April 19, 2017

Isemonde Joseph grew up in Haiti’s notorious Cité Soleil slum and was the top girl in her high school class. In 1997, shortly after she graduated, she asked her former teacher, Conor Bohan, for $30 to register for secretarial school. Conor encouraged Isemonde to pursue her dream of studying medicine and paid for her first year’s tuition and books. Realizing that many high school graduates never reached their potential due to extreme poverty, Conor began matching other deserving students with sponsors and HELP was born.

The mission of the Haitian Education & Leadership Program is invest in the brightest young scholars within Haiti, who without financial support would never have the opportunity to obtain higher education. In short, HELP is seeking to change the narrative that has played out in Haiti for far too long. Less than 1% of Haitians go on to earn college degrees, and those that do usually come from the wealthiest families within the country. Of the traditional 1% of Haitians who do earn a higher degree 84% end up leaving Haiti to pursue work in other countries. Over time this has created what is referred to as the 'brain drain' - a problem that contributes to extreme power & wealth disparities for the vast majority of Haitians. 

The good news is that the HELP program is changing this story - one student at a time. 

HELP scholars not only receive tuition and housing, but also meal vouchers, tutoring, leadership development courses, english classes, and IT classes, citizenship courses, academic advising, and study abroad opportunities. 

86% of HELP graduates stay in Haiti after graduation, and with a 95% employment rate and an average annual income of $15,500 (compared to the national average of $820) these young people are being equipped as change agents within their communities.

This last year HELP representatives and students visited over 1,200 schools and spoke to roughly 150,000 students about the program which resulted in 347 applications from straight-A students. The top 75 candidates were at the HELP Center in July, participating in the three-week orientation and 25 students were invited to the incoming freshman class in September.

HTF currently sponsors 18 students and is considered the largest sponsor for the HELP program. Our goal this Easter Season is to raise enough funds to be able to provide one more scholarship for a deserving student. The investment is $9,000 a year and enables the HELP program to offer an all-inclusive opportunity to the brightest young people in Haiti who happen to come from the most impoverished regions.  Supporting this project is just one way we can put our belief in the resurrection into action....

For where the worlds sees despair - God brings hope

When the world is filled with death - God gives new life

When the obstacles seem insurmountable - God goes 'all in'

So that ALL may have life!

Starting this weekend you can learn more about our Resurrection Project in the gathering space. You can also learn more about the HELP program by visiting their website here.  Please make your gifts payable with Prince of Peace with "Resurrection Project or HELP" in the memo line. 


In Resurrection Hope,

Pastor Lorne
 Weekly News 
Fundraiser opportunity for parents and their friends - THIS THURSDAY  

Special "Third Thursday" instead of the usual gathering at Kirby’s: All are invited to join the  GETDOT group at Tavern On The Corner (7796 Montgomery Road) from  5:30-7:30 pm  on  Thursday, April 20. This month the Prince of Peace Discipleship Tour is the “Charity of the Month” for a local networking group who gathers to donate to causes enriching the lives of Cincinnati children. All are welcome to join us for a fun night of meeting new people and supporting our teens in their mission to live and love like Jesus on the Discipleship Tour this summer. There will be raffle baskets available. All first time guests receive a free raffle ticket. More information is on the Community Bulletin Board.

 Learn more at this link.
SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES THIS WEEKEND
Saturday, April 22
9-11 am

Matthew 25 is a ministry which takes unneeded items from corporations and businesses in Cincinnati and repurposes them in their warehouse on Kenwood Avenue. Volunteers sort through clothing articles, repackage liquid soap, pack hunger packets, and do all sorts of things. Great for all ages. Meet at 11060 Kenwood Road, Blue Ash.
 
Habitat for Humanity
Saturday, April 22
8:30 am - 3 pm

POP is teaming up with Loveland United Methodist Church this Saturday to begin the work on the new Habitat home. We need 7-8 volunteers from POP (16 yrs or older). The work will be to sheath the exterior walls that were previously made by others and stand them up in place. POP is also serving lunch to all the volunteers. We need 2 volunteers to help with the lunch. Call Jerry Draeger at 513-677-3730 to sign up.
Free Day of  Camp
Sunday , April 23
1 pm-4 pm

Lutheran Outdoor Ministries of Ohio is bringing  camp  to POP. Take a peek into  camp  life. Experience campfires, s’mores,  camp  games and songs. There will be an opportunity to ask questions about  camp , registration and what to expect. Come find out why thousands of people spend time at Lutheran Memorial  Camp ,  Camp  Mowana,  Camp  Luther and LOMO Outreach. 

This event is for the whole family!