Today we’d like to introduce you to Porta Schut.
Hi Porta, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey started 10 years ago, when I went on a trip to Haiti, with a friend who was starting a ministry of her own, and my daughter. My daughter was asked to go to help take care of kids in an orphanage for 2 months, while the owner needed to do other work. My friend’s ministry was doing Women’s Ministry. As I was there, I felt pulled to spend my time more with the children, instead.
When I left, and returned to America, I was completely wrecked by the conditions of the orphanage, and knew I needed to do something to help these kids.
So I shared my concerns with a missionary, I met while I was there. Her name was Kim, and she lived in Texas. She shared the same concerns, and we decided to start a nonprofit, to help support the kids. The orphanage was called Kay Refij and was in Montrouis, Haiti.
Kay Refij means “House of Refuge” in creole. From there, we named our nonprofit, “Loving Kay Refij”.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
When we started out this nonprofit, it was a lot of fun. Our board had extra time, so we’d do fundraisers like bake sales, and craft sales. But as the years grew, so did our families. And so did the needs of our ministry. We needed to build a kitchen and cafeteria, better houses for the kids, and a wall for protection. So we had to be more focused and raise larger funds and create a system of monthly support.
We started a Child Sponorship program, where people could sponsor a child with a monthly donation.
We branched out our ministry to support widows. Building them businesses, so they could support their kids. We also started Discipleship Outreach, and training, with our staff, in Haiti.
But things started getting more dangerous in Haiti. We weren’t able to travel there anymore, because they were in the middle of a civil war. The gangs of PAP, were taking over and destroying towns, one by one.
In November of 2025, the gangs of PAP, invaded the town where our orphanage was, and taking prisoners. We had to secretly escape, from the main land to a small island, called LaGonave. After a few months there we found it was too remote. No way to get fresh water, and food without taking a boat back to main land. No medical care, and a very poor education system, so we needed to move again. It was a very difficult time, especially financially. But, people showed up! People and businesses stepped in and helped us raise thousands of dollars to keep these kids safe.
We ended up finding a safe place in Haiti, called Marigoane. The leadership there and the community are strong, and fight against the gangs with success. We moved there in January. Now, we are starting all over, to rebuild the orphanage. Buy land, build dorms, cafeteria, and meeting spaces.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I spoke with another missionary, who has a similar ministry. We both agree that if you are doing this ministry right, you have to have a full time job, and career to support it! Hahaha! I can say, that I do work 2 full time jobs! But only get paid for 1! I work at SpartanNash, as a Fresh Merchandising Specialist, and Sales Support for their independent customers. I am the product expert for a deli and bakery. And I share my knowledge to help independent grocery stores to be successful.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
Serving God through serving others. And watching others succeed because of my help.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.lovingkayrefij.org
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/18vgx28nbx/?mibextid=wwXIfr
