My Nonprofit Reviews

Our small congregation began supporting the Haitian schools program 30 years ago.

Back then a sermon shared at church told us about Haiti and other countries where an education wasn’t available to the children in those places. We learned that an education was a very important step necessary to enable someone to lift themself out of poverty and spare their families unnecessary suffering. We learned about Outreach International and their efforts to help communities. The Haitian school program was mentioned and also that there were students in the program whose only meal for the day was provided to them at school.

Our children were so moved that they decided they wanted to change that reality. They began collecting cans to earn money to send to Outreach International and our congregation promised to match whatever they earned.

We were surprised and overjoyed as they met their first goal with enthusiasm! They had worked to sponsor a classroom for a year. Once they surpassed that goal and they realized that they could help more children they revised their goal and would try to support an entire school, for a little over $500. Reaching their goal helped them know that they could work with others and make a difference in the world; they truly blessed others through the choices they made.

The second year the children said they couldn’t abandon their new friends so the fundraising continued. When these children moved away from our area the congregation committed to continue supporting the Haitian school program by making this an annual budget item. We now fund this through a monthly birthday / anniversary offering as we celebrate our loved ones and remember those who have passed. As congregants make their contribution to the offering we learn about those that are (and were) dear to them. Honoring those special to us in this way allows our loved ones to live on as the love we express for them continues to flow on to the children in Haiti.

We have been blessed with so much in this country and such a small amount given to OI goes so far in other areas of the world. “To whom much is given, much will be required (Luke 12:48).”

We find it refreshing to see the way Outreach International enables communities to help themselves and find their own solutions. OI doesn’t create a cycle of dependency but helps people and communities to be self sufficient.

We are so appreciative to those who work all over the world for Outreach International relieving the pain and suffering that poverty brings to so many. It is our joy to support them!

Elaine Turner
Pastor
Community of Christ
Marina, CA

P.S. I shared a photo here of the beautiful 2021 plaque our congregation received from Outreach International last year. We display these in our hallway at church to remind us of the joy we can bring to others when we commit to sharing our blessings of time, talent, and treasure ������.