Blog Post

Two Weeks to Reset My Heart

HOPEww Volunteer Corps • Sep 19, 2019

“God used those two weeks to reset my heart and show me what serving and loving people really looks like.” Nathanael Zroh, Global Service Intern and campus minister from Montreal, Canada.

'A few hours before hopping on a plane for Haiti, I was standing on my balcony feeling the Canadian summer's cool weather for the last time before the trip.. As I was thinking about my life, I was filled with gratitude for the way that God had orchestrated my journey up until that moment, and for the immense privilege I had to go to Haiti alongside amazing humans to serve and learn from the Haitian community.
The two weeks we spent there were exactly what I needed. God used those two weeks to reset my heart and show me what serving and loving people really looks like. We had a medical day through which we were able to welcome 136 women and children, some of whom were seeing a doctor for the first time in their entire life. We helped build a house for a single mother with five kids, whose previous house was destroyed by a hurricane. We also worked on latrines for very vulnerable communities and helped lay the foundation of a schoolyard.
From waking up to the sound of a rooster to sleeping in a tent under the stars, every day was filled with many wondrous things. We would just walk down the streets and have the kids from the neighborhood joyfully shout our names to say hi. The children were filled with unfading love and they weren’t afraid to show it! They were always eager to see us, always ready to give and prompt to serve us and alongside us.

I can highlight many special encounters I had during the trip but this one was particularly touching. My friend Danny and I walked to a neighbourhood to supervise a project, the construction of latrines for families living in the slums of Les Cayes. As we were interacting with the community and taking pictures of the latrines to record how things were moving with the project, a man excitedly came towards us and started to introduce himself. His name was Evenson. He asked Danny what he did for a living. Danny told him he was a minister. As soon as he heard that, Evenson started to ask us questions about God, expressing a strong desire to believe but also an uncertainty regarding how he could build a relationship with God. We spoke with him and kept in touch. A few days later, Evenson and nine other people decided to study the Bible and learn about Jesus. How amazing!
The needs in Haiti are certainly overwhelming, and the circumstances aren’t the best. Nonetheless, we were able to witness joy that transcends circumstances. As my good friend Louis put it:
● We have listened to laughter that transcended languages - we saw joy.
● We hugged the cutest group of kids every morning while we were staying at the orphanage - we felt love.
● We watched beautiful people smile, serve, embrace, and empower one another. We started to realize we were looking at Jesus.
I saw the Spirit in Les Cayes and I saw love. I was in Haiti and I saw the Lord.

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PRESS RELEASE June 27, 2023 HOPE worldwide , a leading non-profit organization dedicated to providing sustainable, high-impact, community-based services, including critical healthcare services, disaster relief, and education, to underserved communities globally, is proud to announce the recognition received by the Lawes Road Clinic in Papua New Guinea during a recent visit by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken . This visit highlighted the impactful work carried out by HOPE worldwide global network member, HOPE worldwide Papua New Guinea (PNG), in collaboration with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) as part of the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), the U.S. government’s largest effort to combat HIV. During his visit to Papua New Guinea, Secretary Blinken had the opportunity to tour HOPE worldwide PNG’s Lawes Road Clinic, which is led by HOPE worldwide PNG Country Director Priscilla Sine Mal, and witness firsthand the incredible efforts undertaken by the dedicated team. The clinic's commitment to improving the lives of the local community in various areas, including HIV prevention and treatment, and treatment for victims of violence against women deeply impressed Secretary Blinken. In his remarks, Secretary Blinken expressed his admiration for the clinic's work, stating, "This was a real privilege to be here at the Lawes Road clinic where quite literally our partners are saving lives, changing lives, every single day." The visit showcased the significant impact of HOPE worldwide Papua New Guinea’s clinic on the region, highlighting its vital role in providing essential healthcare services to those most in need and who often have the most difficult time getting treatment, in part due to the social stigma often associated with their conditions. The Lawes Road Clinic operates under the auspices of the Presidential Emergency Plan For HIV/AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), funded through USAID and implemented in collaboration with FHI 360 and HOPE worldwide . The clinic has been instrumental in providing critical care, support, and testing for HIV/AIDS patients in Papua New Guinea, contributing to the nationwide efforts to combat the disease. This year, PEPFAR celebrates its 20th anniversary, and its 17th year of implementation in Papua New Guinea. HOPE worldwide is honored by the recognition bestowed upon HOPE worldwide Papua New Guinea and the Lawes Road Clinic by Secretary Blinken and remains committed to its mission of transforming communities and improving lives through local, volunteer-based initiatives. With the continuous support of partners like USAID and the unwavering dedication of its teams on the ground, HOPE worldwide and its global network of members like HOPE worldwide PNG strive to create a healthier, more resilient future for all.
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