Prayer Guide- Joe Laboon

PRAYER GUIDE FOR YOUR SPONSORED DGL STUDENTS “MR. JOE”

"I thank my God every time I remember you.

In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy."

— Philippians 1:3–4

June 2026 Dear Mr. Joe, Please receive this compilation of updates from your sponsored DGL students as a small token of gratitude for your immense generosity.

We are grateful for your financial support, but your commitment to pray for each one of these students, by name, is the greatest gift of all. Thank you for your example of faithful prayer – it is a poignant reminder of what investing in the Kingdom of God really looks like. As we watch you keeping your eyes on Heaven, please know that you are impacting lives in more ways than you know.

Below is a map of Haiti and the Dominican Republic showing the cities and communities where your sponsored students live. The pages that follow feature their most recent blog updates.

Because we want you to hear directly from the students, we have intentionally preserved their original voice. Most entries have been translated from Haitian Creole or Spanish, and only minor edits have been made for readability. As a result, you may notice occasional grammatical inconsistencies.

What matters most is that their words are sincere and they indeed love you, Mr. Joe! With heartfelt gratitude, The DGL Team

Jodson Exaélus Country: Haiti City: Savanette University: Université Polytechnique Notre Dame Du Rosaire (UPONDRO) Field of Study: Business and Economics Major: Business Administration What has God been teaching you through your ministry with Young Life?

God taught me to humble myself, recognize that it is not my strength but His grace that works in me.

What is something you've learned from staff/DGL training that has affected you personally?

The staff training taught me many things that really touched me personally, I learned the importance of discipline and responsibility, because I have to take everything I do in my work seriously, it helps to work in a team, because I need collaboration, I learned communication.

Please share a Young Life story from the last months: In the last month, I lived an experience that really marked me, there was a person who was going through a very difficult time, he was discouraged and almost lost hope. I prayed with him, and little by little he came to believe, after some time, I noticed a change in his attitude. He became more hopeful, and he feels that he is not alone anymore.

High/Low of the last 3 months In the last 3 months, I went through many experiences that helped me grow a lot. There were difficult times when I felt tired or discouraged, but I did not give up. I continue to pray, seek God, and stay faithful in what I do.

Prayer Request I would like you to pray for God to give me more strength and courage to move forward, to have more faith, wisdom and direction in my life.

Andronique Denaud Country: Haiti City: Lascahobas University: State University of Haiti Field of Study: Business and Economics Major: Business Administration What would you like to tell the sponsor who is supporting you?

A big sincere thank you. With much tenderness.

If you could introduce your sponsor to one person...who would it be? (For example, your mother, a friend, your mentor etc) And why?

My mentor. Because he represents my father and mother. He supports me in every way.

Please share a Young Life story from the last few months.

It was a camp where I was the director, and the way we administered it touched the young people, they would clearly say that the messages we were delivering really came from God. And our images reflected Him. That made me very happy. Not because they praised us, but because the messages really reached them.

Prayer Request May God grant me the grace to always have the desire to live for Him and for Him alone. May I continue to grow in faith. And may I gain more wisdom in the ministry to continue to do the work He has entrusted to me, and may the ministry continue to grow and continue to help the kids.

Clenson Cetoute Country: Haiti City: Aquin University: Business and Technology Institute (BTI) Field of Study: Business and Economics Major: Management

What would you like to tell the sponsor who is supporting you?

Would like to tell my sponsor to always have the spirit of sharing in order to support the most vulnerable people, his work will not be in vain because the Lord takes note of that.

If you could introduce your sponsor to one person...who would it be? (For example, your mother, a friend, your mentor etc) And why?

I would like to introduce my family to him/her so they will have an idea of this supportive person, someone who who just chooses to do God's work.

Please share a Young Life story from the last few months.

I have come to understand that Young Life is a way of transformation because it takes young people, who were leading a bad life, and transforms them spiritually and socially thanks to the power of Jesus Christ.

High/Low of the last 3 months Highs: 1) I finished reading 2 books that talked about personal development 2) I finished reading the book of Matthew and Mark 3) Succeed in a startup with a small business.

Lows: 1) I missed praying 2) the social, economic and political situation of our country Prayer Request Prayer requests that I make: I always ask for help to pray so that I can keep the Christian label and walk in holiness, then to always be motivated for my studies and to be able to achieve my dreams.

Maxot Edel Country: Haiti City: Jeremy University: University La Rennaissance Field of Study: Engineering and Computer Science Major: Civil Engineering Tell us about your first time at Young Life camp.

The first time I participated in a Young Life camp, I was really pleased with the way they welcomed the young people and gave them a voice.

What is your favorite memory of camp as a camper or a leader?

My best memory is being a counselor at Young Life camp and serving the young people.

What activities at camp help you connect with your students?

The best way to build relationships with young people is through direct contact.

High/Low of the last 3 months Over the past three months, I've really struggled to cope with a difficult family situation.

Prayer Request Please help me pray that we have more young converts for the year 2026, for the DGL, for the donors so that the Jeremy district can make more progress in ministry, for the Vipipip Club, for my family so that I can grow spiritually and socially.

Melissa Zamy Country: Haiti City: Village Lumane Casimir University: Notre Dame University of Haiti (UNDH) Field of Study: Science and Medicine Major: Nursing What is your dream job when you graduate?

My ideal job after my studies is to work as an orthopedic nurse. I want to help patients with fractures, trauma, or bone problems recover their mobility and improve their quality of life.

How would you like to make a difference in your family, community, or those in need after graduating?

After obtaining my degree in nursing, I would like to make a difference by helping my family, my community, and people in need through quality health care. I also want to educate people about disease prevention, support sick patients, and bring comfort to those who are suffering. My goal is to help improve the health and well-being of my community.

How would you say others have seen you grow during your DGL time?

Others have seen me grow during my DGL time by becoming more responsible, confident, and determined in my studies. They have noticed my commitment to learning and my desire to help others, especially in the health field. This experience has helped me develop my skills, maturity, and sense of purpose for my future career in nursing.

Prayer Request Please help me pray for my family and my career in nursing.

This picture is me at the Peace Hospital where I was doing my internship.

Ralph Stanley Etheart Country: Haiti City: Mirebalais University: Université Américaine des Sciences Modernes d'Haïti (UNASMOH) Field of Study: Business and Economics Major: Administrative Sciences

Which person is currently the greatest influence in your life?

The person who influences me most now is Chedrick Caneus. His wisdom, his humility, his concern for people, his leadership, his Christianity always influence me.

Tell us about someone that you are influencing.

Last month I told you about Frantzen ETHEART; now I'm going to tell you a little about Claudy Georges, a disciple I'm currently training for Christ. Claude is a young man who often asks me for advice, reminding me how he wants to achieve his goals while following me. I encourage him, and I even influence him in his professional life.

What has been the best thing about YL ministry this month and what has been a challenge?

This month, the positive point was achieving the expected results thanks to several groups of colleagues.

However, the challenges are considerable. We are doing everything we can to overcome them.

High/Low of the last 3 months The positives: We lead a healthy life and manage to carry out our weekly activities despite the difficulties. The negatives: We can't see our loved ones because we're scattered across different cities; meeting in person is a real challenge. Sometimes our young people are in need; they ask us for help, but we can't support them.

Prayer Request Please pray for me, Ralph, for my ministry and spiritual life, and especially for the town of Mirebalais, which is occupied by armed groups. May God bless you abundantly.

Widley Souffrit Country: Haiti City: Mirebalais University: Renaissance Christian University of Central Haiti Field of Study: Business and Economics Major: Business Administration Tell us about your first time at Young Life camp.

My first time participating in camp was truly beautiful truly amazing. It was a wonderful experience for me. I had heard about Young Life, but when I when I went, I got to see the reality and even greater things. It was a great experience for me.

What is your favorite memory of camp as a camper or a leader?

My favorite memory was last year’s camp when I had the opportunity to be the director of the first mango camp.

What activities at camp help you connect with your students?

The activities that help me create a connection with the young people are the meetings after the messages, which we call tête-à-tête (one on one).

Prayer Request I thank God for what He has done for me, and for what He continues to do for me. I ask Him to continue to protect me, guide me, direct me on the right path, to bless my ministry, to bless the Young Life ministry, and to bless all my donors. May He grant my parents health, especially my mom, may He secure me, secure my family, and my entourage. May He change my country.

Jeff Guerrier Country: Haiti City: Croix des Bouquets University: École Supérieure d'Infotronique d'Haïti (ESIH) Field of Study: Engineering and Computer Science Major: Computer Science What would you like to tell the sponsor who is supporting you?

I would like to say an infinite thank you to them, for this support I pray to God for them every day If you could introduce your sponsor to one person...who would it be? (For example, your mother, a friend, your mentor etc) And why?

My mentor, because he is always there when needed.

Please share a Young Life story from the last few months.

It's the story of a young man who lives with his mother who is a mystic. Thanks to one of our YL Haiti leaders, he escaped from his mother's belief.

High/Low of the last 3 months -High. The strength to keep moving forward Low. -The Fear.

Prayer Request Pray for my country and the ministry of the YL Haiti.

Ana Altagracia Cuevas Valdez Country: Dominican Republic City: Santo Domingo University: Technological University OF Santiago Field of Study: Science and Medicine Major: Medicine

What is your dream job when you graduate?

In a beautiful clinic, seeing my patients and putting into practice everything I have learned during these years of university.

How would you say others have seen you grow during your DGL time?

Without a doubt, in many ways. Over these years I have grown ministerially, as a person, as a wife, daughter, leader, and as a servant of God, all while serving as a DGL. Give an update on your schooling. What classes are you currently taking and how are they going?

I am currently taking 20 courses, including Cardiology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology, Radiology, Neurology, among others. Each course includes its corresponding hospital practice.

High/Low of the last 3 months High: Seeing how God has strengthened my faith over the past three months, allowing me to serve others, meet new brothers and sisters in Christ, and witness His love reflected in every encounter and ministry. Low: Moments of tiredness and waiting, where I have had to trust God more, learn to depend on Him, and remember that His timing is perfect.

Prayer Request For the new club where I am, that more young people may join and that we can have a comfortable and suitable place for the kids. Pray for my career and for everything the Father has for me. I need to learn to always listen to God’s voice above any other. My prayers are for the new club in Arroyo Hondo, that God would bring young people and leaders who want to serve with enthusiasm and love; for this new stage in university; and that God would make me a consistent person in every way.

Crismeily Salcedo Country: Dominican Republic City: Cotui University: Technological University of Eastern Cibao Field of Study: Business and Economics Major: Finance What would you like to tell the sponsor who is supporting you?

I would tell you that I am very grateful for your support and that you trust that thanks to your support to me, a younger person, you will reach Jesus.

If you could introduce your sponsor to one person...who would it be? (For example, your mother, a friend, your mentor etc) And why?

I would introduce him to my Leader Bryan, I would tell him that he is a person who has helped me a lot in my spiritual growth and thanks to him I have been able to notice changes in my life.

Please share a Young Life story from the last few months.

A very nice experience was taking young people to a training camp for new leaders, seeing how they arrived in the area with a desire to serve and give thanks for what they have received for grace is something very rewarding.

High/Low of the last 3 months These last months have not been easy at all, but we always stand firm trusting in the plans that the Lord has for me.

Prayer Request For the young people who will attend this summer camp, for the leaders, for the activities to take young people to camp and for my family so that any situation that happens does not move us away, if not, we get closer.

Here I am with my friend Alberly in summer camp, we were serving and we felt very happy about what I was going to spend that night with hundreds of young people

Laysha De La Rosa Country: Dominican Republic City: La Vega University: Autonomous University of Santo Domingo Field of Study: Education Major: Foreign Language What would you like to tell the sponsor who is supporting you?

I would love to meet you and give you a big hug for all the support you give me, you are a great blessing to me and I hope that God will always bless you, my greatest joy is to know that someone who still does not know me in person, prays for me and helps me with my studies If you could introduce your sponsor to one person...who would it be? (For example, your mother, a friend, your mentor etc) And why?

The people I love the most, my mom, Noel, my closest friends (Rode, Natha and Joan) and my dad, my grandmother and my family Please share a Young Life story from the last few months.

I met new people, friends from YOUNG LIFE Georgia, and a school in the United States, and I liked it very much, I like to meet new people, but there is someone within those groups that I met, it is Erin, she is a great friend that I met when I was hosting and I still talk to her, we talked a lot and I showed her my family and my friends, possibly she returns to the Dominican Republic to visit us, I learned a lot about how to do YOUNG LIFE there and she learned how to do it here

High/Low of the last 3 months I got very stressed in college classes but it went well thank God, I met new people who visited my club. One of the casualties is that because of my club it was very dangerous because the gangs have had problems among themselves because of their territory and all that has affected my clubs, but we have still gone and pray although sometimes young people are not going to the club to take care of themselves. I went to the beach with my friends and enjoyed it a lot.

Prayer Request For the young people of my club and the community, for the families of those young people and for the home where we do club

In this photo I'm giving a talk and sharing the Word of God with my young people from the club

Luz Marte Abad Country: Dominican Republic City: Bonao University: Universidad Autonoma de Santo Domingo Field of Study: Education Major: Educational guidance

Who is your mentor and what is something you are learning right now from your mentor?

My mentor is Arisleydi Vazquez. We focused on the topic of dating and marriage because I'm currently dating. She taught me about the values and what married life is like.

When you meet with your mentor, what do you do?

We chatted, joked, and asked about each other's lives and how we were doing, catching up.

What is one specific lesson in the mentoring curriculum that has impacted you?

The topic of courtship isn't directly one of the themes, but it's where I've felt most connected and identified, since before becoming a Christian I had a completely wrong idea of what courtship is, and even after becoming a Christian, it has taught me a lot about taking care of myself and my boyfriend, both spiritually and personally.

High/Low of the last 3 months I've had some low points lately because I've had a lot of problems with my family, both financial and in the way they treat me. Sometimes they can be a bit cruel with their words and they hurt me a lot, which has often caused me anxiety attacks. But thank God I have friends who always let me know how loved and valuable I am to Him. Prayer Request My family, my emotional state, my relationship, my club (Las Delicias), and for the leaders and future leaders who will be here next year.

Here we are doing a fund raising activity in the Cotui area to help young people pay for their transportation to the camp, since due to the distance it is a little expensive.

Roberto de Jesus de Leon Jorge Country: Dominican Republic City: La Vega University: Autonomous University of Santo Domingo Field of Study: Education Major: Physical Education What specific ways do you want to see yourself grow spiritually?

Grow in wisdom. Grow in my decision-making. Grow in spirit.

How are you developing as a leader? (contact work, mentorship, leader training) I'm preparing myself as a leader by seeking more knowledge and strategies to guide young people toward a closer relationship with God. I also do outreach work; I go out to play basketball to meet new young people and I take those who attend clubs with me. This way, I can strengthen our relationships and help them grow spiritually.

What actions are you taking to prepare for your future career?

Getting involved in sports more to develop patience, character, planning, and discipline High/Low of the last 3 months One low point was that I reached a point where I was so tired that I was just doing things to get by, since I was completely broken in every sense. I attended a retreat in the capital, and it was a great blessing because at that time we talked about things I thought only I was going through, but it was true, and we were able to talk among men about some things that make us curious about what the future holds.

Prayer Request I would like you to pray for me and my relationship with God. I want to be in a position with God so close that whatever happens to me, I can have the mindset of saying thank you and be able to live a life according to God's will.

This photo was taken while I was doing my devotional, and I remember that when I was praying, I asked God for each of the things I put above because without Him I can do nothing and I will do nothing without Him; He is the author of my entire life.

Scarlin Ortiz Country: Dominican Republic City: Santo Domingo Este University: Autonomous University of Santo Domingo Field of Study: Business and Economics Major: Customs and Foreign Trade What was the best thing and the most challenging thing about your childhood?

The best thing about my childhood was that I had the opportunity to have one. I played with my friends on the street, I was able to go to school, and I wasn't under the constant influence of the internet. The worst thing about my childhood was that I didn't have my mom and dad with me.

What are three adjectives others would use to describe you?

Fun, Persevering, Outgoing High/Low of the last 3 months One positive thing about these three months is that I've been very active in the church and ministry without losing sight of university. Low, the kids in the club aren't consistent over the last three months.

Prayer Request Prayer for spiritual growth, and for each of the young people in my area who do not yet know Christ.

Starling Santiago Lopez Country: Dominican Republic City: Bonao University: Universidad Autonoma de Santo Domingo Field of Study: Languages Major: Modern Languages

What is your dream job when you graduate?

Well, I'd say photography and video because that's what I enjoy doing... but I'd really like to continue working with the Young Life ministry.

How would you like to make a difference in your family, community, or those in need after graduating?

I truly believe that the best way to impact people's lives is to show God's love through what we do, showing Jesus, bringing the gospel into their lives.

How would you say others have seen you grow during your DGL time?

I believe that in leadership, I see the fruits that God has allowed me to bear throughout the years by being part of this beautiful ministry.

High/Low of the last 3 months My ups and downs these last three months have been the hard work with my club, San Jose. It's been difficult working with the young people there because we've had rainy seasons and it's hard for the kids to get to the club in the bad weather, or their parents don't let them leave their homes, and that complicates things. But we're still standing, trusting in God and hoping for the best this year.

Prayer Request I would like you to pray for the San Jose club so that this year will be a turning point, and for the summer camp and the goals we have this year.

Me and one of our new leaders at new leaders training camp. We were talking about her future plans in the ministry and how she can bring more young people to Jesus.

Steisy Peralta Bueno Country Dominican Republic City: Santo Domingo Oeste University: Instituto Superior de Formación Docente Salomé Ureña Field of Study: Education Major: Physical Education

What was the best thing and the most challenging thing about your childhood?

Growing up with a mother who raised me the best way she could with the limited resources we had at the time, and the most challenging part was precisely that: developing as best I could despite the limited resources and environment I grew up in.

What are three adjectives others would use to describe you?

Determined, straightforward, empathetic Prayer Request For my heart, so that it does not grow cold due to the wickedness of others, but rather, that it remains focused on the Lord, which is what really matters.

Yeraudy Gonzalez Reyes Country: Dominican Republic City: Cabrera University: Autonomous University of Santo Domingo Field of Study: Tourism or Hospitality Major: Tourism and Hospitality What would you like to tell the sponsor who is supporting you?

Hello, I hope God continues to bless your life. Thank you for what you are doing for me and for my studies. I thank God very much for this, and I hope that God multiplies it greatly for you.

If you could introduce your sponsor to one person...who would it be? (For example, your mother, a friend, your mentor etc) And why?

If I could introduce someone, it would be my uncle, who is like my father; my aunt; my friend David; and Carlos Montero, who is my mentor. Right now, those people are a source of support in my life.

Please share a Young Life story from the last few months.

I could simply say that ministry was a great challenge with the youth, but God always walked hand in hand with me and my team. I give many thanks for what God did in the ministry through my team and me. I met many people, new friends, new brothers, and I can simply say: thank you, God. High/Low of the last 3 months Lows: Seeing that there are people who see what we do and still do not support us. Highs: Seeing what God did throughout an entire year and seeing it reflected in the end-of-year celebrations of our youth. And also the good grades I was able to obtain this semester at the university.

Prayer Request For the new goals of this year: For my education For the ministry For my spiritual life For my family For my friends For those who support me as donors For my team And for the lives of the new young people who will come to the Lord

Current DGL Students Haiti: Jodson Exaélus Andronique Denaud Jeff Guerrier Maxot Edel Melissa Zamy Ralph Stanley Etheart Widley Souffrit Dominican Republic: Ana Altagracia Cuevas Valdez Crismeily Salcedo Laysha De La Rosa Luz Marte Abad Roberto de Jesús de Leon Jorge Ronald de Jesus Alejo Leon Scarlin Ortiz Starling Santiago López Steisy Peralta Bueno Yeraudy González Reyes

DGL Graduates Haiti: Gordon Jean Baptiste Indy "Poupouche" Edouard Judithe "June" Chavannes Juliarart Obas Kechlor "Kech" Louis Sadamise Papoute Servilien Charles Tabael Toussaint Wolphline "Wolie" Saintil Worklentz Massenat Dominican Republic: Alberly Tejada

Students no longer in the DGL program The students listed below were unable to complete the DGL program due to family obligations, personal hardships, health concerns, or other circumstances beyond their control.

We are deeply grateful for your investment in these young people during a critical season of their lives. While their path did not lead to DGL graduation, your support has provided encouragement, opportunity, and hope along the way. Thank you, Mr. Joe, for continuing to pray for these young people.

Haiti: Emmanuella (Emma) Jean Flodina Pierre Jacques Tony Dames Jerry Schneider Desrosiers Judnel Canus Monnéty Francois Paulaine Simeon Ronaldjy Saint Germain

Dominican Republic: Ronald de Jesus Alejo Leon Ruth Esther Martinez Sterlin Cabrera Yorvin Pascual

For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light.

Colossians 1: 9-12

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