Mission Update

[James Carlin]

Dear Volunteers, donors, and all members of the North Country Mission of Hope family,

Last fall, and again in the North Country Mission of Hope (NCMOH) annual brochure, I shared updates on the ongoing challenges our partners in Nicaragua have faced over the past eight years. While we are still able to support our programs, shifting regulations and expectations from the Nicaraguan government have made this increasingly challenging.

As an organization, we have pledged to fund all our existing programs through the end of 2027; however, this commitment is subject to the Nicaraguan government's policies. This uncertainty is difficult for us in the United States and even more so for our Nicaraguan Leadership Team.

We continue to monitor the situation in Nicaragua daily while also exploring additional sites for mission service where the needs align with our mission. This step is essential for offering on-site service opportunities to both youth and adults, allowing NCMOH to answer the call to serve those most in need.

In July, we will travel to Martin, Kentucky, for Mission Trip 78, our fourth mission in Appalachia. This annual trip gives us the opportunity to reclaim the in-person service aspect that is vital to truly understanding and living out our call to serve others.

In April, five Leadership Team members traveled to the Dominican Republic to explore opportunities to serve communities in need. We approached this trip with great hope for new mission opportunities, and our on-the-ground experience confirmed those possibilities. Our partner in this venture was Mission of Hope International (MOHI), which is based in Haiti but expanded into the Dominican Republic three years ago as conditions in Haiti worsened. Mission 77 focused much of its time working with displaced Haitian communities, where the need was great. MOHI and its staff in the DR were gracious hosts, enabling us to serve and explore future collaborations.

Upon our return, we presented our findings to the Mission Leadership Team. The team unanimously resolved to enter into talks with MOHI to explore future trips and potential partnership opportunities. That process is already underway.

Please know that this does not diminish our support for our Nicaraguan family. We remain committed to our partners in Nicaragua and to finding meaningful ways to meet their needs. At the same time, it is essential that we seek new opportunities to fulfill our mission of service.

Please keep those we serve in Nicaragua, as well as our leadership and staff, in your prayers as we continue to seek HOPE in an uncertain future.

--

Yours in Hope,

Deacon James Carlin, Executive Director

North Country Mission of Hope