Vision Church Desermite

Vision Church Desermite is our third church in the Vision Church family. Its pastor, Pastor Giffard (pronounced “Jeff”—the D is silent), began long before we met him. He started a small church out of deep passion and conviction. He loved his community and wanted people to know Jesus. Even with minimal training, he stepped out in faith and did what he knew to do.

When Pastor Rosi learned about him years ago, he saw that spark and encouraged him as a brother. Later, when Jay Bowen began leading workshops for local pastors—helping them grow, share their faith, and lead with confidence—Rosi brought Giffard to one of the trainings. It was clear he had the heart of a shepherd; he just needed support and tools.

Over time, it made sense to welcome his little church into the Vision Church movement. We’ve done this with a few churches the Lord has brought our way—folding them into a family where they can grow, learn, and serve their communities with strength.

Desermite sits high in the hills above Port-au-Prince where homes climb up the mountainside. It’s a very poor area. Even though this neighborhood doesn’t have heavy gang activity, the people still suffer from the nationwide crisis—no work, no stability, and rising fear. There are only a few spots in the capital where gangs haven’t gained control, and Desermite is one of them. The community has a strong spirit of standing together when trouble comes. In Haiti they call this “kale bwa,” which means “wooden club”—a picture of people uniting to defend what’s theirs.

Pastor Rosi and Jay often talk about how powerful it would be if all of Haiti could stand together like that. The country would look very different.

Today, Vision Church Desermite is simple but strong. Pastor Giffard serves faithfully while attending seminary, growing deeper in God’s Word. He and his wife are raising three kids, ages eight to fourteen. He also makes and repairs jewelry when he can, though work is scarce. Some weeks he might make only a few dollars. Life is hard, but his faith is steady.

And that’s what Vision Church Desermite is—a light on the hillside. A small church with a big heart, planted in a place where hope is needed every single day.