Haiti

Year opened: 1993

The Mission Society first began working in Haiti in 1993 in partnership with OMS International. The poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, the majority of Haiti’s population does not have the basic necessities. At least two-thirds of the available labor force does not have adequate employment and 80% of the population lives below the poverty line. The earthquake which struck in January 2010 caused an enormous amount of damage to the capital city of Port-au-Prince. Aid, medical care, and basic necessities are still needed as Haitians try to rebuild.

For religious affiliation, 80% of Haitians are Catholic, 16% are Protestant, three percent are “other,” and one percent claim “none.” Roughly 50% of Haitians practice voodoo.

Haiti has been a focus of mission efforts for many years, but often the local leadership is bypassed. The Mission Society has forged a partnership with International Christian Development Mission (ICDM), a Haitian-led organization focusing on children’s education and local church empowerment. It is directed by Yvan Pierre. The Mission Society is assisting with the training of evangelists and church leaders and is exploring other ways of encouraging Hatian leaders. ICDM’s ministry also provides an excellent internship opportunity for young people wanting to assist in its work and learn about mission.