Our story began in 2012 when I, Melissa, went on my first medical clinic trip to Charrier, Haiti. I went on these trips several times a year and learned a little more of the language, Haitian Creole, each time I as there. As my language and communication skills improved, I became more involved with the community and I began to form real friendships.

Mario was the son of a local pastor in Charrier. I went to his church while I was in Haiti where Mario taught Sunday School and led worship. Many people, including Mario, would spend evenings at the mission house, playing games and getting to share in each others cultures. This is how Mario and I got to know each other, him in broken english and me in broken Creole.

Over time, I realized he was one of the reasons I was so excited to return to Haiti. As my Creole improved, we were able to communicate better, and while I was in the United States, we talked almost every day. After years of long distance communication we learned so much about each other. Growing up in completely different countries and cultures, we realized we shared the same beliefs, morals and priorities. It showed me that no matter your language or culture, the Gospel does not change. God’s word is the same no matter what.

A few years later, on one of my to Haiti, Mario proposed. He was approved for his visa in 2018 and for the first time, left his home country and flew to the U.S. Twelve days later we were married with our close family and friends by our side. Since then we’ve been blessed with three children and are living in Manheim, PA. God is good. Mario is works in construction and I am a nurse at a local hospital. We are praying for the day when we can safely take our family back to Haiti so that our kids can meet the other side of their family and we can be reunited with our other church family.

Jehovah Jireh means “The Lord will provide.” We believe God’s purpose for this mission is to emulate the first church in Acts; each person sharing what they have so that no one is ever in need (Acts 4:32). We will do this by supporting the poor, elderly and orphans as we are instructed to do in the New Testament (James 1:27 and Mark 10:21). Our hope is to meet the basic needs of our community and lead them to Jesus’ love by providing both physical and spiritual sustenance. We will do this with our Jehovah Jireh School, elder care program, and community outreach, joining with the local church to share the gospel of Jesus.

We are asking for your prayers and support as we strive to share the love of Jesus with our brothers and sisters in Haiti. Please consider joining us in any way you can to expand the kingdom in Charrier, Haiti.

Thank you and God bless all of you for your help and prayers,

Melissa and Mario Ermilus