We met Nayla and her daughter, Gelina, a number of years ago. Gelina was a teenager when we first learned of her struggles from the effects of cerebral palsy. Walking has always been difficult for her. She is a precious girl and her mother, Nayla, cares for her in heroic ways. Her illness and challenges are compounded by their severe poverty. We have witnessed Nayla carrying her daughter through the rugged mountain footpaths.

Generous people purchased four donkeys and four cows at the Pay-It-Forward-Wall on February 2 at the student-led fundraising concert with Building 429 and Jamie Grace. We then worked with the churches in Thomassique and Loratonne to identify families who would be most blessed to receive these gifts. We soon purchased four female donkeys and four female cows and in March, our Valor Discovery students had the privilege to pass out these animals and pray for these families.

When we received the gifts to purchase donkeys, Nayla and Gelina were the first people that came to our mind. It was with great humility and happiness that we were able to give a donkey and a cow to this courageous mom and her, now young-adult, daughter. The donkey will provide transportation for this mother and daughter. Nayla and Gelina’s story is one example of how important a donkey can be for a family. Donkeys provide critical transportation for families who live in the rural mountains, as well as a financial opportunity to breed their animal with others and sell the offspring. Older cows can become a source of food, nutrition and income when a family slaughters their cow.

Of the four donkeys and four cows that we purchased – one donkey turned out to already be pregnant. We made sure that Nayla and Gelina received this 2-for-1 gift!

Thanks for your generous support of what God is doing in Haiti through Hope Rising!

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