Haiti was struck by a 7.0-magnitude earthquake in 2010 that buried Williamson Sintyl under the rubble of a three-story building for 28 hours. Sintyl, who lives in Oglethorpe County, said he spent those grueling hours trapped without food or water.
But even in the midst of disaster, he never lost hope.
“During this time, I said a prayer to God: ‘If you save me, I am going to serve you for the rest of my life,’ ” he said. “That moment, that was the only hope that I had, was the reach for heaven, and for some reason, heaven came down and rescued me.”
Since then, Sintyl has held true to his word.
In the years since being rescued from the rubble of the earthquake, Sintyl has started a nonprofit organization, a mentor program, joined the Oglethorpe County Chamber of Commerce and has continued to serve, as a way to thank God.
Following the disaster, Sintyl moved with his family to Utah, where he attended Utah State University for international studies and Ensign College for business. Sintyl, his wife, Sharla, and their three children (Tevin, 6, Kai, 4, and Sidonie, 3) live in Lexington.
Sintyl also established the ARISE Project for Humanity, a nonprofit committed to empowering youth, helping people in underserved communities and working with survivors of sex trafficking.
ARISE has reached over 7,000 mentees around the world.
“I wanted to give back something that would make long-term solutions, and that is why I started this organization,” Sintyl said. “It is all about Haitians empowering Haitians. I created this foundation to teach Hatians, to mentor them, to teach them key basic principles that will help them change their mindset, create their life and impact their communities.”
Sintyl also continues to take trips back to Haiti to help people of all ages.
“I love Haiti; it is my home,” he said. “It has always been my goal to improve my country anyway I can to give back to the community.”
PEAK Life Coaching, which he also developed, focuses his practice on helping teens and children, along with parents.
“If you want to see your community grow, you want to leave a legacy, and you need to target the rising generation of youth,” Sintyl said. “They will be the next leaders.”
Serving in community
Moving to Oglethorpe County, for Sintyl, was also part of keeping his promise to God. The rural area captured his attention for its closeness.
Sintyl said it’s been wonderful to see people doing their best when it comes to community involvement.
“I love serving; there is just so much to learn in this community,” he said. “I just want to be there for them when they need me.”
Since moving to Lexington, Sintyl has become a board member of the Oglethorpe County Chamber of Commerce, hoping to instill positive change. He is working alongside Linda Parish to help develop a Lexington community center.
“It is still in the works, and has a special place in my heart,” he said. “When you hear of a community center, that is when the community comes together, and we can highlight our similarities.”
From the 2010 Haiti earthquake to today, Sintyl said he feels grateful for every chance he has to make change.
“I’m lucky, and I continue to live every day through God,” Sintyl said, “I just really love serving and giving back.”
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