Widowed for eight years and physically limited, 70-year-old Marielouise has shouldered the care of her young grandson alone in Village Demier for many years.

On May 1, Pastor Derson, Pastor Evald and their discipleship team showed up at her door with willing hands to serve.

Over the course of several hours, they cleaned her home from top to bottom, scrubbed loads of laundry, and even gently washed and braided her hair.

With more help from the community, a crew prepared a warm meal of rice, beans, and chicken to share with over 20 neighbors, turning Marielouise’s small home into a place of fellowship and joy.

After the day closed with worship songs and prayer, Marielouise said, “Mwen santi mwen fè pati yon fanmi ankò… Bondye voye zanj pou mwen!” (“I feel like I’m part of a family again… God sent me angels!”)

But Marielouise wasn’t the only one to feel the presence of God that day. Pastor Derson shared how former enemies in the neighborhood sat side-by-side, sharing a meal. Children wandered over and heard Bible stories during a time of impromptu children’s ministry. And three neighbors asked if the team would visit their homes next.

As Psalm 68:6 declares, “God sets the lonely in families.” That promise came alive in the home of Marielouise.

The team hopes to expand this outreach to include two more widows yet this month and develop “Elder Care Kits” to share with those in need.

Find out how you can support the work being done in Village Demier.