The Board of Directors of the What If? Foundation mourns with thousands upon thousands of others in Haiti and around the world, the passing of our friend, Fr. Gerard Jean-Juste.  It was he who inspired Margaret Trost to form the What If? Foundation and to work with him to begin the food and education programs at St. Clare’s Church, and it was he who never ceased to encourage our efforts.

Beloved by the children and by all the members of his community who have labored so joyously in the programs, he will continue through his buoyant spirit, to lift up the hearts of all as we go about the vital work that remains to be done.

We mourn, yet not as those without hope. Fr. Jean-Juste has held a firm belief in the grace of God and in the power of love to redeem the world.  We rejoice with all the saints in heaven in Fr. Jean-Juste’s summons to eternal life.

May we re-dedicate ourselves in his memory to the beloved children and students of the St. Clare’s community, who shall always remain close to his heart, and to ours.