"Imagine waking up every morning without food and watching people around you die slowly from hunger and malnutrition. No one should live their life this way so that is why I am trying to reach out and help as many people as I can before it's too late."
Luken Ermilus
Luken is an amazing, young student in Port Au Prince, Haiti. Luken's mission to help children in Cité Soleil, Haiti, started on July 26, 2011, when he felt called to serve the poorest of the poor. He began by faithfully spending every Saturday with 21 children, teaching them English and the Bible, feeding and playing with them. After only a few short years Luken has been able to secure donations through the Luken Foundation, and now 75 children who have never been to school are able to attend! These children also receive medical care, food and tutoring as well as Luken's continued commitment every Saturday.
The mission of the Luken Foundation is to "bring the life-changing power of Jesus Christ to the children of Cite Soleil, Haiti, by meeting their physical and spiritual needs and fostering encouragement through education that will help them attain a better future for generations to come". These children are the future of Haiti.
"For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me."
Matthew 25:35-37
The slum of Cité Soleil, Haiti, has been called one of the most dangerous places on earth by the UN. Java Relief is committed to helping the children who live there.
The Luken Foundation has officially opened their own school in Cite Soleil!
The foundation building has been fully repainted and transformed into classrooms. Chairs and desks are in place, uniforms have been made, teachers hired, and school has now been in session for a couple of months. This new school serves young children, while older kids will continue attending school in Port-au-Prince.
Steve and Brandy Siewert, Founders of Java Relief, are proud to call Luken our good friend! We have been inspired by his strength, determination and faith. He is someone who believes that even one person can make a difference...and he is that one person!