In 2021 HCM went through one of the most difficult years in its history. It was filled with bad news such as the loss of our beloved founder Dr. Etienne Prophete, a country in chaos, and many other obstacles along the way. However, we must remind ourselves, just as it is written in Romans 5:3–4, “We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation.”
Despite the dangers from gangs and social uprisings, HCM ministries were able to celebrate this Holiday season. These end-of-the-year gatherings were a big encouragement for those who attended.
WHAT A WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS!
As another year of challenges and difficulties for Haiti comes to an end, so does another semester of school for our students. It can be easy to focus on the difficult things or uncertainties in Haiti but for our students and many of our staff on campus, their focus adjusted to the much anticipated Christmas party. Every year around Christmas hundreds of students gather across our schools to celebrate another semester of school completed and most importantly, the birth of Christ.
Together, staff and students at HCM celebrate through games, performances, laughing, worshiping, and simply being together. Students with the highest performance scores in school receive awards and are honored in front of their peers and teachers. An incredible meal is always served by 40 volunteers through the local churches, as students eat together and fellowship. The staff on campus know how important it is to create a safe place for the students to be kids, to show their talents, and be creative so the annual talent show was a big hit once again! As you can see in the pictures, joy was felt all over campus and the communities truly came alongside the churches and schools to make this such a celebration for our students to enjoy!
Outreach is another big part of the annual Christmas party, part of that being making sure each child receives a Christmas gift as well as extra food for families. However, the situation of the gangs and roadblocks in Haiti make it difficult at times to get all the gifts and supplies the staff would like to have to distribute to children and families. Our in-country sponsorship director Ismel, was able to gather Bibles for distribution along with notebooks, little radios, and games. Food distributions to the families of students are still underway, as the joy of the Christmas season is not merely kept to one day but is still being spread throughout the communities. Thanks to so many generous individuals and churches our students were able to gather and celebrate in a safe and joy-filled place. The families of our students are also getting to experience that joy and hope as we step into the new year.
PLAY IT FORWARD CELEBRATES VICTORIES!
Play It Forward director, Thony, recently led the player’s award night which was filled with much-needed laughter and recognition for all of last year’s high achievers.
The energy and joy we had on campus during the awards night was radiant! Friends and families gathered together to award the hard work these students have put into, not sports but discipleship, this year. Where our students have been immobilized by the events of this year, they are finding hope and optimism through the mentorship of being a part of Play it Forward.
Both these events along with Christmas services brought encouragement and much-needed joy in light of all the recent setbacks that HCM has experienced. Thank you for giving to help make it possible.