The angels sang

To greet the WORD,

Whose birth is Victory!

The WORD became flesh and made HIS dwelling among us. John 1:14

Merry Christmas from Pignon, Haiti! Here at Many Hands, we are getting our Christmas shopping done. On our shopping list is bar soap, powdered laundry soap, and granulated bleach. Enough of each to assemble 250 soap kits. Also on our shopping list, buy 140 25- pound bags of rice and 140 gallons of cooking oil.

The soap kits are for the people that attend the nine weekly bible studies that Many Hands Chaplains host within our five-kilometer work zone. The rice and oil will be given to each of the 140 MH staff at the All-Staff Christmas party to be held on December 23. A unique ‘Wish List’ for Christmas.

We might share that OUR own wish list includes a ‘wish’ of helping the vast number of people who struggle with basic life needs. The little photo you find is one of those cases. Pictured are three sisters, Ynise, Alineda, and Mirlanda, along with their children beside the ‘house’ they all share. MH has given tarps to be a temporary solution for protection from the elements during the rainy season. The ‘wish list’ prayer is that God would provide the needed food and shelter.

December includes the focus of preparing for the upcoming Wedding Ceremony that will take place later this month. We have been hearing of all the snowfall from our family living in the Midwest. We are NOT knee-deep in snow here, but we are knee-deep in satin, lace, and tule. Excitement can be felt in the twenty-one soon-to- be-married couples for the blessings that are to come.

Kids in MH School of Light are taking final exams, before the Christmas break. Our new 7th grade class has ‘dug into’ their agriculture class with enthusiasm. They have planted a garden and are eager to learn more about good growing practices.

Since this year’s very intense rainy season has ended, MH safe homes department has been able to reach the Savan Tabac zone with concrete floor projects. Houses in this zone can be way at the end of a donkey path which has offered challenges when getting materials to the job site. We keep saying… maybe we give in and use the mode of transportation most common in these remote areas… THE DONKEY!

Also, from the Safe Homes department comes the announcement of the completion of a new home build for Marcelen and her family. She enrolled in the Savan Tabac First Thousand Days program when she was in her third month of pregnancy. She gave birth to twins two months early. Her gratitude for the assistance from MH is evident. The twins are six months old and sitting on their own. But as life is here… Marcelen’s ‘wish list’ would include home furnishings like mattresses and chairs because she has none of her own.

Testimonies were shared from the MH bible study centers. A woman who has fled her home in Port au Prince and arrived in this area with nothing, shared that the spiritual food and growth she has experienced from being part of the bible study group has offered her ‘security’ through God’s Word and prayer. She says it is what has held her close to God. Another bible study participant shared that each night she sleeps with her bible right next to her ear. When she awakes in the night, she uses her small flashlight to be able to read a few verses, then she can go back to sleep. Again, her security.

Go and tell, Christ has come, Sing Alleluia, All is well. With Jesus Christ, all is well. We desire to continue directing the 140 Haitian staff here to reach out in love to their neighbors in such great need. If it is God’s will, the year 2026 is going to be better than the years past. Being Love in Action in a broken world is HOW that will be accomplished. Needs are greater now; willingness of MH staff is also greater. Life-saving opportunities are before us. Please consider how you can participate. Prayers and financial gifts are basic elements to carry out the call.

HE IS dwelling among us,

Craig and Christi Gabhart

About Many Hands:

Many Hands is an Iowa-based nonprofit dedicated to transforming together, to be in action, in a broken world. We desire to walk alongside the community and empower individuals and families by focusing on education, agriculture, leadership, safe structures, youth programs, and early childhood development. Together, we can rebuild lives and restore hope, one person, one family, one community, at a time.