Missions – Haiti

Haiti is the western third of the island of Hispaniola shared with the Dominican Republic.

A slave revolt against French rulers in 1804 created the first black republic in the world. Since then Haiti has been in chaos with a troubled history of bloodshed and dictatorships. The US intervened in 1994 to try to establish a fairer government, but all elections since then appear to be corrupt.

Most people in Haiti live in extreme poverty and more than half are unemployed. In recent years the political turmoil and desperate poverty have led many to emigrate illegally, often risking their lives, to the USA or the Dominican Republic.

Slaves revolting against the French in 1791 dedicated their country to Satan – as a way to oppose the religion of the people who had oppressed them. Christians today have stood up against the voodooism and Satanism that grips Haiti in the name of Jesus!

Most of the population live in appalling conditions – living in filthy slums without running water. According to the United Nations around 80% of Haitians cannot meet their basic daily needs – which means they fight each day to survive and feed their families. Pray for honest and godly leaders who can address the country’s desperate situation.

Over the 22% of the population are born-again Christians and most of these are the poorest people in Haiti who live in rural areas. This means that discipleship, teaching and training leaders in the church is a huge challenge – as many can barely read.

The rich Mulatto elite live a completely different life from the majority and do not have any contact with the evangelical churches. Pray that they will hear the gospel and open their hearts to God.