The Lazarus Project in Haiti

The Lazarus Project is a grassroots effort of a growing number of individuals and congregations to be in ministry in Haiti. In the context of Jesus' parable of the rich man and Lazarus it is a response to a modern Lazarus in the suffering poor of Haiti, lying on our doorstep begging to be fed with our crumbs. The Lazarus Project is supported by many churches and individuals in the United States from various Christian denominations and individuals with the support of the nonprofit umbrella of Food for the Poor (FFP). Since 1995, the Lazarus Project has supported the Village of Hope School and has expanded its ministry by supporting other worthy ministries which include Little Children of Jesus Home for Disabled Children and Grace Mission School and Orphanage.

Village of Hope is a school located in the countryside east of Port-au-Prince. Its eight buildings provide 17 classrooms, kitchen, dining hall, assembly hall, chapel, library, showers and toilets, vocational school facilities, clinic/health care office, offices and storage facilities on 30 acres of land. All have been built by a combination of local funding and labor, along with Lazarus Project funds and work groups. They offer ample space for educational and religious activities for the 640 children now enrolled, all of whom have access to two meals per day. VOH was slightly damaged by the earthquake. All children, teachers and staff survived the earthquake although many lost their homes and loved ones. School is back in session and will continue through the summer to make up for lost time.

The Little Children of Jesus (LCJ) is an orphanage for over 100 disabled children. In Haiti, many of God’s children do not have the support of a family due to their disability. Through visiting teams, The Lazarus Project provides much needed supplies as well as education and therapy support. A highlight in the lives of these special little children is a weekly visit from a local musician who plays accordion, sings and dances to brighten their day. While these children's bodies and sometimes their minds are terribly mis-shapened, their spirits are beautifully intact.  No visitor yet has left there without being deeply touched by the smiles on their faces and the sheer joy they exude from simply being alive.

Grace Mission School and Orphanage was founded by "Sister" Marie Major. After years in the United States, Marie felt the call of God to return to her homeland of Haiti to serve her people. Using her own funds, she established a combination church/school/orphanage in Bon Repos, a suburb of Port-au-Prince. She is "mother" to 32 homeless girls and educates over 200 children. She had recently seen the completion of a new church facility, one of her life-long dreams. The Earthquake on January 12th destroyed both the Church and Dormitory for the girls. It is being rebuilt by her angels from “Impact for Jesus”. The Lazarus Project continues to provide assistance for Marie and her girls with various food, medical and manpower through the visiting teams of the Lazarus Project.

Many members of Peace Church have been on mission trips to Haiti with the Lazarus Project and sponsor children at Village of Hope School. If you would like to go on a mission trip or sponsor a child of your own, please contact Marni Maree, a member of Peace and Lazarus Project Board Member, mmaree@cox.net or 571-499-8272  or visit www.LazarusProjectHaiti.org to see more.