In 1987, a young Haitian priest named Father Fritz Valdema (“Pere Val”) walked into the office of TJ Johnston, an American volunteering with the Episcopal Church in Haiti. Despite differences in language and culture, TJ and Pere Val found a common bond: a call to alleviate the suffering of the poor and to lift up communities.
They realized that TJ could bring relationships and resources to bear, which were best shepherded by Pere Val and his wife, Carmel, an experienced nurse and community health leader, who understood the local needs and culture.
In 2003, Carmel founded Light from Light’s partner organization, Lespwa Timoun (“Hope for Children” in Haitian Creole). Since then, the work that TJ, Pere Val, and Carmel began has flourished. An enduring friendship has expanded to include rich, mutual partnerships between American churches, medical professionals, and Haitian communities.
Mission: to strengthen the foundations of progress in Haitian communities, empowering them for long-lasting change.
Vision: a healthy, self-sustaining rhythm of life for Haitian communities.