Val’s Children
Posted by Guest on August 19th 2009 in Journalist Profiles, UncategorizedThis is a cross-post from Abby Metty’s site, Val’s Children
Val’s Children from Abby Metty on Vimeo.
In 1987, Franklin Val was shot five times during the overthrow of the Dessalines regime in Haiti. As he slowly recovered, he was deeply troubled by the problems and social ills that plagued his country. He made a promise to God that if he lived, he would give his life to ministry and helping the children of Haiti.
That year, with the help of his sister Yrma, Val opened an orphanage in the countryside of Leogane Province, about two hours east of the capital of Port-au-Prince. Val and Yrma were both in their 50s, with families and children of their own. Yet they gave their lives to what they believed God had called them to do to serve their country and His Kingdom.
Val supported the orphanage with his taxi service for international visitors and the press, and also raised support in Canada and the United States. But as Haiti’s government became more and more troubled in the 1980s and 1990s, support dwindled, Val found himself stretched to the limits. Despite the financial struggle to provide food and send the children to school, Val and Yrma continue caring for upwards of 30 children.
