Friends, I want to first thank you for the gracious and loving support you have given to the Haiti Orphan Foundation this year. Because of you, 15 vulnerable children were fed, given shelter, and shown the love of Christ. Your willingness to think of others less fortunate truly has made an impact in their lives. We at HOF did not seek this position, we feel our Lord has called each of us to reach out of our comfort zone and follow where He leads. We have continued to pursue true obedience and hold steadfast in His provision for all we do. I often marvel at what HOF has grown to and eagerly wait for what God has planned. Our mission has never wavered. We aim to share the love of Christ with vulnerable and abandoned children in a lost and harsh country. Remembering the recent bible verses that were recited to us by the children at Grace Children’s Home on our most recent trip serves as a strong reminder of His involvement in this endeavor.
Our year was met with an extraordinary turn of events. Over the past 7 months we have endured violent acts that are almost unfathomable. In March of 2012, the security of the Grace Home was breeched and met with a level of violence that reminded each of us of the danger one sees in a desperate third world country. Our security guard was murdered and Pastor Lesly and his family were victimized all for money. Praise God none of the children were harmed, but it served as a sobering reminder of the spiritual war we are involved in. Not only did this prompt the displacement of the boys to a safer more rural area (Mirebalais), but it served notice that Haiti is continuing to become more dangerous. Ensuring the safety for the children and all who reside at the Grace Home has become paramount. Through much discussion and prayer, we have taken strides to meet this need. From your support and the leadership from our sources in Haiti, we were able to raise our perimeter wall 3 more feet, add razor wire, and erect two elevated security guard shacks. Unfortunately, this is only one aspect of the challenge we are facing with regards to security. Cost for this much needed upgrade remains the biggest obstacle. We have been told we will require at minimum 2-3 security guards (estimated cost is $900/mo… our initial costs currently are $125/mo. ). Please pray for guidance and wisdom as we work to find a solution.
As we struggled with the events of March, our organization was faced with another tragedy. We lost one of our own. PFC Junot Cochilus was a Haitian American serving with the United States Army in Afghanistan when he died tragically by an enemy IED. I am unsure how to best describe my friend. Junot was quite simply an angel who walked on this earth. He was instrumental in the formation of HOF and remained the liaison between Pastor Lesly and our board. He was the spark behind the formation of the Haiti Orphan Foundation. If it weren’t for Junot’s connections, love for children and passion to dream big, HOF would have never been formed. We owe so much to him and the vision God gave him. I have seen Junot’s heart reach all walks of life. From the pagan voodoo doctor he ministered and showed love for, to the desperate and homeless, to the orphaned and ill children, to strangers needing money or a shoulder to cry on, Junot was there for each of them. I will miss my friend. I will miss him very much. I am only sad for myself however; for I know my brother is home.
Satan’s actions over the last few months have attempted to disrupt, detract, and destroy HOF. I must say it was difficult, but we have met each challenge with resolve, fervor, and most of all, prayer. We remain resolute in our mission for we know God has a plan. To that end, we are once again actively pursuing a location for a future girls home. We are currently examining the possibility and implications of having it reside in the mountain foothills of Mirebalias. Please pray for God’s direction to become clear to us. Girls remain the most vulnerable in Haiti. In a world where strength and brutality rules, women find themselves a consummate victim. Our Lord beckons us to do something. I sincerely ask for your prayers, not for HOF to be successful but that His Kingdom will be glorified. We give honor and glory to our Heavenly Father for continued grace and provision.
Making a difference with you,
Bruce Cope
(for Daryl, Mike, Tommy, Tripp, & Wes)
