Marvens’ Journey to Jesus | An Update from Haiti
Marvens endured five changes to his living situation before finding a home with Lifesong.
It all started when he was just a child living with his mother. He never met his father or his siblings and was frequently home alone.
One day, his mother brought him to a lady who could watch him while she worked. Marvens didn’t understand why his mom left him with a stranger, so he ran away and spent two days on the street.
Eventually, Marvens decided to go to the police station to ask for help. But instead of bringing him home, he was placed in an orphanage where he received little more than a roof over his head. There was no food, no schooling, and nobody seemed to care.
A few months later, Marvens was sent to another location where his circumstances improved but only temporarily. Marvens played games, made friends, and was tutored, but after a year, he was transferred again.
At the new location, Marvens heard about Jesus for the first time.
In Marvens’ words—
“As a child, I didn’t understand much, but I knew Jesus was someone I could count on.”
But again, the program Marvens attended disintegrated, and he began to lack food, clothing, and other basic needs.
”For the fifth time in my life, I felt disappointed and neglected,” Marvens said.
In his distress, Marvens asked God to help him find somewhere he could feel safe for the first time in his life.
In 2022, he learned he would be sent to Lifesong. Marvens shared—
“I was warmly welcomed as if I were expected and wanted. I’ll never forget this memory.”
About a year later, Marvens made the decision to be baptized.
As he was discipled, Marvens realized that though he had endured many challenges up to this point, he had been blessed on his long journey to Lifesong, and to Jesus.
He said—
“Not only have I found a home, but a family that cares about my life. This is all I have wished for, and it happened because of the love of Jesus.”
At Lifesong, we stand by a four-part pledge to the children we serve. The first part of the pledge affirms our commitment to teach orphaned and vulnerable children the Gospel and how to live as a follower of Jesus Christ.
Be taught the Gospel and how to live as a follower of Jesus Christ
Not want for food, clothing, medical care, or shelter
Receive a quality education to provide a foundation for their future
Experience continued love and support while transitioning into adult living
Today, Marvens is in 9th grade with great expectations for his future. He attends school, has a safe house to sleep in, and has the opportunity to hear more about Jesus every day.
His favorite Bible verse is Psalm 23:4—Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
This verse reminds him that even though he experienced painful transitions as a child, God was guiding him all along to a place where he could find Jesus. Because of this, Marvens wants other orphaned and vulnerable children on the streets to know, Jesus has the power to change lives.
Pray for Haiti
- Pray for a hedge of protection around our campus, staff, and the children we serve. Recently, there has been increased gang activity in a neighboring town.
- Praise God for orphaned and vulnerable children and young adults like Marvens who have made the decision to be baptized. Pray that their faith would grow deep and wide.
- Praise God that school has reopened on a modified schedule. Children are being taught in a safe and loving environment.
- Praise God for gifting the children we serve with a grateful spirit despite fear.
- Pray for continued grace and daily strength for the leadership team as they serve together.
- Pray for an end to violence and corruption in Haiti.
Join our prayer team to receive monthly prayer requests & praises from across our ministry.
Will you help orphaned and vulnerable children in Haiti know Jesus?
When you give to Lifesong, you show orphaned and vulnerable children they are seen, known, and loved through Gospel-centered holistic care. Thanks to TMG Foundation, 100% of your gift goes directly to helping orphaned and vulnerable children.