Memorial Service

Today the students, teachers, staff and administration of BTI met for a 2 1/2 hour memorial service for Vernio Joseph, the teacher who died last Monday. Thank you for your prayers. The service went very well and was a comfort and help to many. Exams will continue tomorrow as normal.
Met Gabriel, the vice principal, opened the service in Met Phanes' absence. Met Phanes was still at his home in Hinche, not feeling well.

The service was lead by Met Maccene and was composed of several parts. First was Adoration -- a series of verses on the greatness of God and His love, interspersed with congregational singing of hymns.

Next was a time for people to share memories of Met Vernio. Then followed many verses of hope, interspersed with songs sung by small groups of students or teachers.
Jean Jean Mompremier shared a message encouraging the students to not delay making sure they had Christ living in their hearts. He shared how Christ's return will be like a thief in the night and how life is so fragile. He invited any who were not sure of their destination after death to make that destination sure by accepting Jesus Christ's free gift of payment for their sins.
The service ended with prayer for Met Vernio's family, fellow teachers and students.

Various ones had a part in the service. Se Youseline shared memories of growing up in the same town with Vernio. Students read scripture and a student led the final prayer for the family.

Several people indicated at the end how important the service was for them and how grateful they were that we had done it. Thank you to those who prayed for us Friday as we planned and this morning as we met. Please continue to keep BTI and Vernio's family in your prayers. Please pray too, for us as we seek to find a new math teacher for the 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th grades. Pray that the Lord would raise up a teacher who is strong in math, but even more, is strong in Jesus and who will be a model and example of how a Christian should live and work.