Investing in the Next Generation

L’Estere Christian Church’s Children’s Ministry

One of the most powerful ministries growing out of L’Estere Christian Church is taking place every Saturday.

The Children’s Ministry and Feeding Program began during a difficult season in Haiti. While Brenus Etienne was in Haiti during a period of gang violence, the needs of children in the L’Estere community became increasingly evident. The church began providing meals for children, and what started as a practical response to hunger quickly became something much greater.

At times, as many as 65 children have participated. Today, approximately 35–40 children regularly gather.

They come for more than a meal. Each Saturday, the children are welcomed, fed, taught Bible lessons and Scripture, and given opportunities to play and build relationships. The ministry provides both physical nourishment and spiritual encouragement.

Reaching Children and Their Families

For Brenus, this commitment follows the example of Jesus, who welcomed children and told His disciples to let them come to Him.  Brenus believes strongly in investing in children because they represent the future of the church and the community. “Investing in one child is one of the best blessings you ever give a child in God’s kingdom,” he explains. “They are going to be leaders of tomorrow.”

The impact of the ministry reaches far beyond the children themselves. Brenus remembers one young boy who began coming to the Saturday program by himself. The church initially knew little about him. He came because there was often no food available at home on Saturdays. After several weeks, the ministry team discovered where his parents lived and invited them to see what was happening at the church. They discovered that the children weren't simply coming for a meal. They were learning about the Bible, memorizing Scripture, playing games, and experiencing the love of Christ. The family was deeply impacted. Although the parents were not Christians, they began attending the church, and their children became part of the congregation.

A Ministry of Hope

That story is not an isolated one. Brenus estimates that 10–12 families have become connected to the church through the Children's Ministry in the past two years. Some families have joined the church, while others are continuing to build relationships with the congregation. The church also maintains a WhatsApp group for parents and invites them to meetings where they can learn more about the ministry and what their children are experiencing.

The Saturday program demonstrates an important truth: when a church invests in children, it often gains an opportunity to reach the entire family.

Fifty years after the L’Estere church building was constructed, its ministry continues to expand beyond its walls. The Children's Ministry is providing food for hungry children, teaching them about Jesus, supporting families, and planting seeds of faith for the future.

In the midst of poverty, violence, and uncertainty, the church is choosing to invest in hope -  hope that begins with a child.