On Sunday, May 24, a milestone years in the making became reality as Victory Bible Church officially opened its doors in Village Demier, Haiti.

“It was a very emotional moment for me,” said Pastor Derson, who has been instrumental in laying the groundwork for the church plant. “It wasn’t just the opening of a building; it was a victory of hope over discouragement. Village Demier is a place that has long been isolated. Seeing the doors of the church open meant to me that God had not forgotten Demier, and He gave me the privilege of witnessing His faithfulness.”

Since its creation in 2009, Village Demier has remained largely isolated with little access to the gospel. When JiHM staff first began visiting the community, they found only a handful of believers, no church, and only a voodoo temple. Now, as Victory Bible Church begins regular worship services together, many residents are returning to church for the first time in years—and some attending for the very first time.

Several community members told Pastor Derson they never believed the church would actually open. Having seen many promises made and broken over the years, they were surprised to see a ministry follow through.

“Several villagers thanked me for being someone who keeps my word. Those words touched me deeply,” said Derson.

Derson was also greatly encouraged by the youth who have been participating in discipleship classes. “They didn’t merely come to attend,” he said. “They came as leaders.” They prepared the meeting space, welcomed guests, served throughout the service, and took ownership of the day with maturity and enthusiasm.

“It confirmed to me that the discipleship class is working,” said Derson, “because these young people are not only learning God’s Word—they are living it through service.”

As Victory Bible Church begins in Village Demier, Pastor Derson’s prayer is that it will become a refuge for the entire community—a place where people can come as they are, encounter the love of Christ, and find hope. He dreams of seeing a generation of leaders raised up in Village Demier, families strengthened, children supported, and lives transformed through the gospel.

Pray for Pastor Derson, Pastor Evald and the rest of the ministry team to remain steadfast, to have wisdom as they steward the trust of the village, and for strength to continue making the trip into Village Demier multiple times each week.

Learn more about JiHM’s work in Village Demier >

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT. Just before the launch, Pastor Derson shared the remarkable story of how God led him from the violence and displacement of Source Matelas to ministry in Village Demier. If you haven’t yet watched his testimony, we invite you to do so and see how God used the most difficult circumstances to advance His work and establish a church where none existed before.