News Release
WINONA LAKE — Heart Soul Mind Strength Haiti is hosting its second annual trail trek Saturday, July 27, at Cloud 9 Multisport, 1009 E Canal St., Winona Lake.
HSMS Haiti was founded y Lindsay Philippe, formerly from Leesburg, in 2014 with the school opening in 2017. It currently has 275 students from preschool through seventh grade. Philippe is executive director and head of operations.
The Trail Trek is a 5K with obstacles, but more of a walk/walk and family friendly, according to Philippe.
The cost is $25 to register and those registering before Saturday morning, can go to runsignup.com. Those who just want to sign up the day of the event should arrive at Cloud 9 Multisport by 9:30 a.m. as the run begins at 10 a.m.
If you don’t want to participate or cannot, HSMS Haiti has received a donor who will match up to $10,000. So far $4,000 has been raised.
To give a donation tot he program go to HSMSHaiti.org and click on the donate link and choose TrailTrek.
Philippe first visited Haiti in 2010 after having graduated from Grace College, Winona Lake. Her passion to work alongside children coupled with a radical call to missions brought her back to Haiti in 2011 to live, disciple, and found Heart Soul Mind Strength Inc. (HSMS).
Philippe has done building projects, feeding programs, community outreaches, team hosting, children’s ministry and education. She speaks Haitian Kreyol fluently and knows and understands the culture as well as a foreigner could because of how immersed she has lived with the Haitian people. Despite the past years being difficult work with many helpers coming and going, Lindsay has stayed faithfully true to the vision of HSMS to see the children grow into the leaders for Jesus that will one day impact Haiti’s future.
She is now joined by her husband Vanold Philippe who has embraced the HSMS vision alongside her. They both work tirelessly to see HSMS grow and impact more and more children in Haiti through Christ-centered education and discipleship.
Lindsay comes from a family of eight siblings and was raised in Leesburg.
According to HSMS website, after the earthquake in Haiti in 2010, a small group of inspired individuals were deployed to provide assistance on the ground. It has since evolved into a certified non-profit organization and year round ministry in Jeremie, Haiti. Hurricane Matthew hit in 2016 and relief efforts are ongoing to make a long-term impact in the community. The primary programs that we are focused on are: HSMS Academy(a Kindergarten & first through sixth grade), HSMS Leadership Program, HSMS Music Program, an adult English program, community outreaches, and building projects.
In 2017, the goal was to start the academy and leadership program and God has blessed them in making the goal come true. They have been running HSMS Academy and the Leadership Program since. The leadership program’s purpose is to maintain family unity, protect children from dangerous situations, and develop future leaders to positively impact their community.
HSMS workers are dedicated to ensuring efficient usage of all donated funds for the stated programs as well as providing long-term sustainable support in the community. Everything that HSMS Haiti has been able to accomplish can fully be attributed to the power of the Holy Spirit through Jesus Christ. They strive to acknowledge God in all ways and share the joy and hope of salvation with those around them.
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