In the abundant universe of Haitian evangelical events, there are few who manage to make an impression from their first edition. “Worship Room”, which was held on April 20, 2025 at the Karibe Convention Center in Port-au-Prince, is one of them. Behind this innovative concept, a woman: Shayel Jean Joseph. For the first time, she delivers herself straight away on the genesis of the event, her challenges, her emotions, her learning and her ambitions for the future.
First steps and genesis of the “Worship Room” project
Q: Shayel, can you tell us about the birth of “Worship Room”?
Nothing predestined me to organize an event of this scale. I have long been a spectator in the evangelical sector, participating in concerts, notably that of Wiliadel at the Municipal Palace. But each time, I felt a lack: too often, these concerts looked like shows, where prayer and worship were relegated to the background. I wanted something else, to create a space where praise would not be a spectacle, but an authentic encounter with God.
This is how the idea of ”Worship Room” was born. I started alone, then I trained a team with Japhe Mercier, Abraham Alexandre, Etzer Émile and Lophane Laurent. Everyone brought their stone to the building, their ideas, their energy, their contacts. From the start, I wanted to lay solid foundations: a rigorous organization, a selection of committed artists, and above all, a strict schedule to promote meditation.
Preparation: between doubts and faith
Q: What were the biggest challenges in the preparation of this first edition?
The main challenge was to reconcile innovation and tradition. I wanted to break with the usual model of evangelical concerts, but it was also necessary to reassure the public and the partners. I insisted that the doors close at 4 p.m. precisely, which is rare here. From 2:30 p.m., the first participants were already present in Karibe, proof that the message had been heard.
But doubt was invited to the party. Three days before the event, barely 30 tickets had been sold. The idea of changing the room, reducing the sail, crossed my mind. But the team held out, we chose to trust God, to walk by faith. And on Sunday morning, all the cards were sold. It was a lesson in abandonment and confidence.
D -day: emotions and strong moments
Q: Tell us about the evening. What memories do you keep from it?
From the opening, the atmosphere was electric. I wanted to start with the national anthem, a strong gesture, rarely seen in this type of event. I felt a wave of emotion in the room, an instant communion. This moment confirmed to me that we were on the right track.
Throughout the evening, the artists followed one another in a rare harmony. It was not an addition of individual performance, but a true spiritual unity. Testimonies, prayers, songs, dances … Each sequence made sense. Vania Richard’s testimony particularly touched the assembly, even if I would have liked to give the floor to more people.
What marked me the most was looks, tears, smiles. Seeing people in search of healing, some in wheelchair, come and seek a moment of peace and leave with hope, it is the most beautiful of gifts.
Public reactions and striking feedback
Q: How did the public react? What returns have you received?
The reception was beyond our expectations. More than 95% of returns are extremely positive. Many participants expressed their gratitude for the atmosphere of prayer and worship, for punctuality, the quality of the artists, the organization. Some told me that they had experienced an interior transformation, others came to thank me for daring to offer something different.
A testimony particularly moved to me: a woman told me that she came tired, discouraged, and left “filled with peace and strength”. It is for this kind of testimony that I wanted to create “Worship Room”.
Organization, team and learning
Q: How did you build your team and distribute the roles?
I was lucky to be able to count on trusted people. Japhe Mercier, Abraham Alexandre, Etzer Émile and Lophane Laurent each have an additional profile. Some already had experience in organizing events, others brought a new vision. The artistic choices were made in consultation: Wiliadel and Stanley were obvious, but I personally wanted to invite Romy and Barbara, and Lophane suggested Martin.
The preparation lasted almost three months. We worked with three different graphic designers to find the right visual identity. The most difficult was to reach the level of requirement that I had set myself, at all levels: artistic, logistics, technical.
Q: Was there any unexpected on D-Day?
The main unforeseen event was technical: the screens did not give the expected rendering. But the team was able to adapt, and that did not tarnish the success of the evening. Some sponsors, such as Sogexpress and Capital, confirmed their support at the last minute, which allowed us to cover part of the costs, which amounted to nearly $ 19,000.
Impact and perspectives
Q: What impact do you want “Worship Room” to the community?
My ambition is that “Worship Room” becomes an essential annual meeting, every Easter Sunday, but also, why not, several times a year. I also dream of exporting the concept to other provincial cities, to reach even more lives.
Beyond the event itself, I want “Worship Room” to be a catalyst for change in the way of organizing and living praise in Haiti. I would like the artists, the organizers, the faithful, dare to go out of the beaten track, favor quality, sincerity, innovation.
Personal lessons and thanks
Q: What have you learned from this experience, on a personal level?
I learned to trust, to delegate, to listen. I also learned that the organization of an event of this magnitude requires great resilience, patience and an ability to manage uncertainty. But above all, I understood the strength of collective faith. This verse accompanied me throughout the route: “Not by sight, but by faith”.
I would like to thank Wiliadel Denervil, Barbara Cassamajor, Romy Laguerre, who prayed for me and supported the project, my team that trusts me, and Byanca Mars for his extraordinary support, even outside the official team. Thank you also to all those who made the trip, sometimes by far, to live this unique experience.
Look at the future of “Worship Room”
Q: What are your projects for the future?
We are already working on the next edition of “Worship Room”, which will take place next year at the same period. But we are also thinking of organizing a second edition before the end of the year, and to decline the concept in other cities. My dream would be to have a “Worship Room” in each major provincial city.
I also want to strengthen the social aspect of the event: why not associate a concrete action with each edition in favor of the most disadvantaged? Art, faith and solidarity can do miracles together.
Message to absent and conclusion
Q: A word for those who couldn’t come this time?
You missed a unique moment in the presence of God, an evening when prayer, praise and fraternity were there. But this is only the start: the door will be wide open to you next time. I invite you to come and live, feel, share this experience which, I hope, will permanently mark the Haitian evangelical scene.
Conclusion
Through “Worship Room”, Shayel Jean Joseph has proven that it is possible to reinvent codes, to unite around strong values and to propose an authentic spiritual experience. His journey, made of doubts, challenges, but above all of faith and determination, is a source of inspiration for all those who dream of changing things, one step at a time. The next edition is already eagerly awaited.
