In Haiti, 50 percent of children do not attend school. 30 percent do not get to third grade. 60 percent do not get to sixth.

In an effort to combat the lack of education in Haiti, among other problems, the non-profit ministry, Mission-Haiti, has been working from both Sioux Falls and Haiti to build schools and other institutions. The purpose statement of Mission-Haiti is “To show the love of God by developing and equipping strong Christian leaders in Haiti for the cause of Christ.” Their motto is “Love Jesus, Love Others, Make Disciples.” They serve in Ti-Riviere, Haiti and its surrounding villages with a focus on education. The first school they built in Haiti was the Jean Alexis Kuislin Christian Academy, taught by a mix of missionaries from the U.S. and Haitian teachers. Their goal is to incorporate a U.S. level education with Haitian traditions and culture. Through this school, students have access to two meals a day and technology like iPads and projectors.

“Starting our Christian academy has been the most rewarding part of my work in Haiti so far,” said U.S. executive director Tim Mulder. “I can just see the progress taking place every time I visit Haiti. The students in that school are going to be able to speak English, French and their native language of Haitian Creole by the time they graduate. It’s very exciting.”

Aside from their work in education, Mission-Haiti also runs an orphanage, an elderly home, a ministry center and evangelism teams. They also host several short-term mission trips to Haiti, which can be applied for on their website. Their current project is a medical clinic, which is planned to be opened before the end of 2018, and they hope that they can make an improvement in the healthcare quality of Haiti.

“The best part about working for Mission-Haiti is getting the opportunity to show the love of God by helping people who are in need,” said Mulder. “Sometimes we just give people an opportunity to help themselves and they run with it! It’s very exciting and rewarding work.”

Mission-Haiti would appreciate being mentioned in prayers, as well as any financial donations they might be able to receive.

“Mission-Haiti really covets the support of people in Sioux Falls,” said Mulder. “We’d love for you to remember us in your prayers. The power of prayer is unbelievable! Just like every other non-profit, we are always looking for financial support. People can donate online on our website, www.mission-haiti.org, or they can mail donations to Mission-Haiti, PO Box 2175, Sioux Falls, SD 57101. In addition to financial donations we are always looking for donations of backpacks, school supplies and new or gently used shoes. Every year we have to find school supplies for 2,000 students! Backpacks and new or gently used pairs of shoes are always greatly appreciated.”