of God’s grace to change hearts and lives.  Dawn and Brian met at Bethany Lutheran College in Mankato, MN. Dawn graduated with a Bachelor’s in Communication and they got married while Brian went on to Seminary. They moved to Cottage Grove, WI for his vicarship and then to Sebring, FL for his first call. He then went to UCF to get a second master’s degree and Michigan State for a PhD in Communication. Dawn kept everything together and had their two daughters, Brynn (11) and Madison (8).
Now 21 years and 9 moves later they live back in Mankato where Brian teaches at both Bethany and the Seminary. Dawn is a substitute teacher at several schools and an active volunteer at Mount Olive Lutheran Church. In her spare time between car pooling, activities, homework and events, she loves to read and garden and is always growing something odd, dragging Brian along with her. Both Brian and Dawn are passionate about mission work, from helping set up a video ministry to the Hmong people and underserved areas of the U.S. to raising money and awareness of Branch Lutheran Schools of Haiti. They both feel very blessed and humbled to serve the Lord Haitians are in the midst of trying times, especially in the Port-au-Prince region; a state of emergency has been declared and a curfew has been issued for 72 hours as order is restored to the nation's capital.
We are blessed at Branch Schools with skilled and formidable directors and teachers who have lions' hearts when it comes to adversity; keeping the safety and hope ablaze in the eyes of the children and the surrounding communities. They truly hold the fort. All public administration, businesses, and schools will be closed as this state of emergency has been issued from 5:00 a.m. Monday until 6:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 6th. The curfew does not include police enforcement, fire fighters, or first responders. We are confident in the skills and commitment of our directors and teachers in the Port-au-Prince region and across Haiti. We pray that, if it is God's will, all the citizens, directors, teachers, and children will be kept safe. Heavenly Father, please give strength and resolve to all who restore order and determination to the citizens who have been affected by the disruption. -Lauren Frey |
AuthorBranch Lutheran Schools of Haiti, Inc. Archives
February 2025
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