First Baptist Church, we are pleased to bring you an update from your church plant in Haiti. Thanks to your investment, 47 adults and 80 children are currently attending the church. Although construction has paused due to the pandemic, church staff continue ministering to children and families in the community. Thank you for your prayers and support!
COVID-19 Status in Haiti
Coronavirus cases have been confirmed in all Haitian departments (states), and the country has reported a significant increase in “imported” cases after the reopening of some airports. Schools, universities, places of worship and factories are closed until at least mid-August. Gatherings of more than 10 people are banned, and a curfew is in place from 12 a.m. to 4 a.m. The virus continues to quickly spread through crowded, densely packed neighborhoods with little or no access to running water.
All Compassion child development centers have paused group program activities. Partner church workers are attempting to keep in touch with beneficiaries safely through phone calls and texts. They have delivered 154,923 food packs and 91,027 hygiene kits and provided medical assistance to 10,668 people. Staff members are also working to provide Bible studies and other lessons through phone calls as much as possible. A small number of staff are available each day at Compassion centers to deal with emergencies and in-person needs.
Construction Progress
The walls of the church are finished. The beams are installed for the church building, the school and the cafeteria. The asphalt was laid for all the buildings, except a reserved place under the pulpit for a cistern. Currently, the work is paused due to the pandemic.
Challenges and Learning Opportunities
The COVID-19 pandemic remains the biggest challenge. The church leaders continue to inform the community on how to prevent COVID-19.
There is also concern about tropical storms as the church plant is in an area usually affected by cyclones and strong winds. Church leaders have a contingency plan related to the cyclone season.
Next Steps
As soon as quarantine ends and work can safely resume, the plan is to:
- finish the walls of the toilet block
- install roofs on all the buildings and
- plaster all the walls
Church Activities
Church members were involved in the backfilling of the buildings before laying asphalt. Members also participated in improving the road that allows access to the construction site. Work stopped in late March 2020, after the announcement of the health emergency in the country. Since then, the church has been involved in raising community awareness to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Testimony of Impact
” The construction of these buildings in the community brings us a big relief. Now God’s word is preached in this community that has had a bad reputation due to some bad practices. Also, our children and youth are going to be able to go to school and practice sports and other activities for their development. It is a grace that God has given to this community. May this blessing grow! “
Gerard, a church member and committee member for the child development center
Photos of Progress
Praises and Prayer Requests
The church thanks God for sending rain and for the planting the church in Bondeaux. They also thank God for protecting them against COVID-19 and for reducing the pandemic effects in some countries. They ask you to join them in prayer for the following needs:
- For the holistic development of the beneficiaries so that they become responsible leaders in their community.
- For the successful completion of the construction work.
- For the protection of the sponsors, donors and their families from COVID-19, by considering not only their health but also their work and ministry.
- For the protection of Haitian children, parents and families against COVID-19.
- That God leads scientists to discover a vaccine or a medicine to effectively treat COVID-19.
- For protection of all people in the world against coronavirus.