The Village of Bire
// Christine Batchelder
Pastor Louis Jean Parnel did not grow up in a Christian family. For many years growing up, he lived with his uncle who was a Voodoo priest.
Because of that, everyone thought he would become a Voodoo priest, as well. He would often help his uncle and be a part of the Voodoo culture. Then, New Missions came to his village. They were in the process of building a church, and he was curious as to what this was all about. Over time, he began to hear God’s Word. Suddenly, he knew something was different. Pastor George DeTellis spoke to him about God and how desperately he needed Jesus as his Savior. It was at that moment he received Jesus as his Lord and Savior. He was immediately baptized and his life was forever changed. He wanted to learn more of Jesus and could see the changes Jesus was doing in his life. He started teaching Sunday school in the church.
Pastor Parnel loves preaching the Word of God. It was the truth of Jesus Christ that saved his life from Voodooism.
In 2008, Charlie DeTellis approached Louis Jean and felt the Lord was calling him to be a pastor. He couldn’t believe it; he was so honored. It was at that time he became the pastor of the church in Bire. Jesus was bringing forth light and hope to a place of darkness.
Pastor Parnel loves to spend time in the community. Here he is with the cooks at our Bire school.
Pastor Parnel’s favorite Bible verse is Matthew 28:19, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” Pastor Parnel knows and believes we have a responsibility to go and make disciples and is excited about what God is doing in Haiti. ~Christine Batchelder
