Do you see #3 and #10? These are our students!! The document to the left  is translated: State University of Haiti Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy Result--foreign, public, and private hospital residency academic year 2023-2024.  In Haiti, there are very few options to continue your studies to get a master's, doctorate, or for a medical doctor, to get training in a speciality.  The competition for the few available opportunities is intense.  Thousands took the test, but only 94 passed the vigorous exam. Dr. Toriste Alexander Christophe obtained the 2nd highest score and Dr. Joseph Faustin achieved the 4th highest score.  We are grateful that these doctors want to continue to study to help their country.  Dr. Toriste desires to be a OB-GYN and Dr. Faustin wants to be a general surgeon.

While working at the Hinche hospital for his year of social medicine, Dr. Isaac Brizard took care of many prisoners from all over Haiti. These prisoners had many illnesses, but most were connected to malnourishment. They also had many stories to tell about the dismal conditions of the prison system and the lack of good judicial services available to them. Dr. Isaac took it upon himself to take Matthew 25:34-40 to heart and visit the “least of these” in the Hinche prison. He found 530 prisoners enduring very inhumane conditions. All prisoners rely on family to bring them food to eat, but many prisoners are transferred to prisons far away from home due to overcrowding in the facilities nearest to them. Therefore, there are many cases of malnourishment which just compounds that diseases and illnesses that are contracted. Dr. Isaac will be leading a health care effort at the prison. He and the other medical personnel willing to lend their time and expertise will not be paid. Their reward will be given in heaven for obeying God’s mandate. UCI will be partnering with Dr. Isaac by providing food and clothes and Bibles as much as possible. Our theology students will also make visits to the prisoners to provide spiritual counsel and bring hope.

Matthew 25: 43-45 (MSG)

I was hungry and you gave me no meal,

I was thirsty and you gave me no drink,

I was homeless and you gave me no bed,

I was shivering and you gave me no clothes,

Sick and in prison, and you never visited.’

“Then those ‘goats’ are going to say, ‘Master, what are you talking about? When did we ever see you hungry or thirsty or homeless or shivering or sick or in prison and didn’t help?’

“He will answer them, ‘I’m telling the solemn truth: Whenever you failed to do one of these things to someone who was being overlooked or ignored, that was me—you failed to do it to me.’

Dr. Isaac continues his ministry in the prison of Hinche. Because people sent vitamins, food, T-shirts. women’s hygiene kits, wonderful Biblical tracts, and money, he was able to bless many. Prisons in Haiti are very crowded with little resources. The desperation is evident. Pray that the men and women there will find Hope in Jesus.

UCCC graduates bringing about transformation:

Dr. Samy (Samuel) Simon

Dr. Samy Simon had just started medical school in Port-au-Prince when the earthquake of 2010 hit. His school was destroyed. He came to our medical school at the very beginning. He was willing to take a chance on a brand new university. He persevered and graduated as a full-fledged doctor. Since then he even returned to the site of the 2021 earthquake to help as a first responder.

Ten years ago, UCI held a youth camp. The pastors that attended JeanJean's pastoral training for lay pastors sent young men and women to attend this camp. A challenge was given to memorize Isaiah 41.

Wilner is a young man from Laguamithe, a community deep in the mountains where there is no road access, no running water, and no electricity. When Wilner attended the camp he recited Isaiah 41 in Haitian Kreyol, which was impressive. But what really made an impression was that he then recited the entire chapter in English. He told us that he knew Americans were helping us with the camp and he wanted them to hear this challenge in their language, as well.

Wilner finished high school the previous year, but due to financial reasons, he was unable to continue his studies. We felt strongly that a young man like this could help transform communities in Haiti. Two ladies from a very small church gave him this chance to attend our university, which was in its 2nd year. He entered the medical program and today he is a licensed, practicing doctor.

Many college students go to the bigger cities to try to find jobs, but Wilner couldn't forget about his home community. His home has 4 different communities that together have over 47,000 people. The nearest clinic to Laguamithe is a 12 hour walk through the mountains. Wilner is going to concentrate on community health to help his community. In October of 2023, Wilner and another classmate will go to Lagwamithe to serve as doctors as they open a health center. We praise the Lord!!!

Wilner, in talking about his vision for this health center said, "The Word of God will be #1 because life is divine; God is first." He also said, "It will be an honor to serve in my community as I had said that I would when I started university." Wilner and I want to thank you all for helping UCI bring about sustainable transformation to communities across the country through the university. I often refer to this as giving a 2nd chance to a nation that looks like it is finished and done. There is hope. God is the hope and His plans are to bring about transformed lives that can't help but affect the people around them.