Volunteer Spotlight: Julie Wilson!
Julie Wilson first became involved with New Life for Haiti about 7 years ago. Her son-in-law, Neil Schori, asked her to come to Haiti on the medical team. She said, “At first, I told him no…I was too old, too everything, but he persisted. I caved and my life has not been the same since. I have been involved with New Life for Haiti as a medical missionary, a nurse on the medical team, but I also have engaged in child sponsorship, and loved helping with the shoe collection campaign.”
Julie became inspired by speaking with the founder of New Life for Haiti, Pastor Fran Leeman, on her first trip with the medical team. “He told me it's beginnings, it's story, it's vision. I found Fran to be the most inspiring, extraordinary leader I'd ever met. The whole experience came to me at a time that I was really having difficulty in church ministry. Fran helped me see the vision of the church and our life in ministry from a different perspective.”
Julie shared, “What I would tell anyone about volunteering or considering a mission trip, is simply JUST DO IT! But, make it more than just a trip. Embrace the entire experience. Ask God what He is trying to teach them, how He is trying to grow them, and then watch Him answer that prayer. In becoming involved, they will learn things that they never expected. And they will be a part of the most extraordinary group of people they could ever want to be a part of.”
“I am so honored to be a part of this organization that I hardly have words to describe my deep love. I pray regularly for God to continue to grow this work. My family is involved which makes it even better for me. It seems to never leave us. Trust me when I say, the Haitians have taught me so much more than I give to them. I would give that experience to anyone!”
New Life for Haiti is incredibly honored and grateful to have you walking alongside us over the years, Julie! Thank you for blessing our brothers and sisters in Haiti and for your commitment to this work!
Julie became inspired by speaking with the founder of New Life for Haiti, Pastor Fran Leeman, on her first trip with the medical team. “He told me it's beginnings, it's story, it's vision. I found Fran to be the most inspiring, extraordinary leader I'd ever met. The whole experience came to me at a time that I was really having difficulty in church ministry. Fran helped me see the vision of the church and our life in ministry from a different perspective.”
Julie shared, “What I would tell anyone about volunteering or considering a mission trip, is simply JUST DO IT! But, make it more than just a trip. Embrace the entire experience. Ask God what He is trying to teach them, how He is trying to grow them, and then watch Him answer that prayer. In becoming involved, they will learn things that they never expected. And they will be a part of the most extraordinary group of people they could ever want to be a part of.”
“I am so honored to be a part of this organization that I hardly have words to describe my deep love. I pray regularly for God to continue to grow this work. My family is involved which makes it even better for me. It seems to never leave us. Trust me when I say, the Haitians have taught me so much more than I give to them. I would give that experience to anyone!”
New Life for Haiti is incredibly honored and grateful to have you walking alongside us over the years, Julie! Thank you for blessing our brothers and sisters in Haiti and for your commitment to this work!
Volunteer Spotlight: Scotty Derengowski II!
Scotty Derengowski II became involved in New Life for Haiti when he took his first trip to Haiti in 2012, but was involved stateside for a couple of years prior to that, 8 years in total! His first trip was putting a roof on a school in Haiti with his Dad, Scott Derengowski Sr.
Scotty has been very active in the ministry of New Life for Haiti! He has been a board member for the past several years, put 3 roofs on 3 separate schools, helped finish the apartment roof on Kay Bo Rivye (our staff and teams home), and painted 2 schools.
When asked why he supports New Life for Haiti as opposed to other groups working in Haiti, he said, “I know the people involved - the people who started it all - and I am absolutely positive that what they are doing is nothing other than answering the calling of God. I have seen concrete evidence of our work throughout the years. There is also something very cool about seeing your sponsored child every time you’re there.”
Scotty is passionate about the work that is being done in the Grand Anse River valley in Haiti. “It’s small, it’s grassroots, and it’s real. Going down and visiting our sponsored kids is just amazing. Both families are a part of our family,” he explained.
“The joy that Haitians have… Haitians are VERY happy and joyous. It’s infectious! And they are madly in love with Jesus!” he stated, when asked what surprises him the most about working with New Life for Haiti.
“I wish people knew how trustworthy we are - how much of our money goes directly into the country. How REAL we are. How much we’ve accomplished with such a small amount of money. And how much of a dire need Haiti has. Don’t wait. It’s life changing. Come be a part of the good!!!”
Thank you, Scotty, for your steadfast commitment to the people of the Grand Anse River Valley! New Life for Haiti is grateful to have an incredible volunteer and board member like you!
Scotty has been very active in the ministry of New Life for Haiti! He has been a board member for the past several years, put 3 roofs on 3 separate schools, helped finish the apartment roof on Kay Bo Rivye (our staff and teams home), and painted 2 schools.
When asked why he supports New Life for Haiti as opposed to other groups working in Haiti, he said, “I know the people involved - the people who started it all - and I am absolutely positive that what they are doing is nothing other than answering the calling of God. I have seen concrete evidence of our work throughout the years. There is also something very cool about seeing your sponsored child every time you’re there.”
Scotty is passionate about the work that is being done in the Grand Anse River valley in Haiti. “It’s small, it’s grassroots, and it’s real. Going down and visiting our sponsored kids is just amazing. Both families are a part of our family,” he explained.
“The joy that Haitians have… Haitians are VERY happy and joyous. It’s infectious! And they are madly in love with Jesus!” he stated, when asked what surprises him the most about working with New Life for Haiti.
“I wish people knew how trustworthy we are - how much of our money goes directly into the country. How REAL we are. How much we’ve accomplished with such a small amount of money. And how much of a dire need Haiti has. Don’t wait. It’s life changing. Come be a part of the good!!!”
Thank you, Scotty, for your steadfast commitment to the people of the Grand Anse River Valley! New Life for Haiti is grateful to have an incredible volunteer and board member like you!
Volunteer Spotlight: Kristen Derengowski!
Kristen Derengowski became involved with New Life for Haiti about eight years ago. Her involvement began with the sponsoring of a young boy through our child sponsorship program. This young boy and her oldest son were both five years old and entering school at the same time. She explained, “We wanted to sponsor a child that was the same age as our kids so they could grow up together.”
This was only the beginning of Kristen’s commitment to the people of the Grand Anse River Valley as she has travelled to Haiti four times and sponsored two kids. “I truly enjoy seeing the BIG things being done with a small amount of money and people. It really is a God thing. New Life for Haiti says they are going to do something, and they do it - on barely any resources, but somehow, someway it happens.”
Kristen values the relationship you get to have with your sponsored kids, “I hug my sponsor kids when I go. I know their families. Even with a language barrier there is love between us. They are an extension of our family, and we are an extension of theirs.”
“Real, full of love, changing hearts and lives one day at a time, and soul filling,” is what she wishes other people knew about the impact New Life for Haiti has on the people it serves. She stated, “Volunteer and you will awaken your heart to things you have never experienced. Donate and you will see what can be done with your help. Go on a trip and you will forever be changed.”
New Life for Haiti is grateful for the love and support you have shown us over the years, Kristen! We value your steadfast commitment to the people of Marfranc. You are a shining light providing hope and compassion to the forgotten people of Haiti.
This was only the beginning of Kristen’s commitment to the people of the Grand Anse River Valley as she has travelled to Haiti four times and sponsored two kids. “I truly enjoy seeing the BIG things being done with a small amount of money and people. It really is a God thing. New Life for Haiti says they are going to do something, and they do it - on barely any resources, but somehow, someway it happens.”
Kristen values the relationship you get to have with your sponsored kids, “I hug my sponsor kids when I go. I know their families. Even with a language barrier there is love between us. They are an extension of our family, and we are an extension of theirs.”
“Real, full of love, changing hearts and lives one day at a time, and soul filling,” is what she wishes other people knew about the impact New Life for Haiti has on the people it serves. She stated, “Volunteer and you will awaken your heart to things you have never experienced. Donate and you will see what can be done with your help. Go on a trip and you will forever be changed.”
New Life for Haiti is grateful for the love and support you have shown us over the years, Kristen! We value your steadfast commitment to the people of Marfranc. You are a shining light providing hope and compassion to the forgotten people of Haiti.
Volunteer Spotlight: Christina Conover!
Christina first heard about New Life for Haiti as she struck up a conversation on a plane ride heading back to America in March of 2017. As she heard about New Life for Haiti and the opportunity to be a trainer at the next year’s Teacher Training Seminar, she was intrigued. That next summer, Christina went to Haiti with our teacher training team, presented an impactful program on literacy to Haitian teachers, and the rest is history!
As she taught these Haitian teachers, she found that the tools given to these teachers would later be invaluable to help these kids and this community into a better place. Even though these communities may be small, these teachers are making a difference for generations to come. “Through education and God, peoples’ lives can be changed,” Christina boldly states. “You cannot give people power without knowledge, and that is what education provides. Education and God can fix so many woes of this world, and New Life for Haiti provides both of those for these poor communities.”
We thank you, Christina, for your willingness to become involved with New Life for Haiti and make a difference! We know that your lessons and the care you’ve poured into your work has not gone unnoticed by our Haitian teachers and students.
As she taught these Haitian teachers, she found that the tools given to these teachers would later be invaluable to help these kids and this community into a better place. Even though these communities may be small, these teachers are making a difference for generations to come. “Through education and God, peoples’ lives can be changed,” Christina boldly states. “You cannot give people power without knowledge, and that is what education provides. Education and God can fix so many woes of this world, and New Life for Haiti provides both of those for these poor communities.”
We thank you, Christina, for your willingness to become involved with New Life for Haiti and make a difference! We know that your lessons and the care you’ve poured into your work has not gone unnoticed by our Haitian teachers and students.
Volunteer Spotlight: Whitney Wilson!
Whitney has been a supporter of New Life for Haiti since her first trip in 2009. She remembers signing up for this “Come and See” trip with her brother-in-law Neil Schori, not knowing what to expect: “I was young and had free time. I thought it would be a good thing to do- to see more of the world.”
Little did she know that God would use this trip to open her heart to loving this small Caribbean nation. When she went to Haiti, she remembers being “seized by the power of the great affection” that hasn’t let her go since- this stirring compassion for the names and faces that she’s grown to love in Haiti to be moved to action. For Whitney, “helping people in Haiti” is more than just helping the general poor. She thinks of her friends that she has laughed and hugged with and has grown to love. How could she abandon her friends?
Sometimes, we may be overwhelmed by the great need in Haiti and we become scared to do anything. “Don’t let the fear of not doing enough keep you from doing anything at all,” Whitney says. “Do the things that you CAN do [i.e. child sponsorships, donations, trips] and don’t fixate on the things you can’t do. Allow the Lord to work through what you give.” We couldn’t agree more!
Thank you, Whitney for your heart for Haiti! Thank you for accepting the invitation to partake in the work that the Lord is doing through New Life for Haiti. We are honored to have you on our team of supporters.
Little did she know that God would use this trip to open her heart to loving this small Caribbean nation. When she went to Haiti, she remembers being “seized by the power of the great affection” that hasn’t let her go since- this stirring compassion for the names and faces that she’s grown to love in Haiti to be moved to action. For Whitney, “helping people in Haiti” is more than just helping the general poor. She thinks of her friends that she has laughed and hugged with and has grown to love. How could she abandon her friends?
Sometimes, we may be overwhelmed by the great need in Haiti and we become scared to do anything. “Don’t let the fear of not doing enough keep you from doing anything at all,” Whitney says. “Do the things that you CAN do [i.e. child sponsorships, donations, trips] and don’t fixate on the things you can’t do. Allow the Lord to work through what you give.” We couldn’t agree more!
Thank you, Whitney for your heart for Haiti! Thank you for accepting the invitation to partake in the work that the Lord is doing through New Life for Haiti. We are honored to have you on our team of supporters.
Volunteer Spotlight: Pete Nowka!
Pete has been involved with New Life for Haiti for over three years as he traveled to Haiti on our annual medical clinics and child sponsorship trips. As he helped care for hundreds of patients and meeting hundreds of children in our child sponsorship program, he began to fall in love with Haiti and her “amazingly wonderful people”. The Haitian people live in such extreme poverty with a country that is incredibly broken. Yet, this has not broken the Haitian spirit! As Pete has seen firsthand, you cannot help but become connected with such genuine, joyful people.
In his experience, Pete found that serving in Haiti has been one of the most authentic ways he has extended himself. Joining with New Life for Haiti’s mission and becoming the hands and feet of Jesus, Pete found a transformative change in his heart as he served these deserving people. He proudly states that going to and serving in Haiti is an experience that “will change you in a beautiful, meaningful, soul-filling, rich way. Trust me.” We couldn’t have agreed more!
Thank you, Pete for your time, sacrifice, and care for the people of Haiti. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you!
In his experience, Pete found that serving in Haiti has been one of the most authentic ways he has extended himself. Joining with New Life for Haiti’s mission and becoming the hands and feet of Jesus, Pete found a transformative change in his heart as he served these deserving people. He proudly states that going to and serving in Haiti is an experience that “will change you in a beautiful, meaningful, soul-filling, rich way. Trust me.” We couldn’t have agreed more!
Thank you, Pete for your time, sacrifice, and care for the people of Haiti. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you!
Volunteer Spotlight: Cleone Symons!
Cleone has been involved with New Life for Haiti since 2016 after hearing about New Life for Haiti through her church, Crosswinds Church. After Nigel, her husband, and Pastor Ken came back from the Child Sponsorship Trip in 2016, Cleone couldn’t wait to board the next flight to Haiti! Going to Haiti sparked so much joy for Nigel and Cleone as they have loyally invested in New Life for Haiti’s projects and child sponsorships over the years.
As they have poured their time and resources into New Life for Haiti, Cleone has great confidence knowing that their money is going to make a difference in the lives of the children she has met. She remembers her latest trip to Haiti in January and how there was a HUGE difference in the children that she met just a year ago. “Their sores were gone, the whites in their eyes were not yellow anymore, and these kids just looked happy!” Through New Life for Haiti caring for these forgotten children with the love of Jesus Christ, these kids’ lives were transformed for the better!
When asked what should we tell someone thinking about becoming involved with New Life for Haiti, she states, “Why haven’t you started a long time ago?!” She continues that “your life will be changed when you get involved working with the children and working with New Life for Haiti. Your money [and time] goes a long way.”
We thank you, Cleone, for your advocacy and heart for Haiti! Your passion and sacrifice have not gone unnoticed, and we are incredibly thankful for you and Nigel!
As they have poured their time and resources into New Life for Haiti, Cleone has great confidence knowing that their money is going to make a difference in the lives of the children she has met. She remembers her latest trip to Haiti in January and how there was a HUGE difference in the children that she met just a year ago. “Their sores were gone, the whites in their eyes were not yellow anymore, and these kids just looked happy!” Through New Life for Haiti caring for these forgotten children with the love of Jesus Christ, these kids’ lives were transformed for the better!
When asked what should we tell someone thinking about becoming involved with New Life for Haiti, she states, “Why haven’t you started a long time ago?!” She continues that “your life will be changed when you get involved working with the children and working with New Life for Haiti. Your money [and time] goes a long way.”
We thank you, Cleone, for your advocacy and heart for Haiti! Your passion and sacrifice have not gone unnoticed, and we are incredibly thankful for you and Nigel!
Volunteer Spotlight: Lisa Austin!
Lisa has been involved with New Life for Haiti for six years as she has served on our annual medical mission teams and sponsors a student through our child sponsorship program. When asked why she chose to support New Life for Haiti, Lisa says that “I love that this is a volunteer program and that Fran Leeman, the founder, chose to make a difference in one focused area of Haiti.”
It is through this focus on the Grand Anse River valley that we have been able to make such a great impact with meaningful relationships in the communities of southern Haiti. One of the greatest impacts NLH has made is our annual medical clinic team, which Lisa has been member of. She loves that we are able to “bring God’s healing ministry to some of the most vulnerable people in the world.” We know that hundreds of patients have experienced the love of God through her tender heart and infectious passion as she has worked on our medical clinic teams for years.
Lisa summed up her feelings about serving with New Life for Haiti best: “What a blessing it is to be a blessing to others. New Life for Haiti allows you to make a difference in the lives of others and in doing so, you change your own life…forever.”
We are incredibly thankful for Lisa and the blessing that she has been to so many in Haiti. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you Lisa!
It is through this focus on the Grand Anse River valley that we have been able to make such a great impact with meaningful relationships in the communities of southern Haiti. One of the greatest impacts NLH has made is our annual medical clinic team, which Lisa has been member of. She loves that we are able to “bring God’s healing ministry to some of the most vulnerable people in the world.” We know that hundreds of patients have experienced the love of God through her tender heart and infectious passion as she has worked on our medical clinic teams for years.
Lisa summed up her feelings about serving with New Life for Haiti best: “What a blessing it is to be a blessing to others. New Life for Haiti allows you to make a difference in the lives of others and in doing so, you change your own life…forever.”
We are incredibly thankful for Lisa and the blessing that she has been to so many in Haiti. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you Lisa!
Volunteer Spotlight: Barb Mowery!
Barb has been involved with New Life for Haiti for about a year, and- like many of you- has felt heartbroken for the people of Haiti. As Barb heard more at Crossroads Church about the poverty in Haiti and how New Life for Haiti was making a difference in the Grand Anse River valley, she could only feel compelled to help as best as she could. Barb has since sponsored two children through our child sponsorship program, donated to our Village of Hope projects, and signed up for our upcoming Child Sponsorship Trip in June.
For Barb, she loves that New Life for Haiti is a Christian organization that has leaders filled with integrity and deep love for the Haitian people. She loves that we have purposefully decided to commit themselves to this impoverished country without ever giving up when the going gets tough: “For me, knowing that New Life for Haiti gives most of its funds to the ministry and that their leaders are incredibly passionate and dedicated to their work makes me want to continue supporting New Life for Haiti!”
Thank you, Barb for your involvement and care for the work New Life for Haiti is doing! We are inspired by your passion and love for Haiti, and we hope that more will join our cause and become involved just like you have.
For Barb, she loves that New Life for Haiti is a Christian organization that has leaders filled with integrity and deep love for the Haitian people. She loves that we have purposefully decided to commit themselves to this impoverished country without ever giving up when the going gets tough: “For me, knowing that New Life for Haiti gives most of its funds to the ministry and that their leaders are incredibly passionate and dedicated to their work makes me want to continue supporting New Life for Haiti!”
Thank you, Barb for your involvement and care for the work New Life for Haiti is doing! We are inspired by your passion and love for Haiti, and we hope that more will join our cause and become involved just like you have.
Volunteer Spotlight: Tony Kremer!
Dr. Tony has been involved with New Life for Haiti since 2012, having gone to Haiti five times with New Life for Haiti on a variety of trips- from construction to child sponsorship to the first medical clinic. He remembers his apprehension as he stepped off the plane in Haiti on his first trip. The fear of not knowing what to expect when in Haiti. The unease of stepping into a culture so different from his own. As he began constructing furniture and making the needed repairs on a few of NLH’s schools and Kay Bo Rivye staff house, his fears began to melt away as he realized the impact of this work in Haiti. Through sacrificing a bit of his time, money, and energy, he was able to be make a long-term difference in these poor communities with New Life for Haiti's help.
“If you take a trip there- even with the sacrifice of money and time-” Dr. Tony advises, “once you go there, you’ll be hooked and will be a lifelong supporter. New Life for Haiti is an organization that you can be confident that the funds raised will always help people [in the Grand Anse River valley].”
We are incredibly appreciative for Dr. Tony’s compassionate support and heart for the people of Haiti. We know that he has been a blessing to so many in Haiti because of his generosity of time and money. Thank you Dr. Tony!
“If you take a trip there- even with the sacrifice of money and time-” Dr. Tony advises, “once you go there, you’ll be hooked and will be a lifelong supporter. New Life for Haiti is an organization that you can be confident that the funds raised will always help people [in the Grand Anse River valley].”
We are incredibly appreciative for Dr. Tony’s compassionate support and heart for the people of Haiti. We know that he has been a blessing to so many in Haiti because of his generosity of time and money. Thank you Dr. Tony!
Mailing AddressNew Life for Haiti
P.O. Box 33 Plainfield, IL 60544 Phone Number815/922-0941
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Selling Your Home? Support NLH at No Cost to You!
If you or someone you know is thinking about buying or selling your existing home in the next few years, do you know that transaction can support New Life for Haiti? There is no cost to you. Please CLICK HERE to learn more.
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