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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AuthorBranch Lutheran Schools of Haiti, Inc. Archives
February 2026
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