Haiti stole my heart in 1978 when I lived in Haiti for 3 months as part of a college program. I saw poverty I never knew existed. I knew someday I would return. In 2012, I started sponsoring a little girl named Cathiana Casseus through Hope for Haiti's Children. For the past 7 years, I have traveled to Haiti to work as a Nurse Practitioner in their annual medical clinic. Every year, I have seen Cathiana grow into a beautiful young girl (she will be 13 this year). Sponsorship means paying $35 per month for her to be able to attend school, get one uniform per year, obtain school supplies, get one hot meal a day and attend the yearly medical clinic and biannual eye clinic. I have always wanted to do more in Haiti but the opportunity just did not present itself until this year (2019) when Pastor Casseus had a conference call with me to identify a need in the church and community of Carissade, Haiti and invited me to be a part of it.
Born in Thomonde, Haiti, April 16, 1987, Duronel Casseus is the fourth of seven children...two girls and five boys. He is fluent in French, Haitian Creole and is learning English. In June 2019, he will be ordained as the Senior Pastor of the Church of Christ in Carissade, Haiti. "I am a man of God and have dedicated my life entirely to the ministry of the Word of God. I experienced an extremely difficult childhood which is the reason I strive to help the poor children. For it is written in James 1:27 "Pure and undefiled religion before our God and Father is this: to look after orphans and widows in their afflictions." That's why my goal as a minister of the gospel at the Church of Christ Carissade, is to preach the Word and help people in difficulty, especially those children who are less fortunate and have difficulty even attending school."
Born near Croghan, NY, Janet spent her formative years in Croghan and Lowville NY. She graduated in 1952 as Valedictorian and was employed as bookkeeper for her father's John Deere Farm Equipment business for 8 years. After working 13 years as an accountant for a firm in Watertown NY, she returned to the family business as the accountant for the next 26 years, retiring in 2006. Widowed in 2012 after 58+ years of marriage, the ensuing years have been filled with volunteer activities: Board Member of Adirondack Mennonite Heritage Association, various positions in the Auxiliary of the Lewis County Camp of Gideons International and several positions in the Auxiliary of the NYS Gideon Association. She has been active in her church organizations such as Sunday School and Bible School, teacher and secretary, Sewing Circle and Beaver Camp. Hobbies include reading, fabric arts, gardening, quilting, memory scrapbooking, and Bible Studies. Janet is the mother of seven children, 2 of which are deceased. 19 grandchildren and 31 great-grandchildren are in the extended family. Janet has always been supportive of mission endeavors with time and finances, including supporting another Haitian mission for many years. She is happy to be part of this outreach in Central Haiti.
Judy taught high school mathematics for 30 years in Oklahoma, Michigan and Ohio. She has 2 sons and 4 grandchildren. She is a member of Echo Meadows Church of Christ in Oregon, Ohio where she teaches 2 ladies classes. She participates in an annual medical mission trip to Haiti. She is currently living with and caring for, her elderly mother. Hobbies include walking, biking and reading.
