The Orphans

The Orphans

Meet Madam Paul. This 62 year-old woman has a passion for serving Christ that began in prison ministry, and has grown into caring for what may be Haiti's most destitute citizens: its orphans. Thirteen years ago, Madam Paul was suffering from a severe illness when God healed her miraculously, and gave her a vision, asking her to take care of orphans. She obeyed, and the joy of knowing Him in that obedience is on her face and in all she does. Her orphan ministry has grown explosively: what began with the care of a few children has led the establishment of Le Bon Samaritian, or The Good Samaritan, an orphanage in Croix des Bouquets housing 72 children.

Needless to say, in Haiti, survival is difficult at best. Mme Paul recently moved The Good Samaritan, growing past its capacity, into a house with no toilet facilities and little to no furniture, and she and the children are currently depending on the U.N. for food and water, rationing carefully what they do receive. She sleeps light every night, constantly rising to minister to the needs of the many infants and young children. As educational fees are well beyond the means of the orphanage, none of these children receive education of any kind. Clothing and food are insufficient, and basic sanitary needs like soap and water are considered a luxury. As disturbing as this poverty may seem, this has been a normal way of life for Madam Paul and the children of The Good Samaritan for some time, and they are thankful to have a roof over their heads and to not be living on the streets.

Mercy League Haiti intends to minister to Madam Paul more fully than by simply paying her rent. We would like to see the orphanage's housing repaired, plumbed, and made into a safe and life-giving environment for these children to grow. Plans are underway to cultivate vegetable gardens, bring in teachers for basic educational needs, and hire Haitian workers to assist in administration and caring for the children. We want to buy clothes and soap, pencils and bed sheets, and help Madam Paul in every way possible to create a safe, nurturing, and fun environment for these children, even --- we hope --- building a playground! Although there's nothing we would rather see than each child in The Good Samaritan adopted into a family, we must do what we can to keep this orphanage alive, and able to continue to accept new children. Most orphans in Haiti live on the street, without the care of loving adults or the security of permanent housing; we must do what we can to support Madam Paul, and help her make The Good Samaritan a powerful and sustainable shelter.