Faces of Haiti: John

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His full name is Ronald Jean Francois.  Everyone just calls him John.  He is a Haitian and this is his story.

John’s father died before he was born, leaving his mother to take care of him and his two older brothers alone.  She provided for herself and her children by selling candy at a stand.

“Life is like that,” said John.  “Life is like fighting.”

Last year John graduated from high school at the age of 21.  He lives in Crois des Bouquets and is now one of the students at an education program created by Iglesia Bautista de la Gracia (IBG) – Grace Baptist, a Dominican church in Santiago.  He is currently studying technology and one day hopes to be a computer engineer.

John was at the program when the earthquake hit.

“I see the ground tremble and I go outside and I see the school is breaking,” he said.  “I call to students to come out.  It is very sad.  Four of my classmates die.”

When asked if he knew anyone else who was killed by the earthquake, John simply said, “I lose many.”

He is currently sleeping in a tent.  It is ripping and he hopes to get a new one soon.  Although he admits that his situation is hard, John’s faith gives him hope.

“When you see the earthquake, don’t lose faith,” he said.  “Nothing is too hard for the Lord.”

“Even though I lose my friends, I still have my faith in Jesus because he is the Lord.”