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Standing in the Gap: A Special Call to Sponsor an Older Child

Wed, 25 Jun 2025 14:55:22 GMT

Sponsoring an Older Child

Every year, as a new school year begins, our social work department prayerfully identifies a class of children in desperate need—children who, without intervention, would not have the opportunity to attend school, receive a nutritious daily meal, or grow in a safe, loving environment where they are taught about Jesus.

Thanks to the incredible generosity of our sponsors across Canada and the United States, the large majority of these precious children are matched with someone who supports their journey through The Arms of Jesus. These sponsors are not just providing food or books—they are offering a future. A hope. A reminder that they are seen, known, and loved.

But not every child is sponsored right away.

Some children come into our program a little older than others. Perhaps they’ve recently come to us through tragic circumstances, or perhaps they’ve been supported quietly by the mission itself for years—sustained by your prayers and our emergency funding while we wait for someone to stand in the gap.

In some cases, their original sponsor has passed away and gone to be with the Lord. In others, these children were never chosen for sponsorship—yet they’ve never been forgotten.

You may notice a few of these older faces now appearing on our website. Their eyes tell stories of resilience, hardship, and hope. Many of them only have a few years left in the program before graduation. A sponsorship for one of these older students might only last 3 or 4 years—but the impact will last a lifetime.

By choosing to sponsor one of these young men or women, you’re not just filling a financial gap. You’re stepping into an opportunity to finish the race with them—to cheer them on as they complete their studies, and grow in their faith.

None of our children are ever, or will ever, be removed from our program due to a lack of sponsorship. But with your help, we can continue to ensure that every child has someone cheering them on personally—someone praying for them, writing to them, and walking with them on their journey.

Would you consider sponsoring one of these older children today? It may be for just a few more years, but it could make all the difference.

Thank you for your faithfulness. Together, we are building the Kingdom of Jesus—one child at a time.

If you feel called to sponsor one of these older students, please visit armsofjesus.org/sponsor-a-child to learn about their stories... stories God is still writing.

With gratitude,

Brock Heard

Mission Director

The Arms of Jesus Children's Mission

Update from Haiti

Tue, 05 Nov 2024 21:19:43 GMT

Director's Blog

I just got off the phone with our friend and school director, Wilson, in Haiti, who shared an encouraging update from the Arms of Jesus Children’s School in Cap-Rouge. Despite the national challenges, the leaders, teachers, and students are in great spirits! The Lord continues to bless Cap Rouge, supporting spiritual education for the children, providing food, training for trade students, and building new homes. The students are attending class daily, and this week, they’re diving into a baking unit—Wilson promised to send us photos of their creations! Wilson says the community is doing “okay”, and our house-building team is on track to complete the last house of 2024 soon—these homes are thanks to your generous support! Additionally, preparations are underway for a significant food distribution in the coming weeks, which will help nourish the most vulnerable in the community. Praise the Lord!

Though the school community remains in high spirits, the country continues to struggle with challenges—gang violence, political instability, food shortages, and widespread poverty. Traveling within Haiti is also difficult due to incredibly high fuel prices. When I asked Wilson, "What does Haiti need today?" his response was clear: "Continue to pray for us." I assured him that Haiti would have the full support and prayers of the entire staff and supporters of the Arms of Jesus. It brought to mind the story of David in Psalms 3. When David was in hiding, facing persecution from his son Absalom, he turned to God, saying:

3 "But you, Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high.

4 I call out to the Lord, and he answers me from his holy mountain."

This is the power of prayer! I invite everyone reading this post to continue lifting Haiti in prayer. Please pray for the safety of the Arms of Jesus staff and children and for the Lord’s ongoing blessings in the midst of a national crisis.

When I asked Wilson, “What materials does Haiti need today?” he shared that medical supplies are urgently needed. The school clinic is struggling to obtain medications for the children. Additionally, Wilson also hopes to see more young people trained in trades like culinary arts, carpentry, and sewing.

Friends, I know times are tough financially. But if the Lord has placed it on your heart to support Haiti today, please visit armsofjesus.org/catalogue . Every donation makes a tremendous impact, building the Kingdom of God here on earth.

Sincerely,

Brock Heard

Mission Director

A Message from the New Mission Director

Tue, 22 Oct 2024 14:05:39 GMT

Director's Blog

Some of you may know me as Brock Heard, the grandson of Pastor Sam Martin. It is my honor and privilege to introduce myself as the Mission Director of the Arms of Jesus Children’s Mission. I previously worked as the Assistant Director of Summer Programs at Trafalgar Castle School and, more recently, as the Director of Aquatics at the Boys and Girls Club of Durham. I am a person of deep faith, having been brought up in a Christian household. My family has always sponsored children through the Arms of Jesus. I have always had a passion for helping others, honed through years of experience developing programs focused on life skills, education, and the well-being of children and youth. Academically, I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from Ontario Tech University and will in a few months have completed a Master of Business Management Degree from the University of Essex.

I never imagined my career would take this path until I took a life-changing trip to Guatemala. I had previously considered becoming a lawyer or businessman, but never felt fully content with those paths. My grandfather, Pastor Sam Martin, was a constant source of inspiration. He always had such joy and passion as he worked with the people of Guatemala, Haiti, and Kenya. He was not only my mentor but my best friend. In the later years of his life, he encouraged me to seriously consider a future in ministry, guiding me toward this path. Upon his passing, I was led by the Holy Spirit to visit Guatemala. Fortunately, I was invited by Arms of Jesus board member Roy Werner to join a mission’s team from Port Perry Baptist Church. In Guatemala, I saw the kingdom of God being built here on earth. I saw young children, many of whom come from very poor families, come to love Jesus and put their full trust in him. This experience stirred something within me and shifted the course of my life. Upon returning, I felt convicted by the Holy Spirit to apply to the Arms of Jesus. As a person of faith, I believe that when the Holy Spirit guides you, it's important to listen and follow that direction.

In my personal life, I enjoy traveling, camping, playing cornhole, and spending time with family and friends. I want to assure you that I will lead the Arms of Jesus with a heart attuned to the Holy Spirit and with deep respect for the legacy of Pastor Sam Martin. The Arms of Jesus Children’s Mission holds a special place in my heart, and I am truly honored to step into the role of Mission Director. I know I have big shoes to fill, but I embrace the challenge with gratitude and optimism for the future of this mission – with Jesus, anything is possible! I humbly ask for your continued prayers for the Arms of Jesus and for me as I take on this new chapter.

Why We Share in a Foot-Washing Ministry

Mon, 11 Nov 2019 14:08:59 GMT

Why We Share in a Foot-Washing Ministry

“…He now showed them the full extent of his love… he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist.” John 13:1, 4

Some years ago whilst visiting a Mission in Haiti, at the end of a teaching session, a man got up and came over to where I was sitting, he had a basin of water and he washed my feet and prayed for me. In some ways I was taken aback. I felt very unworthy. This had never happened before but it was a deeply moving experience, one I have never forgotten.

Some years later as we prepared to distribute shoes to needy children in Guatemala. I was challenged by the words found in John 13: “He now showed them the full extent of his love … he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist … and began washing the disciple’s feet.” In particular, ‘He showed the full extent of His love.”

Giving out shoes and socks was a practical expression of our love, but the children needed to know that we were doing this as an expression of the love of Jesus for them! So we began by doing what Jesus did, we knelt down with a basin of water and washed their feet, then we place on their feet new socks and shoes. As we did this, we told the story from the Gospel.

However we did not stop there. Each team member then laid his or her hand the head off the child and prayed for them.

Mission Teams continue to share in this ministry, and it is a true expression of the Gospel, Think about it, picture it please. We bend down, we remove the old socks and shoes. We then wash their feet and put on new socks and shoes.

Is this not a picture of our salvation, of what Jesus does for us? He comes down to where we are, and by the shedding of His blood on the Cross, He washes away our sin, the old ways and then He gives us new life, and we walk in that newness. This is the story we want the children to hear and see and it helps adults discover what it means to be a servant!