JiHM celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2024. This longevity is only possible because of the body of Christ, giving and serving in the way the LORD has led each one of you throughout the years.
Whether you Hustled in 2024, donated through the Christmas catalog, sponsored students, gave to support ministry in general, or tithed to a church that supports JiHM, we are SO thankful for your partnership through your giving, your prayers and your encouragement.
A look back at 2024
While 2024 felt like quite the roller coaster for ministry given the increasing volatility in Haiti, we know that roller coaster was securely held in the hands of a loving God. He has been faithful in the mountains and the valleys, and it has been the privilege of JiHM to glorify His name these past 12 months.
Grace Emmanuel School
For Grace Emmanuel School, the going was rough. Though January 2024 started off uneventful, by the end of that month, political volatility throughout Haiti brought school to a halt. School met intermittently for a few months, but wasn’t back to full swing until May. The 2023–2024 school year wrapped up with many sweet memories: soccer tournaments, a party for the kindergarteners, and graduation for 13 seniors.
After a summer filled with growing unrest, the 2024–2025 school year opened for only two days before an extended closure after multiple gang attacks on Arcahaie. After peaceful weeks and police reinforcements coming to Arcahaie, school reopened on December 9. Nearly 80% of students had returned by the Christmas party on December 20.
Victory Bible Church
Victory Bible Church started on a high note, meeting together in January 2024 for the first time since losing the church property the previous April. A remnant of the congregation met together on Sundays through May, with a sweet celebration of the church’s 20th anniversary held on May 26.
Unfortunately, the dangerous travel between Cabaret and Arcahaie made meeting together impossible again by June. In the fall, Pastor Derson relocated with his family to Cap-Haïtien. In November, ministry kicked off in a new village, Village Demye. Derson, Evald and other JiHM staff organized a soccer tournament in the village over Christmas to begin building relationships and sharing the gospel.
The Lighthouse Legacy
The Lighthouse Legacy students shifted plans from career aspirations to practical skills training, given the reality of the limited opportunities before them. Gervens passed his 9th grade exams on his first attempt. Peterson graduated from high school, passed his government exams, and began studying two construction trades in Cap-Haïtien. Johnny began his senior year. After spending time in the DR, Anne Marie located back to Haiti and began a secretarial course. Kimberly graduated from beauty school in September and has opened her own business. Fedner and Robenson are both pursuing different business ventures in the DR.
For hundreds of students and families, and especially for JiHM’s 86 staff members, your support in 2024 made the difference between an incredibly difficult life and utter despair.
Thank you for staying the course with us—and blazing new trails—in 2024. We are so grateful.