The Fruition of Hope at Sarazin

When our team was in Haiti last month, we visited the church at Sarazin, and I shared the news that Hope Rising had raised enough money to start construction on their new church and school building.

As I preached and shared from Acts 20:19-24 and talked about Paul’s focus to “complete the task … of testifying to the good news of God’s grace (v.24),” I reminded them that Paul had only one aim – he was focused on finishing the task that the Lord Jesus had given him. And it was this focus on God’s plan that helped Paul endure suffering and setbacks. The church at Sarazin has also endured setbacks and suffering and that is why it gives us so much joy to partner with them.

Pastor Jethro and the church are very happy and excited about the news that construction has begun and is making good progress. We still have another $80,000 to raise ($70,000 has already been raised); and we are thankful for your prayers and your faithful support for great church leaders like Pastor Jethro and the church at Sarazin. We shared the story of the community of Sarazin in December of 2019 (read about it here).

This lack of safe and reliable facilities would cripple many communities, however for this group of believers it has only served as a springboard to strengthen their resolve and trust in the Lord. Weekly, they gather and pray in faith for a secure and reliable building. When our team was there a few weeks ago – it happened to be on a Sunday that was led by their youth (Pastor Jethro has the youth lead the service once a month). I was very encouraged to see many teenagers involved in the church. I was especially encouraged to see many young men involved in leading, serving, singing, and sharing. They gave a report to the church about a recent youth retreat and what they studied from the Bible and how many young people attended. They even gave an accounting of how they spent the funds on the youth retreat.

The new building will accommodate their growing needs. The church at Sarazin is on the main road and offers compelling outreach to the community. This drawing gives an idea of what the completed building will look like.

Construction is moving along well. Many walls are up and have been stuccoed, the second floor has been poured, and doors have been installed. Materials have been purchased to keep the construction moving forward, even as Haiti faces the Covid-19 pandemic.

Please continue to pray for our friends in Sarazin and all across Haiti. Thanks for your continued partnership.