OUR STORY
Mercy International didn’t begin with a strategic plan. It began with a man who paid attention. More than fifty years ago, Dr. John Leininger first traveled to Haiti and was deeply moved by the spiritual and physical needs he witnessed. He listened to people’s stories, prayed with families, and responded with a simple conviction that has guided Mercy ever since: when you see a need and you can help, you don’t walk away.
That conviction led Dr. John to return to Haiti more than 100 times over the years, building relationships and responding faithfully as needs arose. What began as simple acts of obedience grew into Mercy International — a ministry serving communities through churches, education, medical care, housing, and care for the most vulnerable.
Today, Dr. John remains actively involved as a board member and trusted spiritual voice. What began as simple obedience continues to shape Mercy International’s work — serving the people of Haiti with Gospel truth and sustainable help.
Dr. John’s life has been shaped less by dramatic moments and more by steady faithfulness. For decades, that has meant showing up, staying present, and choosing obedience even when it was costly or uncomfortable. What some might call a long obedience in the same direction has simply been, for him, following Jesus one step at a time.
When Haiti has faced disaster after disaster — earthquakes, hurricanes, and displacement — Mercy International has not rushed in and left just as quickly. We have stayed. We have learned names, listened carefully, built relationships, and continued asking what love requires next.
FAITHFULNESS OVER TIME
Over time, care for individuals grew into care for entire communities. Families needed more than temporary shelter, so homes were built to last. Churches became the center of each village, led by local pastors who know their people and walk with them daily. As trust grew, so did opportunity — schools for children, clinics for the sick, food for the hungry, and care for widows and orphans.
Today, more than 200 homes stand across three villages in Haiti. They are not monuments. They are places where families cook meals, children do homework, prayers are prayed, and hope is slowly rebuilt.
FROM CARE TO COMMUNITY
Mercy International exists because Dr. John believed the Gospel was meant to be lived, not just spoken. We believe real change happens when people are known, loved, and supported over time — spiritually, physically, and relationally. After 51 years, the work continues for the same reason it began: faithfulness to Jesus and love for people.
This story does not belong to one person. It belongs to every pastor, family, donor, and partner who has chosen to walk alongside us. If you choose to join Mercy International, you are not stepping into something new. You are stepping into something steady — something proven, something rooted in faith. And we would be honored to walk with you.
THE STORY CONTINUES
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