Free from Dependence-A Testimony

The Evangelical Church of Haiti is an association of 55 churches in northern Haiti. This group of churches was in large part started by a mission agency in Haiti. Much money was poured into these churches; pastors were paid a salary, church buildings were built and special needs were met by money from the states. They were poor, many were the needs and with love the Christians in America responded. This picture is not unlike many mission fields of the world. Christians in America are generous which is a wonderful trait. The problem was that the churches were not growing, their giving was minimal, believers never considered tithing, and dependency with no end in sight was hindering what God wanted to accomplish.

A little over four years ago this group of churches decided that in order to grow they needed to become indigenous by withdrawing from the founding mission agency. This meant not accepting any further foreign support; no more money from the U.S.A.! What happened was amazing to say the least. Giving is up 2,000% as people now tithe. Pastors are being paid, seven new churches are being built, and Christian schools are being expanded, all from giving within Haiti. Special offerings were taken called "thanksgiving offerings" and the plates overflowed. One large church recently took a thanksgiving offering, which is above regular tithing, and $7,000 U.S. came in! This is in Haiti. This hidden potential was always there, but dependency on the West stifled it.

When Christians give and give sacrificially God brings revival. "And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved." Acts 2:47. One large church, with a Sunday attendance of 5,000 is reporting 150-200 converts per month. Prayer services are packed out with those in need and those who pray. Plans are being made to expand the sanctuary, to accommodate the hundreds that need to sit on the street or in the five overflow rooms just to attend the Sunday services. FARMS is privileged to have a program with this vibrant group of churches. We are not in Haiti to give anything away; we are only there to assist families in finding a dignified and biblical way out of poverty.

The needs are great and with hundreds of families potentially needing loans, this association of 55 churches is considering matching our funding of the program! Now, that shows that God is truly doing a transformation of hearts in Haiti. Haitians helping Haitians. "with God all things are possible!" It is a joy to be working at this very time with these churches. God said, "if I will not open you the windows of heaven and pour you out a blessing...", and he is doing just that.

First Impression: Destitution and Hope
"Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows." Gal.6:7

Haiti is reaping what has been sown. Years ago its leaders made a contract with Satan dedicating Haiti to him for 200 years. That contract has now expired but destitution is still written everywhere, in the city, in the mountains, in the market place and most disturbing on the faces of the Haitian people. National pride is nonexistent. The spirit of hopelessness prevails. I discovered truth to the statement, "It doesn't get any worse than Haiti."

Out of this darkness shines some rays of hope. The body of Christ is growing; numbers increase weekly. Christ and the cross are their only hope. What an impression it leaves on one to go to church and see people standing in line at 5:30 a.m. as they attempt to get a seat. Silence prevails over a packed (every available square foot filled) auditorium for one half hour before the service begins. People have come to worship. The overflow crowd spills out into other rooms and into the street. In Christ they are finding peace, healing, and a reason to strive onward amidst dire destitution. Our pilot told me as we walked to immigration that "Haitian Christians are praying people." They have no where else to turn but to their God. I heard story after story about miraculous answers to their prayers. One of the churches we are working with has 1200 people that come daily for noon prayer meetings! God has not forgotten Haiti and is answering His people, with miracle after miracle, displaying His power and might.

FARMS International has an important and growing part in this shining hope. It was a privilege to see the national boards meeting to report on the FARMS projects and to actually visit the project holders. Pastor Megy, the pastor of one of the churches that has a FARMS program, has seen the need to help the believers in his congregation develop a source of livelihood and to disciple them in the area of stewardship. The funds that FARMS has provided to this church enable them to develop an interest free loan program for very needy families. The programs in Haiti are in their beginning stages. We will be watching and praying to see how God uses these projects for His glory.