Haiti Orphan Foundation

Bringing Hope and Provision to Children in Haiti through the Gospel of Jesus Christ

Grace Children's Home

GCH Staff Spotlight: Serge Vixamar

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One of the primary ministries of the Haiti Orphan Foundation is supporting and overseeing the Grace Children’s Home in Croix-des-Bouquet, Haiti.  Obviously, having a great “on the ground” staff at GCH is vital in accomplishing our vision of raising young leaders who love Jesus and are prepared to affect real change in Haiti.  No matter their title in the home, all of our staff play huge roles in caring for our children and modeling a Christ-like attitude as they serve with grace and excellence.  One of the original staff members in the GCH is Serge Vixamar, aka “Vix.” 

We first met Vix through our good friend Junot (a member of HOF who was killed serving the US in Afghanistan) after the earthquake.  Vix lost five family members in the earthquake and has worked hard since to help his family, friends, and country recover.   Vix works as our Orphan Care Administrator, serving as an overseer of the weekly operations of the home and working as a liaison between Pastor Lesly and the Haiti Orphan Foundation Board of Directors.  Vix also works as an interpreter, nurse, and social worker and is currently running for the Haitian Senate. 

According to Vix, his job is to “fight for the boys to help them have a normal life like other children.”  Vix sees his work at GCH as more of a ministry than a job.  Vix believes that Grace Children’s Home has given the boys opportunity to be successful and make a difference in their country.  We are so thankful for Vix and the other staff who serve the boys of the Grace Children’s Home so well.

Grace Children’s Home Staff (L to R): Jacqueline (House Mother), Mrs. Bertrand (Pastor Lesly’s wife), Vixamar (Orphan Care Administrator), Levy (House Father), Modelene (House Mother) Not Pictured: Martine (House Mother), Kenold (Groundskeeper), Christiana (Cook), Ayida (Cook), Mrs. Frederick (Laundry)

 

Hope In the Midst of Adversity

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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.  

Junot leading our team to Haiti in 2010.

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.

 

Junot at HOF meeting in Columbia last Spring.

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)

Soldier, a man of faith, gave all

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by Wes Church

Check out this article remembering my fallen friend (HOF co-founder Junot Cochilus) who gave the final full measure of devotion a couple of weeks ago in Afghanistan. We shared a lot of memories and fortunately a Savior. Thanks Charlotte Observer for such an honoring article.

http://www.pressreader.com/usa/the-charlotte-observer/20120527/282011849408346

 

Please continue to pray for Junot’s family and friends, as well as the Haiti Orphan Foundation family as we move forward with the vision and passion that Junot shared to make a difference in Haiti through the hope of Jesus Christ.

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Urgent Prayer Request!

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Dear Haiti Orphan Foundation Family,

       It is with great sadness that we share an urgent prayer request with you.  In the early hours of Sunday, March 18, the security of the Grace Children’s Home in Haiti was compromised by burglars who were apparently looking to take advantage of a slow time of activity at the home.  The security guard, Abela Elifete, was shot and killed during the robbery.  Pastor Lesly, his wife, his daughter, and a male employee were all assaulted in the process of the men demanding money that was not available. We are thankful that none of the children of the GCH were physically injured in any way.

    We have already offered to help Pastor Lesly greatly increase the perimeter security of the GCH and have helped pay for National Police to protect the home until a professional security company can be contracted.  Ensuring the safety to all at the Grace Children’s Home and all who visit is of paramount importance.   Please pray with us for Pastor Lesly and his family, the children, staff of the GCH, and the Elifete family.  We realize that wounds heal fairly quickly but the emotional strain remains far longer.  We have asked the church to provide additional spiritual and emotional support for the children as they attempt to restore a sense of normalcy.

    In no way does this senseless act deter our mission or work in Haiti.  In fact, it furthers our resolve and is a strong reminder of the harsh reality the children endure everyday.  We thank you for your continued support of the Haiti Orphan Foundation and the Grace Children’s Home.  May we all stand steadfast in the comfort of God’s love and grace as we endure this tragedy.

Under Christ’s Grace,

Board of Haiti Orphan Foundation