Since its founding 20 years ago, the Protestant Reformed Church of Guadeloupe has been working to address various social needs in the greater Guadeloupian and Caribbean society. <\/p>\n
Since its founding 20 years ago, the Protestant Reformed Church of Guadeloupe has been working to address various social needs in the greater Guadeloupian and Caribbean society. In particular they have been involved in outreach and service to the island\u2019s poor and marginalized by supporting families and individuals in need, helping provide resources for a local homeless shelter, working closely with the island\u2019s protestant prison chaplaincy program and contributing monetarily to relief and development projects abroad.<\/span><\/p>\n As the parish\u2019s involvement in this outreach and service work has been steadily increasing over the last few years, church members decided to \u201cofficialize\u201d their work by creating a non-profit organization. After several meetings of prayerful brainstorming aimed at identifying the form and the goals of their work, the first General Assembly of the Protestant Reformed Churches Outreach and Service Organization \u201cMen A L\u00e8spwa\u201d was held in March of 2010. In May, after completing the required paperwork, the organization was officially recognized by the government.<\/span><\/p>\n Men A L\u00e9spwa is a Creole saying which translates as \u201cHand of Hope\u201d. It symbolizes both the hand that reaches out to help and support as well as the idea that hands working together can help spread hope and strength. The founders chose the words \u201cMen A L\u00e8spwa\u201d in order to convey a living symbol of the Christian call to bring hope to the world, and the duty all Christians have to reach out towards people who are marginalized and suffering.<\/span><\/p>\n Currently Men A L\u00e8spwa counts 20 volunteer members and has started working in both Guadeloupe and on the neighboring island of Saint Martin.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span><\/p>\n In the initial start-up phase Men A L\u00e8spwa, in partnership with other local organizations, is concentrating on the following actions:<\/span>\u00a0<\/p>\n Long term goals include the creation of a transitional home for young men recently released from prison and the organization of a solidarity work camp and exchange visit between Guadeloupe and another Caribbean island.\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span><\/p>\n\n