Today, they have four Mongerard children, pastor two churches, operate a primary school, and even run a burgeoning pig/goat/turkey sustainability project whose increase is representative of God’s blessings in all areas of their lives. They also have 58 of His kids living in their care at Darivager.

The thought of such responsibility would cause most to flee. The Mongerards, instead, dove right in. They moved their family of six onto property to lead the family of a combined 60+ at Darivager.

“It is important for the children to see a mother and a father,” Madam Mongerard explained matter-of-factly.

Her point was clear. There is a need in the life of children. The Mongerards are living their life to meet it. But the point of this story isn’t a formulaic, if we do “x” we get “y”, Hollywood happy ending.

Last night after dinner, some street boys in Cayes were begging for food. Pastor Mongerard recognized one of them. He was a child who had run from Darivager in a resolute, adolescent decision of rejecting the structure of family for the autonomy of self. Pastor spoke to him with kindness. The door is open, and then sighed with some heaviness, knowing that even with giving his all, his family’s all, the world is still a broken place. The boy continues to choose the streets.

So, is that where it is left? Good falls short; bad wins?

Far from it.

The Mongerard’s smile comes from knowing Jesus, who makes all things new…He is Lord inside the family of Darivager and outside as well. He loves His children sleeping in beds and on the street, and His arm is not too short to save. We can run, but never beyond His reach.

Our Father is using the life of the Mongerards in powerful ways, and then some…