Organization within the foundation
A growing family of faith in La Romana—welcoming people into worship, biblical truth, prayer, and the hope of Jesus Christ.
Our identity
Iglesia Bautista Misionera Berakot is part of the Reverend Jean Luc Phanord Foundation family while continuing its own ministry and leadership.
Inspired by the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19, the church shares the Gospel, welcomes people with love, and helps believers grow through worship, prayer, biblical teaching, fellowship, and service. Its online ministry carries that same welcome beyond the church walls through live services and faith-centered messages.
Step inside Berakot
Take a brief look from the church entrance into the sanctuary—a welcoming home where faith is shared and lives are strengthened.
Our history
The story of Iglesia Bautista Misionera Berakot began with a practical need and a heartfelt desire to keep a community connected to worship.
Many brothers, sisters, and members of the Primera Iglesia Bautista Misionera Haitiana (Maranatha) had moved to the bateyes near Kilometer 6. Because transportation was difficult, they could attend worship only on the first Sundays of each month. They shared this hardship with Pastor Elza Phanord, who was deeply moved and prayed for God to reveal a way to help them.
Pastor Elza was inspired to prepare and sell traditional Haitian peanut-and-sugar sweets, known as tablettes glacées. The proceeds helped provide transportation so the members could gather for worship more regularly.
Iglesia Bautista Misionera Berakot began in the home of Accreus Joseph and his wife, Liliana Polo de Joseph. The first service was held there, and the congregation established a rhythm of worship, biblical teaching, and discipleship. Its first church committee included longtime members such as Wilfredo Pierre, who served as secretary, and Liliana Polo, who served as treasurer, alongside others who helped lay the ministry's foundation.
In the years that followed, Jeannyth Phanord founded the Berakot choir and the group Devouées, expanding the church's ministry through music, worship, and fellowship.
Gathering as one family to seek God, celebrate His faithfulness, and grow through His Word.
Helping people develop a living faith through teaching, fellowship, and spiritual formation.
Sharing the message of Jesus in La Romana through outreach, crusades, and compassionate service.
Pastoral leadership
Pastor Elza Phanord serves alongside Pastor Hughes Iralien and Pastor Jean Ricot Coulanges, who help support the church and its ministry.
A living faith community
Berakot’s story is lived in moments of Scripture, celebration, prayer, and fellowship—inside the sanctuary and throughout the community.
The need today
Existing wooden structureThis aging wooden building served the church community for years. Its deteriorating walls, exposed framing, worn roof, and limited interior now show why a secure, purpose-built children’s church and ministry center is urgently needed.
Future building project
Architectural conceptThe foundation envisions transforming the site of the old wooden church into a purpose-built ministry center where children can worship, visiting teams can stay, leaders can meet, and the church can serve more effectively.
These renderings present the current architectural concept and may evolve as planning and funding progress.
The place we serve