Bethany School Sponsorship Series: Meet our Ministry Team in Haiti

This is our second installment highlighting this ministry. We want to introduce to you three men who work closely with our US team. I asked each a few questions so we can understanding of the sponsorship program better and the men who work behind the scenes.

Meet Jeremie: He is the one who communicates with the schools, the children and their parents. He visits the schools to retrieve necessary information, take pictures, oversees the letters to sponsors and distributes checks to families.

How long have you been working in the school sponsorship program?

I started in April 23, 1994 as an inspector. But since March 2019 I am now responsible for maintaining a relationship with schools and children.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

With all the unrest with the gangs, trips to the schools in Jacmel and Marbiale are very difficult. The gangs patrol the roads making these trips dangerous at times.

Is there a Bible verse you presently lean on as you work?

Yes, Genesis 3:19a "By the sweat of your face, you shall eat bread till you return to the ground"

How can we be praying for you in this role?

Please pray for more people to be involve in the school sponsor program and for new children to enroll in the program.

Meet Stevenson: He is the Data Manager and Bookkeeper. He registers schools and children, manages Bethany's financial books and writes checks for tuition and to families. .

How long have you worked in this position?

I have been serving as a data manager for about three years. About a year ago, I added bookkeeper to my responsibilities.

For those who give to Bethany General, what are some examples of what those funds go towards?

Funds designated toward this help cover important administrative needs as staff salaries, insurance and other day to day operating expenses that keep the program running smoothly.

Should donors still send monthly support in the summer when school is closed?

Yes, absolutely. It is useful for the principal of the schools and parents. The tuition of most of the schools is more than what is received from Bethany sponsorship. The monthly support in the summer helps to complete the academic year's tuition.

Is your workload the same all year round or does it change in the summer when children are on vacation?

It is generally the same. However during the summer and in December, I assist in translating the children's letter to sponsors.

How can we be praying for you in this role?

 I do my job with love and I want to work to my full potential. Please pray for this program. Many children are waiting for sponsorship, so we need additional donors.

Meet Pastor Renes: He is the pastor at L'Eglise Baptiste du Village (AFCA) and president of Association des Partenaires Chetiens D’Haiti (APCH). He is also a board member of Partners with Haiti (PWH).

How long have your worked in this position?

I started with APCH/PHW in 1988. Since 2017, I have been serving as the President of APCH and helping to lead the organization and its mission..

What would you say to an individual, church group, church, or school who is interested is sponsoring a child or supporting the general fund?

The Haitian government currently provides education for only 20% of the children in Haiti. Consequently 80% of schools operate privately. This reality results in significant challenges including unequal access to education, limited oversight of educational quality, and marginalization of most economically vulnerable families. In response to these challenges, churches and Christian organizations such as PWH/APCH are actively engaging in the education sector supporting children in the name of Jesus Christ. Scriptures emphasizes the importance of investing in the future of children. (Pro. 22:6) Your partnership not only transforms the life of an individual child but also contributes to the broader development of Haitian society. Education equips children to become responsible adults and productive members of their communities. As a result of this support, many former beneficiaries have gone on to be qualified professionals, including medical doctors, engineers, entrepreneurs and other skilled contributors to society. Above all, Bethany school sponsorship advances. the work of the Kingdom. Many children in our schools have accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, reflecting the spiritual impact of this ministry. Your prayers and financial support for a child or educational project would be deeply appreciated and would make a lasting difference.

How can we pray for you in this role?

Please pray for my physical protection and for my relationship with coworkers. I also request prayers for wisdom to make good decisions. Pray also for the pollical and social situation of Haiti.

In our next and final installment of this series, we will share general information about the Bethany School Sponsorship program and interview our US Bethany team.