by Debbie Heneise

This year 86 students graduated from UCNH, topping last year’s record of 69 graduates! I was impressed with the magnitude ofthe ceremony, the huge number of beautifully dressed people who attended, and the many dignitaries and guests who came from far and wide to be present. I see in the graduates of UCNH the manifestation of God’s restorative and regenerative power in a country that so desperately needs His Grace. We are privileged to be witnesses to God’s amazing power.

I know personally several graduates this year. Ben, who graduated from the College of Business, is the son of Miller, a man who was a trusted driver for us when we worked in Agricultural development for the American Baptist Foreign Mission Society at Quartier Morin in Haiti. Ben will not only have a better life because of the education he has received from UCNH, but he joins a growing cadre of  Christians in the business community of Haiti. Ben will bring to this community a commitment to honor God in all areas of his life. This is an example of the “salt” that Jesus speaks of when describing the impact that Christians should have in the world where they live.

Josue, a trusted manager for us at the Agriculture Center in Haiti, also has a son who graduated this year. I felt so proud to see these young men graduating with their peers. There was also a couple graduating. The wife earned a degree in business and wants to start a construction supply store; her husband gained a degree in theology and would like to continue on to get his masters degree in theology. All these students had scholarship funding thanks to many of you who contributed financially through Haiti Hope Fund.

Let us not grow weary in providing aid for these young students. They need our help more than ever. There seems to be a growing momentum as more students are determined to graduate from UCNH each year, no matter what the difficulties. This is very encouraging, so let’s keep the forward movement!

I plan to attend graduation services every May. I would be delighted to have you visit Haiti with me and see what all the excitement is about. I spent 16 years as a missionary in Haiti so you would be in good hands. Please pray if the Lord would like you to visit this mission field.