British team to partner with HFI for Haiti deployment

Hope Force International will partner with the London-based Shai Foundation to send a group to Haiti this fall. The 16 team members represent six different churches from around the London area. Led by Patricia Talbott and Shai Foundation founder Jennifer Lapompe, the team will run medical clinics, contribute to the "Houses of Hope" project, and visit local schools while in Haiti.

According to Talbott, "The team is excited and looking forward to their time in Haiti, where their goal is to serve the people of Sous Savanne by utilizing the skills and talents of each team member."

Located in London, the Shai Foundation is a ministry dedicated to supporting local and global missions by prompting Christians to serve the poor and suffering worldwide. Much like Hope Force, the Shai Foundation believes in providing practical assistance for those living in poverty while also addressing spiritual needs. The organization accomplishes its goals by promoting and financially supporting Christian ministries. Additionally, the Shai Foundation has several training programs to equip Christians for the mission field.

During their time in Haiti, members of the Shai Foundation team will be hosted by HFI Field Team Directors Rene and Marianne Lako as they join in Hope Force's continuing work in the village of Sous Savanne. Over the past year, the Lakos have hosted groups of HFI Reservists and other volunteers who have come from all across the United States to help bring lasting recovery to the impoverished nation of Haiti. The Lakos coordinated the activities of nearly 50 volunteers in the months of June and July alone.

With such significant forces of manpower, Hope Force has been able to continue making a huge impact on Sous Savanne and the surrounding community. This summer, teams of HFI Reservists and other volunteers worked alongside the Lakos to visit orphanages and the homes of sick children, host Vacation Bible Schools, play sports with local children and continue the monthly Child Sponsorship Program food distribution. Teams were also actively involved in building projects in the Sous Savanne area, including renovation of orphanages and construction of "Houses of Hope".

The three Vacation Bible Schools held in mid-July were a particularly successful aspect of the summer activities undertaken by HFI Reservists and the Field Team. Approximately 375 children ages 3-13 participated in the program, which was themed "Joy". Although they will not have the opportunity to be involved with VBS on their deployment this fall, the team of volunteers from the Shai Foundation will participate in many of the other on-going Hope Force programs in Sous Savanne. Please keep this upcoming team in your prayers as they prepare for their trip to Haiti in late October.