On April 20, CWO held our fourth Women Helping Women event. This event for women gives an opportunity for current supporters to hear updates on CWO ministries and for new guests to learn about CWO ministries for the first time. It was one of those days in Colorado when we had some spring snow but that did not deter ladies from coming to enjoy a breakfast burrito, homemade granola, and other goodies and celebrate what is going on at the Burkina Faso Village of Opportunity (VOO) and the Haiti Feminine Training Centers (FTC).

We were able to share some videos of those involved at the VOO including Dina, the Director of the VOO, a student, and a teacher. Dina shared about the plight of girls in Burkina Faso. Most families in Burkina Faso do not invest in girl’s lives. Many are sent to other families to do domestic work or are given in forced marriages to benefit the family. Dina then shared about the vision of the VOO which is to help girls have a better future and to gain independence so they can care for themself. When reviewing applications to come to the VOO they do not reject a girl because of her religious background. The first and most important thing they do is feed the girls spiritually. Secondly, they teach them skills so they have things they can use when they graduate, so they will be a blessing to their families and their villages.

Natsha Angor shared through a video about starting as a student at the VOO and that she is now a first-year cosmetology teacher. She feels blessed to have learned a lot at the VOO that she can pass on to the girls. Natasha shared that she is thankful for the vision of the leadership and for their love and faithfulness which she can now be a part of for other girls.

Marie St Amour, the Director of the Haiti Feminine Training Center was able to be with us in person. Marie shared that some days it has been difficult for the FTC teachers and students to come for classes because of the current crisis in Port-au-Prince. The FTC has held classes until recently when the leadership had to make the hard decision to suspend classes temporarily. She also shared about the chapel held weekly and that they are thankful for being able to share the Gospel which has changed many lives.

 There were several videos of FTC teachers and students sharing about their experiences. They were all thankful for what they have been able to do and learn at the FTC. Some shared about the FTC helping them achieve their dreams of being a chef, seamstress or cosmetologist. Johanne, a former student and now an FTC teacher since 2017, shared how being a teacher has given her a place to use her passion for training others.

We are thankful for the ladies who came to the Women Helping Women event and for their desire to pray for the leaders of the VOO and FTCs as well as the financial support of these ministries. 

While Pastor Joel and Marie were here in Colorado, they were also able to meet with CWO Haiti ministry supporters. Joel and Marie shared about the crisis in Haiti and how the ministry continues on. This gave those who have been involved with CWO for many years the opportunity to ask questions and hear about the ministry they support. We are grateful for this time to visit with Joel and Marie.



Serving Together,

Greg and Laura