Saphira will turn 21 on October 1. She lives in Lafiteau with her four younger siblings and her mom and dad. She is an excellent student with a sweet attitude, and is involved in her local church, teaching a Bible class and singing in a worship group. This is her third year at Grace Emmanuel School.

On her faith: I prayed to accept Jesus as my savior when I was 13. I was visiting a church in a neighboring village. I chose to be baptized at age 14.

On her biggest role model: Jesus is my role model. I’ve had lots of good influences in my life, including my father, who always encourages me. He works hard for my family. He is an electrician, a farmer, a carpenter, and a sandal maker.

An obstacle she’s overcome: I began to get very sick in 2012 and missed a whole year of school from 2013-2014 because I had no strength. During this time, I lost the opportunity to attend the school I had been going to for several years. Thanks to God I was able to continue my education at Grace Emmanuel School in 2014.

On her dreams for the future: I want to become an accountant in Port au Prince, in a beautiful place. I love accounting. I desire to teach the Word and share the Word, and walk in the principles of God and tell others about Him.

What she likes best about school: I like everything about school. My favorite subject is math. I like accounting, tangents, and linear analysis. My favorite part of school last year was Bible study on Friday afternoons with Jamie. I learned how to study the Bible and more about my spiritual identity.

Her favorite book of the Bible: Hosea is my favorite book, because God gave him a job to do—be faithful to a woman who wasn’t faithful to him—and he was obedient.

Join us in praying for Saphira this year, and the rest of her Philo classmates who will make up Grace Emmanuel School’s first ever graduating class in June!

Kristi Bucher has served as Communications Manager for Jesus in Haiti Ministries since 2014. She currently lives in Minnesota with her husband, Nathan, and two kids. Kristi and Nathan lived in Haiti from 2012–2014.