About JoyHouse

The Beginning: We began in 1996 after JoyHouse founder, Norma Patterson, went on a mission trip to Haiti with her grandson, Kevin Phillips, who is also a pastor. Norma saw a great need in Haiti. Most of all, she was touched by the children. Over 40% of the population in Haiti is under 14. The orphanages are crowded and not everyone has access to education. Once children reach a certain age, many of them are put out onto the streets. With no skills and no street smarts, they are vulnerable, and survival is difficult. She knew instantly that God was calling her to work in Haiti. She had a vision to go and help.

 

She and her husband, Joe, began to use their own money to support the initial 12 boys. Norma raised money from family, friends and Sunday School classes to help. Eventually, JoyHouse became a 501 (c) 3 organization with a board and small operating budget. Under the guidance of the local pastor and his wife, 12 boys were provided with a place to stay, access to learn a skill or trade and a chance to survive. They were expected to have a job to earn their way when they finished school.

 

Slowly, JoyHouse began to minister to their spiritual needs as well, teaching them basic life skills as we walked beside them. When mission teams come to Haiti, the boys then have the opportunity to assist with the teams and earn a good wage. This allows them to have a better quality of life and give back to JoyHouse. Initially, the Mission Center was only a dream, as the first team of boys was our primary focus. But now, what a team they are! Each has different talents and interests. They have become mechanics, administrators and teachers - some talented in music, some in the medical field and some just helpers. Most are still involved with JoyHouse, and all grew into men of God.

 

Today: Over the years, as more teams have arrived in Haiti and others have gotten involved in the ministry by praying, giving and going, we have been able to realize our dream of building the Mission Center. The Center serves as headquarters to JoyHouse and feeds the teams we bring to Haiti to assist in the church and the local area.

 

Our goals today aren’t to grow our mission, but rather to widen the impact of the gospel by supporting and encouraging other ministries. Currently, we assist four churches and two orphanages. We provide support through prayer, encouragement, training, food and sometimes even small financial support. We go into the existing ministries to help dig a well, install a generator or teach a Bible Study. We use these opportunities to strengthen and encourage these Christians in their walk with God, while also finding ways to lead others to a new relationship with Jesus.

 

We hope to teach the people of Haiti how to work together and form communities of support, and we use these opportunities to help bring people to Jesus.

You can support our ministry via PayPal by clicking the link below. Or send donations to:

 

JoyHouse Ministries, Inc.

PO BOX 6643

Springdale, Arkansas 72766

 

We are a 501 (c) 3 organization, so donations are tax deductible. Consult your tax professional to be sure.

 

If you have questions or need help with your donation, please contact us at info@haitijoyhouse.org.