Yves: My Passion For My Job

My name is Yves. I greet you in the name of our God. It is a privilege for me to share my story with you. 

I was born in the West department of Haiti. My family is large: I have two brothers and six sisters. I was a happy child. I loved playing soccer and helping my mother prepare akasan* to sell to people every night.

I didn't really like school. All I wanted was to help my mother with her small business to support the family; but, because my mother could not read, she did not want me to be illiterate as an adult. She pushed me to concentrate on my studies.

But in 1983, a sudden tragedy struck our family. My father died, and our life instantly changed. My mother struggled to pay for our education, but she did not allow herself to become discouraged. 

My family was not Christian. During my youth, I found myself in places where I did not want to be. But as I got older, God put people in my life who led me to know the Lord through their actions, friendship, and words. They were members of a Lifeline church.  

After several years of determination and hard work, I graduated from high school. I then went to college and later moved to Port-au-Prince for a degree in education. These were challenging times: I got married while in school, so I had the responsibility of supporting my family even while attending classes.  I thank God because He was always there to support me.

In October 1995, Lifeline Christian Mission hired me as a teacher for one of their schools. I taught 2nd grade and 4th grade. Ten years later, I was promoted to assistant school director. 

My experience at the school has helped me understand people better. I am passionate about motivating students to focus on their education because I know what education did for me, with my mother’s encouragement. 

After 27 years, I still have the same love and passion for my job as when I first started! I am proud to be able to serve my community and of the standard of Christian education that our school has set. 

My greatest joy in my job is that many generations of students have attended our school, many of whom now serve their country in a variety of fields. 

My wife and I have been blessed with three children: a girl and two young men! In my free time, I like to play music with my wind instruments, reading the word of God, writing sermons for church, and being active with activities such as sports, running, and walking.

Prayer Requests

• For our school to someday include a high school so that our students do not have to go elsewhere to continue their education

• For our students to trust God in everything they do

• For the school to continue to promote good professional education.
  
  

* Akasan is a dessert made from corn meal.