When Pastor Derson, Evald, and their team launched a weekly gathering for youth in Village Demier on the heels of a soccer tournament, they had no way of predicting how it would be received. On February 7, they were met with a surprising turnout: over 60 villagers, of all ages, showed up, curious to see what these young men from JiHM had to offer. Bringing their own chairs to the mint-green community center on the edge of town, they arrived ready to be part of something new.
Fast forward just a few months, and Friday nights in Village Demier are no longer just a youth event—they are a cornerstone of community life. “Before this initiative, many people didn’t interact with each other,” Derson reflected. “Now, the atmosphere has changed. Youth group has become the only active event where villagers can come together, have fun, learn the Word of God, and build relationships.”
For many, the gatherings provide a space for growth and connection. “I come every Friday to develop my talents and overcome my timidity,” said 17-year-old Sandialove. “I’ve learned new songs, and I’ve become more familiar with the other youth.” Philippe, 19, shared a similar sentiment: “I enjoy the enthusiasm of everyone here. I’ve learned how to collaborate and work as a team. There were youth I didn’t talk to before, but now we interact during the gatherings.”
The youth group also offers a reprieve for those facing struggles. “Coming to youth group helps me with stress,” said 19-year-old Stanley. “I feel like I’m part of a family here. I’ve learned how to be discipled, and I’ve developed my talents.” For 14-year-old Dadeline, the joy is in the games and the relationships. “I’ve learned to sing, dance, and work as a team.”
Roselore, 24, who has been a consistent help to the team, attends every week and offers her support. “I come to learn the Word of God,” she explained. “It’s also helping me develop leadership skills and connect with the youth.”
Building up young leaders
In March, the ministry team took another step forward by empowering the youth to take ownership of the gatherings. They divided the volunteers into rotating teams, with each group responsible for one Friday night per month, from planning games to leading songs to organizing snacks. This initiative has helped the youth grow in leadership and confidence. Two of the youth, Cosmos and Jeni, were even recognized for their outstanding efforts in bringing new attendees—Cosmos brought 33 newcomers in March, and Jeni brought 25.
Attendance has skyrocketed since the first gathering. Where there were once 60 attendees, now over 125 people, including youth, children, and adults, fill the gathering space each Friday. Some people from neighboring villages walk over a mile to attend. Pastor Derson said, “It’s a testament to God’s work in Demier!”
Pressing on
However, the journey has not been without its challenges. Village Demier is a place where traditional, fear-based beliefs run deep, and only 11 known believers live in the village. Yet, the team persists, showing up week after week to offer light in a dark place. In the first quarter of the year alone, four new believers have come to faith, and one young woman returned to Christ. Even the village’s Voodoo priestess was approached with the Gospel. She revealed that she had once been a believer, returning to voodoo when she discovered her pastor still had one foot in the tradition himself.
Practical needs remain, such as more chairs, a working sound system, and reliable transportation. But the greatest need is discipleship. Though few resources are available in Creole, the team is committed to equipping believers with foundational teachings. Guest speakers, including a former teacher from Grace Emmanuel School and a pastor from Source Matelas, have supported the ministry in recent weeks.
Not numbers, but lives transformed
The story unfolding in Village Demier is not about creating a flashy event or counting numbers; it’s about transforming lives. “I never knew God loved me until you shared the Gospel with me,” said Wideline, a young woman who came to Christ in January.
Looking ahead, the team plans to launch discipleship classes aimed at equipping both new converts and existing believers with core teachings such as assurance of salvation, prayer, and overcoming doubt. Pastor Derson and Evald will continue their evangelistic efforts through weekly village visits, while training local believers to confidently share their testimonies. The team also hopes to distribute hygiene kits and food packs, using these practical gifts as an entry point for sharing the Gospel in new homes.
Pray for fruit
Pastor Derson asks that you would cover these next steps in prayer: for the breaking of strongholds of fear and confusion, for protection over the team in the face of spiritual warfare, and for the provision of Bibles and discipleship materials. Urgent prayer is also needed for new believers, spiritual attacks, for the village priestess, that her heart would soften toward the Gospel, and for wisdom and strength as the mission moves forward.
“God is moving in Village Demier!” said Pastor Derson. “Despite the challenges, we see lives changing—one soul at a time. As we move forward, we trust the Lord for greater breakthroughs through discipleship and persistent evangelism.”
Village Demier may be small, but on Friday nights especially, it feels like God is doing something big—a revival of hearts, one by one.