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!