When Faith Outlasts Trials: Lise and Jean’s Story

In 1978, two young hearts met while serving at a hospital in Haiti built by missionaries. Lise and Jean did not know that moment would begin a ministry spanning decades from Haiti to Miami and eventually to Orlando, where their Haitian Baptist church began in their own living room.

They raised five children and are now blessed with 16 grandchildren. They prepared for retirement with health plans and investments, but at age 50, Jean suffered a massive stroke. Doctors gave him three months to live.

“This is a miracle,” Lise says. “He has survived now more than 20 years.”

Together, they poured their savings into ministry — helping members with paperwork, finding food and building community one life at a time.

Years later, at a pastors’ retreat, Jean received a Mission:Dignity® application. “That was Jesus coming to give my husband that application,” Lise recalls. For Lise and Jean, Mission:Dignity is more than help — it is God’s way of saying, “I see you.”

Their anchor verse, 1 Corinthians 15:58, has carried them through. Lise’s advice to pastors’ wives: “Be ready and don’t give up. Wait until God says this is the end. Otherwise, work for God.” Jean’s counsel to pastors: “Be careful for the end. You start, you need to finish the race, even if you finish late. Follow the footsteps of those who served faithfully before you.”