The directors and teachers at Branch Lutheran Schools of Haiti candidly answered what they were up to in the summertime in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Director Boursiquot shared: “Firstly, for the children, the summertime represents a moment of respite; they are always happy after a long period of study to go on vacation. For teachers, this represents a “phew”. With vacation, it’s rest and time for other things, like visiting with family. For me as Director, it represents a reset, the charges are deposited for a short time, [then] time to take stock and time for major calculations for the new year."

Director Yvette in Smyrne shared that “the summer represents a moment of rest [for the children], some of them were always tired during the school time”.

Play is equally important as rest: the boys at Branch Schools are usually found kicking a soccer ball around, for hours lost in their own goal-keeping and trick-playing. The girls prefer mostly board games.

Rest and restoration was the resounding answer given for all. Consequently, the Branch Schools leaders are now refreshed and ready to tackle the new school year. Summer sessions were held to keep the children engaged and connected. Director Boursiquot confirmed: “This started August 7th.”

Director Jeanot stated that after the teachers' summer break, they get ready for the upcoming year with a seminar. Director Boursiquot detailed that during the training seminar, held by the Branch Schools Academic Dean, teachers prepare the course book and review classroom strategies.

It’s an exciting time at Branch Schools! The bustle of school is ringing with energy and drive after a restorative break for all throughout the summer.

Lauren

Gangs and corrupt government. And now comes the rain. 

God in his infinite wisdom has a much bigger vision than my feeble human mind can possibly comprehend.

"Dozens of people have died as heavy rain is flooding the country, last count was 42 [as of Monday, June 5]. 13,300 have lost their homes, 11 people missing after heavy rain has devastated the country."

"The World Food Program and the United Nations food assistance agency has said it will start providing displaced people with hot meals, for up to 15,000 people."

Please Lord, make the ground high of the orphanages and Lutheran schools in Haiti. Let them be a ray of light and a beacon of hope for weary eyes and tired souls. Dear God in Heaven, please protect the directors. Keep the teachers and students safe. Amen.

In Jesus name,
Lauren Frey & family

Info and quotes taken from: Al Jazeera & News Agency and Haitian Ladies Network.
The video below was sent by Director Boursiquot on June 4.

Sharing the knowledge of our Savior is tremendous and important work - it is going on both at home here in Texas, on a national level and internationally.

Our attention was first drawn to Branch Lutheran Schools of Haiti when we heard the numbers of children supported there, including orphans. Children receive the opportunity to go to school, be in a safe place and hear the truth and love of their savior, Jesus Christ. 

The challenges that called workers face daily are great, which is what makes pastors, teachers, staff ministers and others such special people; they are able to look past the worldly towards a divine call. And still volunteer their hand: choose me. In Haiti, that is an understatement. 

A quick search on the US travel advisory site informs briefly and succinctly of the challenges of daily living in Haiti; the political instability; the gang violence - murders and rape and kidnapping run rampant in neighborhood streets. The most recent press shows that Doctors Without Borders had to temporarily close a hospital in Cite Soleil due to gang violence, which has left dozens dead in a number of weeks.

What more can be done for our brothers and sisters in Christ in Haiti? Donations help; to help pay for capital on buildings, to the extremely inflated fuel, to salaries for the teachers and meals for the children. And prayer. There is grit and resilience marching forward daily in the Lord's work that is done to sustain life despite the conditions. It will be the Haitian people who will overcome their obstacles in God's time.

We, as our small family of 5 will continue to tithe and to pray for these Caribbean neighbors of ours. I respectfully request if you can too, please do.

Lauren Frey is a guest author, stay at home mother of three, homeschooling family, business owner and currently living in South Texas.

This blog series takes a closer look at some of the Bible verses used in past newsletters, posts on Facebook, and more. Read on to learn more about these verses, why they were chosen, and what they mean to Branch Schools!

Psalm 33:11 - "The plans of the Lord stand firm forever."

This verse was used in a Facebook post on September 5 as Branch Schools shared the difficult news that schools have been delayed in Haiti, from the original starting date of Sept. 5 to the new date of Oct. 3. This decision from Haiti's government came as protests are rising and travel is unsafe. Many of these protests in the last week have occurred due to an announcement that gas will no longer be subsidized by the government. Fuel is currently scarce in Haiti, which enables a thriving black market that can charge upwards of $20/gallon.

Psalm 33 is a strong reminder of God's steadfast love. Verse 4 says that "For the word of the Lord is upright, and all His work is done in faithfulness." God's plan is not subject to human whims or mistakes. His word will always endure. This is especially comforting when the plans of humans falter and fail. When our lives seem to be derailing and we see no hope for improvement, we know that God's plan is still in motion.

The situation in Haiti is desperate. Director Boursiquot shared that a pack of white paper that recently would cost $2 is now up to $20 for the same item. According to CNN, Haiti "saw a 30.7% inflation rate increase in July this year compared to 2021." Inflation is now the highest it has been in Haiti for the last ten years.

God has a plan for Haiti, just like He has a plan for the whole world--just like He had a plan to save the world from sin. His plan sent Jesus to take our sins and win us eternal life on the cross. That means we can know with certainty that not only do we have the hope of heaven, but that God's plans are for our good.

We pray that God's will be done in Haiti and everywhere. Thank you for your support and prayers!

www.cnn.com/.../haiti-gas-hike-intl-latam/index.html

This blog series takes a closer look at some of the Bible verses used in past newsletters, posts on Facebook, and more. Read on to learn more about these verses, why they were chosen, and what they mean to Branch Schools!

Mark 16:15 - "Jesus said to them, 'Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.'"

Mark 16:15 is the central theme verse for Branch Schools' ongoing summer campaign: "One of the 100." The goal of this campaign is to reach 100 individual donations between June 30 and September 1, to be able to welcome the students back to school with the support of 100 donors cheering them on! At the beginning of this campaign, we reflected on what would happen if Branch Schools disappeared, and Director Boursiquot shared these thoughts: (slightly paraphrased for translation)

"We would like, at this end of the school year, to tell you that your actions have a serious positive impact. If you become discouraged or get tired and give up, there will be a great price for the orphans and children at the schools. Words fail us, but we are grateful. Thank you again."

Your support and donations at Branch Schools matter. But why was this particular verse chosen for this campaign?

At the beginning of chapter 16, Mark writes of Jesus' resurrection and appearance to Mary Magdalene, and in verse 14, Jesus goes to all of His disciples. Shortly after verse 15, Jesus ascends into heaven. His direction to the disciples to "proclaim the gospel to the whole creation" is highlighted in its importance, as it is one of the last sentences Mark records before Jesus' ascension. The gospel had just unfolded before the disciples' very eyes: the crucified but risen Savior standing before them. Jesus now commands them to tell "the whole creation" about this gospel.

This command mirrors the words Jesus spoke in Matthew 28:19-20, which are often referred to as the "Great Commission," where Jesus says to "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.". Similarly, Luke writes of Jesus' words to the disciples: "repentance for the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in [Jesus'] name to all nations" (Luke 24:47). The repetition of this command again highlights the essential need to preach the gospel across the entire world.

Sharing this amazing Good News to all of creation is exactly why Branch Schools exists. We have the immense joy of teaching hundreds of young students that their sins are forgiven because of Jesus their Savior. Director Jeanot made a comment several years ago that has continued to remind us of the importance of preaching the gospel to all the world:

"If we did not have my school, all of my orphans would not learn to read and write – I could not afford to send them to a public school because of the costs. I would have to choose from among my children."

Thanks to our incredible donors, Branch Schools doesn't have to choose who can enroll at school and learn God's Word. Every child from every background, including those unable to pay school fees, is welcomed. Every child reads the Bible; every child receives a copy of the catechism--and every year, enrollment grows higher and higher.

We are so excited for this upcoming school year, when the students return to their classrooms to dive into God's Word once again. For some new students, this may be their first time learning about Jesus. This summer campaign is about growing the Branch Schools family even wider--both in supporting more enrolled students and getting to know more donors! Thanks to the support, prayers, and generosity of these donors, Branch Schools will continue to preach the gospel across Haiti for as long as possible. Thank you!

If you would like to support our summer "One of the 100" campaign, please visit our "Donate" page:
​

Branch Schools is beginning a new blog series this spring to take a closer look at some of the Bible verses used in past newsletters, posts on Facebook, and more. Read on to learn more about these verses, why they were chosen, and what they mean to Branch Schools!

1 Corinthians 16:14 - "Let all that you do be done in love."

This verse from 1 Corinthians was shared on Facebook this past Valentine's Day. While this verse has a great link to Valentine's Day itself, its connection to Branch Schools doesn't end there. What does this verse mean to us during the rest of the year?

The Bible speaks often and highly of love–both God's love for us and how we should love our neighbors. Jesus says in John 13:35: "By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." At Branch Schools, our mission is to "make disciples who make disciples"--that is, to build up the next generation to be able to continue spreading God's Word, and God's love, across the world.

In Haiti, vodou practices and beliefs are pervasive throughout the entire culture, and directly oppose Christianity. Vodou teaches that there is a god who is very distant and removed from the people. As a result, fear is a common principle in vodou. As Lutherans, we understand God to be forgiving and loving, even as He is perfect and just. He desires to bring us close to Him, but our sinfulness cannot approach His holy presence. So, God sent Jesus to take our punishment–and our sins–and give us His own righteousness to wear in God's presence. We do not have to fear for our souls; in fact, we can look ahead to an eternity in heaven with God Himself.

Because vodou and Christian teachings are in opposition, it is difficult for Christians to practice openly. In October 2021, Branch Schools shared the troubling story from Haiti of 17 Christian missionaries who were kidnapped. In April 2021, an armed gang broke into a worship service, which was being live-streamed, and abducted the pastor and several churchgoers. These heartbreaking events are, unfortunately, not isolated; kidnappings and threats towards Christians remain common to this day.

1 Corinthians 16:14 is one of several directions given by Paul. In verse 13, he also instructs us to "Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong." These words are encouraging and bolstering to Branch Schools, especially in the turmoil of the political and economical situation in Haiti. Even as persecution of Christianity continues to rise, Branch Schools has stood firm under God's protecting hand.

Thanks be to God, who has blessed Branch Schools with a wonderful reputation throughout the surrounding areas of the schools in Haiti: Smyrne, Carrefour, Leogane, Pilate, and Les Palmes. Branch Schools has truly enjoyed being an integral member of these communities and is thrilled to be able to share the light of God's Word in a culture darkened by vodou. Church services are held at the facilities in the Port-au-Prince area schools; in 2020, attendance at these services reached over 400 people!

This high regard from the community comes, in part, from the quality of education the students receive. The teachers' love for the students is evident in the great care they take in the classrooms. One six-grader, Milot, said "the teachers teach very well. They carry out the activities with care." We are so grateful for the wonderful faculty and staff across all of Branch Schools who are a beacon of love to their students.

The love from all the donors who support Branch Schools floods Haiti in the light of God's Word. Thank you for helping us "make disciples who make disciples" and reflect God's love!

We ask for your continued prayers that the persecution in Haiti may end and peace may spread over the country. In the midst of the chaos and danger that dominates news from Haiti, we remember Paul's words in 1 Corinthians 13:13: "And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love."

4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
(1 Corinthians 13:4-7)

Branch Schools is beginning a new blog series this spring to take a closer look at some of the Bible verses used in past newsletters, posts on Facebook, and more. Read on to learn more about these verses, why they were chosen, and what they mean to Branch Schools!
 
Psalm 25:4 – “Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths.”
 
This verse is one of Branch Schools’ most recent; shared on Facebook at the beginning of Lent this March. It was the first in an ongoing weekly series to reflect on the Bible throughout this Lenten season. But why this particular verse?

Branch Schools faced numerous challenges and difficult decisions in 2021. One significant question occurred over the spring as the possibility arose of opening a fifth school. Branch Schools had been asked by a congregation in Les Palmes to open a preschool/kindergarten for the estimated 30 children at that age in the village. This was a great and exciting opportunity, but earthly insecurities brought uncertainty to the decision. Would Branch Schools have the financial ability to ensure the new school’s growth? Could a fifth school be supported without sacrificing anything at the existing four schools? Would there continue to be children to attend in the years to come?

These questions helped guide the discussion around this opportunity. It was important to Branch Schools that the responsibility to provide for the schools was considered very carefully, and that we examined how the many gifts given to us by God could best be used to serve His kingdom. Branch Schools prayed for wisdom to answer these questions, as well as continuing assurance to help remind us that God was in control. Since we know and trust in God’s grace, we are confident that He will provide even if we face earthly anxieties.
 
David wrote Psalm 25, along with several other psalms, in a time of hardship and uncertainty. Though we don’t have exact historical context for when David wrote this psalm, his words are a prayer of trust in God’s promises and a call for guidance. David faced many enemies during his time as king, and he continuously asked God to save and protect him and his people. Later in the psalm, we are assured that God does not leave our prayers unanswered: “The Lord confides in those who fear Him; He makes His covenant known to them” (Psalm 25:14). David takes solace in God’s plan, trusting in Him to make a way. He knows that God is willing to teach him His paths because He is merciful and forgiving of David’s sinfulness. “In you, Lord my God, I put my trust…my hope, Lord, is in you.” (Psalm 25:1,21)
 
After many discussions, plans, ideas, answers, and especially prayers, Branch Schools moved forward with the opening of the Les Palmes preschool/kindergarten. The school launched in fall 2021 with 40 young students, and we continue to be amazed and overjoyed at the blessings poured down on Les Palmes! This Lenten season, we can boldly ask God to show us His path for us because we know He gives us what is best for us. As we bring our sins before God and look eagerly ahead to the Easter resurrection, we pray again for God to teach us His ways, that His will be done, not ours.
 
20 Guard my life and rescue me;
    do not let me be put to shame,
    for I take refuge in you.
21 May integrity and uprightness protect me,
    because my hope, Lord, is in you.
(Psalm 25:20-21)