AFTER 15 YEARS

My name is Jimmy Prophete, and I serve as Haitian Christian Mission's Development Specialist. While many of our newsletters are written by our CEO, Edwens Prophete, this month I have the privilege of sharing a personal update from my recent trip to Haiti. This visit was especially meaningful for me because it had been 15 years since I last visited Haiti and witnessed the ministry of HCM firsthand. 

There are moments on a mission trip that stay with you long after you return home.  As I traveled through Fonds Parisien, Nan Plaisir, and Thoman, I witnessed something that continues to inspire me: the unwavering commitment of educators who refuse to let difficult circumstances stand in the way of a child's future. Education has always been one of the cornerstones of Haitian Christian Mission. During this trip, I was reminded why.

Fonds Parisien: Building on a Legacy

My first stop was our main campus in Fonds Parisien. As I walked through the school grounds, I was encouraged to see students enjoying their newer classrooms and the recently renovated lunchroom. The improvements have created a more welcoming environment where children can learn and grow. 

What stood out even more than the buildings, however, were the people. Many of the teachers and administrators have dedicated years of their lives to serving these students. Their commitment is remarkable. Some of the younger staff members were once students in HCM schools themselves. They are living examples of what can happen when a child is given an opportunity to learn, grow, and dream. Today, they are investing in the next generation, continuing a legacy that has impacted countless families over the years.

Nan Plaisir: Determined to Move Forward

The journey continued to Nan Plaisir, where I found the same dedication but also some significant challenges. The heat inside the classrooms was difficult to ignore. Space is limited, and additional classrooms are needed to better accommodate students. Yet despite these obstacles, learning continues every day. 

One of the highlights of my visit was spending time with Mr. Rodrick Cadet, the school's administrator. Rodrick is a product of HCM's educational program. Years ago, he sat in these classrooms as a student. Today, he leads an entire school with passion, competence, and vision. His story is a powerful reminder that the seeds planted through education often bear fruit years later in ways we could never imagine. Watching him lead was one of the clearest examples of the long-term impact of Christian education that I witnessed during my trip.

Thoman: A Community Filled with Promise

My final school visit took me to Thoman, a thriving mountain community where education remains one of the greatest opportunities available to children. The HCM school is one of only two schools serving the entire community. For many families, it represents hope for a brighter future. 

I was encouraged by the strong leadership of Pastor Enock, who faithfully serves the people of Thoman while helping guide the growth of the school and community. His commitment is evident in every conversation and every interaction. While there is a need for additional classrooms and more benches for students, the school is alive with energy and purpose. Children are learning. Teachers are teaching. Families are investing in the future of their children. The challenges are real, but so is the hope.

More Than a School

As I reflected on these visits, one common theme emerged. The administrators and teachers in each community understand that education is far more than reading, writing, and arithmetic. For many of these children, it represents their best opportunity to create a different future, not only for themselves but for their entire families. 

Despite economic hardship, political instability, and daily challenges that many of us can scarcely imagine, these educators continue to show up every day. They continue to teach. They continue to encourage. They continue to believe in the potential of every child sitting in their classroom. 

I returned home grateful for the privilege of witnessing their work firsthand. Thank you for being part of a ministry that continues to invest in children, strengthen communities, and point people toward Christ. The impact of these schools reaches far beyond the classroom walls, and I am grateful to have seen it with my own eyes. 

Blessings,

HCM Communications Specialist

Jimmy Prophete