Children of Hope is committed to raising the next generation of Haitian leaders. Children are Haiti’s greatest resource. Children of Hope is a holistic child care program targeted towards meeting the essential needs of poor and hurting children in Haiti. Our Goal is to provide physical, educational, emotional and spiritual care for every child, so that each one will become a responsible and productive citizen of Haiti.
Children of Hope is led by Karen Goodyear, who serves as our Canadian Coordinator, and Phylis Newby, who serves as our missionary in Haiti.
Shortly after Phyllis's first visit to Haiti she graduated from The School of Theology in Jamaica and enrolled in Anderson College in Indiana to better prepare herself for her upcoming ministry. She majored in both Theology and English and minored in sociology and history. On July 17, 1972 immediately after graduation, she traveled to Port-au-Prince to begin fulfilling her call. That was 38 years ago.
Her Work in Haiti - Since her arrival in Haiti, Phyllis has seen God work in many wonderful ways. God has truly blessed her work, but only because of her singleness of mind to Him. Many hours of prayer, days of fasting, and much sweat, blood and tears are what have made Phyllis Newby such a blessing to the Haitian people. Since 1993 Phyllis has been committed to building an orphanage and mission in the village of Saintard, which is situated 50 kms north of Port-au-Prince.
Churches and Schools - Over the years, Phyllis has been instrumental in the development and management of close to 270 church-schools, representing over 40,000 children all over Haiti. A church-school is a multipurpose facility which is used as both the village church and primary school. Children in the nearby villages, who may never come to church, will come to school where they are introduced to the message of Christ. As you can imagine, this is an enormous expense as each teacher receives a monthly salary to help cover their basic needs. Just the cost of school notebooks and pencils alone is nearly $20,000 per year.
In addition to the primary schools, there are two High Schools and a technical school. The technical school is called CEPRES and contains the following classes: sewing, auto mechanics, cosmetology, computer, and nursing.
Conventions - Much like our camp meetings, convention is a time of celebration and worship for the church body at large. Conventions are held in the Central part of the island in an effort to include as many of the people as possible. Several thousand believers converge on the designated location for three days of praying, preaching and teaching, baptizing, fellowship and some joyful singing. It is not unusual to have 10 to 20 couples marry.
Orphanage - The orphanage was started for thirteen children who were orphaned after their parents drowned while attempting to go to the United States in boats. Since, that time, the home has grown to include over sixty children who are being brought up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. While growing them up in the Lord, they also receive good food, health care and an education. Once ready to leave the home, we pray each child will then be prepared to make a difference in Haiti.
Leadership Training Centre - The Leadership Centre is in place to house the pastors with a meeting place, kitchen facility and sleeping area. Each month, pastors/leaders from all over Haiti come for 2 days of equipping and a time of refreshing. They come from as far as six to 8 hours away (most on foot) to be a part of this time of encouragement. To hear the pastors singing with praise is beautiful. They testify of their many experiences on the frontlines of battle.
Hospital - The physical needs that have come to Phyllis are many and overwhelming. Sickness and disease are rampant and what are easily curable diseases for most of us can quickly become life threatening to a Haitian. In response to those needs, a hospital facility has been constructed on the Mission Centre property. It is greatly needed since there are no other hospital facilities in the area. At present, there are 6 doctors that include 2 family, 1 surgeon, 1 dentist, 1 pediatrician, 4 nurses, 2 pharmacists and a lab technician. For now, it is run as a day clinic awaiting equipment and supplies.
Phyllis believes strongly in a holistic approach in ministry to the Haitian people. A holistic approach not only considers the spiritual needs but also reaches out to the physical needs of the people. Therefore, Phyllis has implemented village development projects to help in meeting some of the most basic physical needs. Listed below are some of the projects she is presently involved in.
Feeding supplement - This program is an effort to try and provide each school child with at least three meals a week. Presently about 4,000 children are being fed (costing $10,500 every two months) and for many, these will be the only meals they receive.
Financial Aid to Families - Many of the things we take for granted such as the funds to buy a casket for a funeral, or for a high school education, or to have a simple wedding are insurmountable barriers for most Haitians. As often as she can, Phyllis tries to provide emergency help for situations such as these. She also finds herself ministering to destitute families that are brought to her attention.
Clinics - As often as the medical supplies are available, clinics are held throughout the country. With the help of pharmacists and doctors providing medical supplies, the clinics have proven to be a great help to the Haitian people ministering to the most basic medical needs. Along with the clinics, several Haitians have received training in basic dentistry to meet the ongoing needs of the villages.
Clothing Distribution - Many people in Haiti have very little to wear, especially the children. Clothing send in from outside of Haiti is distributed into the various villages where the needs are the greatest.
Well Projects - Contaminated water is a great problem in Haiti but a deep well will provide the villagers with a clean water source and help in preventing the spread of many contagious diseases.
Housing - This project seeks to provide pastors and villagers with a durable hut to endure the fierce elements in Haiti.
Personal Hygiene - Teaching personal cleanliness to the Haitians is a means of preventive medicine.
Sewing Classes - In the sewing classes, the villagers are taught how to sew. This also allows an opportunity for the villagers to become self-supportive.
People often ask how they can actively and effectively help with the needs in Haiti. Here are a few suggestions that might help:
Fast and Pray - The greatest help Phyllis and the people of Haiti can receive is for God’s people to fast and pray. Jesus said, "Some things come only through prayer and fasting," and so it is with the work of God in Haiti. Set aside times to fast and pray for Phyllis, her workers, and the spreading of the Gospel in Haiti. Pray that Satan and the powers of darkness will loose their hold in the name of Jesus. God promised He would move if His people would pray (II Chronicles 7:14).
Financial Support - Phyllis wasn't aware when she left for Haiti in 1972 that she needed to raise her financial support before going. She only knew that God had called and she must be obedient to his calling. Since that time, Phyllis has witnessed God provide in truly miraculous ways, much like great men of the faith such as Hudson Taylor and George Mueller, her favorite missionaries.
Needless to say, this provision has come as God's people have obediently moved in response to the need set before them. The needs of this ministry are staggering, but Phyllis serves a mighty God and a faithful Father. If God has moved upon your heart about this work, please send your tax-deductible donation to:
Children of Hope
3275 Dolson Court
Mississauga, Ontario L5L 4K5
Please designate your gift for Children of Hope.
Or
Church of God in Eastern Canada
Please designate your gift for Haiti relief.
God's hand is upon Phyllis Newby, a woman filled with God, reaching out and ministering to the needs of the Haitian people. Please remember to pray for Phyllis as she seeks for God's kingdom to come to Haiti.
You can contact Phyllis directly or send her an encouraging word at:
Ms. Phyllis Newby – PAP #2344
Agape Flights Inc.
100 Airport Ave.
Venice, FL 34285-3901
You can also send e-mails to: kargoodyear@sympatico.ca
Mission Haiti - North Carolina - shipping relief supplies and construction.
Hand to the Plow - Florida - well drilling and bringing the Christmas message to the schools.
Mission Haiti Midwest - Indiana - medical needs at the hospital.
HELPS International - Ontario - assisting Pastors and Leaders.
Hope for Haiti - South Carolina - shipping relief supplies and construction.
Children of Hope – Ontario - a holistic child care program targeted towards meeting the essential needs of poor and hurting children.
Church of God in Eastern Canada - individual Church of God churches and other faith based churches from Ohio, Illinois, Florida, Georgia, Alabama, California, New York, Bermuda, Barbados, Bahamas and Cayman Island. From these supporters, many groups come to take on various projects at the mission and to provide and distribute relief supplies.