“When I see children in the village where I grew up, I feel very sad. Some will be born and some will die never stepping foot in a school. God has laid it on my heart to help.” – Osnel Jeanrilus (WWV staff)
Osnel Jeanrilus grew up in Delpeche, a small mountain village in Haiti. Living in an area where education was not available, Osnel was fortunate enough to have parents who believed in the transformative power of learning.
Osnel’s parents worked as farmers and never had the opportunity to attend school themselves. When Osnel turned 12, they made the difficult decision to send him on a three-hour journey into the city so he could attend school.
“My parents sacrificed greatly to be able to send me to school. Some in our village questioned them because they gave up so much and even skipped meals for our education. My mother would respond, ‘I believe in God. God can feed us.’”
Their sacrifice, combined with Osnel’s dedication, paid off. Osnel not only succeeded in school but also attended college and began working for World Wide Village. Today, Osnel manages the finances and many aspects of World Wide Village’s operations in Haiti.
He’s able to study and teach the Bible and preaches in his local church.
Yet he has never forgotten his roots. Motivated by the blessings he has received, Osnel has felt a deep calling by God to give back.
Each month, Osnel gives out of his own earnings to keep the doors open to this small school in Delpeche. He feels strongly that Christian education can help transform Haiti. He wants each of these young children to have more opportunities than he had, despite the struggles in his country.
Two weeks from today is Giving Tuesday. Our goal this year is to fund some of our most vital ministries including the Agape Victory Church, Youth Bible Clubs and Christian schools like Delpeche. Stay tuned for more details coming soon!