Espwa Demen Mission
Holistic Mission
501c3 Non-Profit
Volunteer Run
Our Beginning
Espwa Demen Mission was formed in 2020 by Nelson and Rachel Espazien, shortly after their marriage. The first year the mission sponsored 10 children for school, helped two special needs children receive care, and donated two wheelchairs to adults who became crippled from sickness.
In 2021 several Haitian individuals partnered with us and joined the mission team. Providing their time and talents freely, out of a desire to produce a lasting impact on their communities. From there everything began falling in line.
As God opened hearts we continued to grow our Haitian and American team and vision. And became a 501c3 non profit in 2025. We believe strongly that the most sustainable way for the ministry to function is through partnership with locals. From the very beginning until now every program has sprung up from a Haitian realizing a need in their community and together, as a mission, coming up with a plan to meet that need in a sustainable way.
Our Current Programs
Student Sponsorship - This program is for primary and secondary education, Kindergarten through grade 14. There are currently 40 students enrolled in this program. A student sponsorship means a child receives a fully paid school tuition to a quality school in that child’s area, school textbooks, two school uniforms, and sometimes shoes, a backpack or other school supplies depending on the family’s economic situation. In Haiti only around 5% of children are able to graduate highschool, the negative impact of this sad reality is why this program is so essential.
Graduate Sponsorship - This program is for our highschool graduates who want to go on to learn a skill. Whether it be carpentry, cosmetology, masonry, sewing, nursing, or another skill. We seek to support our graduates in what they are passionate about. Learning a skill goes a long way to making these young people productive members of society. It also opens more doors for them to find a job, support themselves, and assist their families economically.
Mobile Medical Clinic - This program is a twice yearly mobile clinic in the village of Chevri. Chevri currently has no clinic or hospital and the locals often have to travel miles on foot to get care. The clinic is run by volunteer Haitian doctors. Each day 150-250 patients are seen and treated for a variety of illnesses.
Community Improvement - This program encompasses a variety of projects to better the community. Each project is decided by assessing the needs and meeting with local leaders. Currently a public well and latrine are being built. Future projects that are being considered include: installing two bridges over rivers allowing easier travel in and out of the community by vehicle, planting more avocado and coconut trees, and constructing a community meeting house.
Church Partnership - This program is a partnership with the only Christian church in Chevri. Begun in the 60’s by locals, these community leaders have been shepherding the community for decades. We joined hands with them in 2021 and have since donated materials for their ongoing church build. And provided food for community meals, outreach, and Bible studies. This partnership allows us to assist the community holistically through established and knowledgable locals.
Children’s Home Assistance - This program offers nutritional assistance to a children’s home in Port Au Prince that cares for over 30 children. Through designated donations, once a month, we deliver food and hygiene provisions. As well as frequently checking up on the children and staff. Last year we also helped facilitate additional activities around the holidays.
Espwa Demen means “tomorrow’s hope” in Haitian Creole. Awakening hope in the rising generation, amidst ongoing hardship, is our mission.
We do not belong to any certain denomination, but rather, partner with people from all backgrounds who love Jesus and have a heart to reach the lost and care for the less fortunate. Our focus is on spreading Christ’s love throughout Centre, Haiti. With the village of Chevri as our mission base. We accomplish this through Haitian volunteer lead programs, working with a local church congregation, and twice yearly US team mission trips.
Through several avenues we desire to pour into Haiti’s youth and help foster strong faith, character, and skilled productivity for years to come. As well as give suffering families the tools they need to care for the physical and spiritual needs of their children and community. With your help we are making a lasting impact in rural Haiti!