Christella's Story
Hello! Good evening.
My name is Christella, I am 38 years old. I am happy to share part of my life story with you, especially the beautiful things God has done in my life since I met the Pastor Bazil family.
It was in the year 2009, after my mother had passed away and my grandfather was ill. He had high blood pressure and could no longer function well. I was facing great difficulties continuing my education. I had a friend who worked at Pastor Bazil’s office. When he saw how much I was suffering, he told me he could help me find someone to assist me so I could go to school.
At first, I was afraid, because many people say they want to help a young woman, but often they take advantage of her. But my friend told me not to be afraid because the pastor was a good man. My friend made an appointment for me so I could meet Pastor Bazil.
When I met Pastor Bazil, it was a blessing. The pastor and his wife loved me as if I were their own daughter. On January 12, 2010, after the earthquake, the house where I was living with my brothers and sisters collapsed. God was making a way for me. When Pastor Bazil and his wife heard what had happened, they told me they would not let me live in the displacement camp, but instead that I should come live with them in the orphanage they had.
From that time on, I lived with them. I finished my classical schooling and later went to culinary school to learn how to cook better. But before that, “Manmi” (the pastor’s wife) taught me many good things. I learned a lot from her, and it was always with great joy that I cooked meals to welcome the white missionaries when they came to Haiti.
I later met Obnel, and we got married in 2014. After I got married, the staff who were leading the mission decided to hire me as a housekeeper so I could manage the guesthouse where we receive missionaries when they come. I always did this work with great love.
God spoke to me and told me to remain humble so that He could do great things in my life. It was not easy for me to understand the message God gave me at first.
After my marriage, I left Pastor Bazil’s church to attend my husband’s church. When I arrived there, God began to use me in the work of the church. I served for five years as President of the Women’s Group in that church. I was also given the responsibility of managing Christella’s Restaurant, which was a beautiful experience. I had ten people working with me, and I always remained humble.
In everything I do—whether at work or in the church—I always give God the glory, because I know that it is God alone who enables me to succeed in all that I do.
In the year 2024, there is an association called ADCL, a group of Christian women from several churches in Léogâne. Their mission is:
To proclaim the Gospel of Christ
To visit the sick in hospitals
To visit those in prison
To provide food and gifts, because this is what God commands
During 2024–2025, I served as Vice President of this association. But because God told me He would place me in a great position, He kept His promise to me. Now I am the President of this association for a two-year term. It includes 22 churches, which means I am the President of 22 Christian women’s groups in Léogâne.
This is not an easy task, because each church has its own principles. But I trust that God will help me carry this great responsibility. I also know that this work is not done for human praise, because the Bible says in 1 Corinthians 15:58:
“Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”
I want to thank every supporter who is always there to help Haitian youth. Your efforts will not be in vain. God will pour out many blessings upon you, upon every supporter, and upon all of your families. May God bless you, may God bless and deliver Haiti, may God bless Haiti Empowered, and may God bless every supporter involved in this program.
I love you all very much, and I hope to see you again when you come back to Haiti. This is one of my greatest prayers. Thank you so much.
Christella S. Desir