Today we’d like to introduce you to Bill Jasan.
Hi Bill, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
In January of 2010, I heard the news of a great and deadly earthquake that destroyed very much of the land of Haiti.
Now, it’s certainly not unusual to learn of various tragic events taking place throughout the world.
But, for reasons that I can’t quite explain, this occurrence seemed to weigh extra heavy on my heart and on my mind.
So much so, that, later on that year, I felt led to partner with a neighboring church to assist in any way that I could.
By this time, I’ve had many years of experience in inner-city and rescue ministry and grief counseling to go along with all the day to day matters in the life of a pastor. So, as I’m on my way over, I’m thinking that this kind of resume ought to come in handy in some kind of way when this plane eventually touches down.
But, as the jet was inching closer, I looked out the window and all I could see was this mass of rubble that appeared to go on for miles throughout the land. And that’s when I knew that I was about to be stretched in ways unlike never before.
This meant physically, mentally, and, of course, spiritually.
Many Haitians were suffering from an outbreak of widespread cholera. Our team assisted in building a make-shift triage and treatment center. But, for many, it was already far too late. So, on that same work site, there was this enormous pit that was used as a mass grave for all the would-be victims.
We also assisted in building a purification system in providing safe, and even life-saving, drinking water to all the locals.
This was a life-changing experience that led to multiple visits to Haiti in the times ahead. Meaningful and growing relationships fueled my desire for a long-term physical presence in the land that increasingly grew my affections. And, along the way, God saw fit to set before us a whole host of events and people that He used to confirm His calling to, eventually, serve Him full-time on the mission field.
In 2014 my wife, Marcella, and I gave away our possessions and followed God’s call in establishing Stone of Help Haiti with a three-fold vision committed to transforming lives in Haiti via Christian Discipleship and actions in Health and Education.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Haiti doesn’t seem to get much coverage in the news. And even when something is pointed-out, it’s either negative or spun so differently from any reality that is actually taking place. Haiti is the poorest country in the western hemisphere. I witness human suffering up close on many levels. Extreme poverty and widespread hunger are a daily reality for far too many. Government corruption goes back decades, and at the end of the day, you’re always left with many more questions than answers. After the assassination of its last president, Jovenel Moise, the country has been at the mercy of nine gangs, or, better put, small armies, who operate primarily in the greater Port au Prince area which makes up the majority of Haiti’s twelve million, or so, population.
But, suffice to say, much of the country is suffering mightily under the ongoing presence of deadly violence, kidnapping, increasing instability, and everything other evil that goes along with being ruled by gangs who possess weapons far greater than the collective police force.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am the founder and executive director of Stone of Help Haiti, an international 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. We exist to carry-out our God-given three-fold vision for Christian Discipleship, Health, and Education among those we reach for the cause of Christ. We currently serve 11 church’s and communities spanning from the area of Port Au Prince and deep into the remote and less-traveled mountain regions in Haiti’s southern peninsula.
Christian Discipleship – Stone of Help Haiti is faithfully devoted to making disciples, leadership training, and raising spiritually healthy churches and communities.
Health – Stone of Help Haiti is dedicated in effort to confront widespread hunger and ever-increasing health issues in the city as well as the remote and less-traveled areas.
Education – Stone of Help Haiti provides assistance in all levels of education as well as vocational training. Our desire is to see God’s children achieve their full learning potential and become positive assets where they reside.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
I am forever grateful for the ongoing opportunity to witness the life=changing power of the gospel of Jesus Christ as it is seen and spoken in the lives of the Haitian people.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://StoneofHelpHaiti.org
