Greetings, First Baptist Church Allen! Thank you for your faithful support of church planting in Haiti. The church you planted, Bethel Baptist Church, is now fully built and ready for use! Currently, over 246 children and 35 adults are coming to know the love of Christ because of your generous gift.
In the photo above, a young girl sings to celebrate the opening of the church.
Implementation Progress
Throughout the implementation process, the following steps were completed:
- A meeting with stakeholders was held to plan church construction.
- The foundation was laid.
- Walls were built and plaster was added.
- Workers built the roof.
- Doors were installed.
- Community members volunteered to help finish construction.
- An opening ceremony was held in November 2021.
Church staff and construction workers faced challenges during the implementation process, including closures due to COVID-19 and construction delays as a result of political unrest. Given high inflation, construction materials also became very expensive.
Impact of the Intervention
The new church facilities include a sanctuary, kitchen, dining room, bathrooms and two classrooms. This intervention has provided children, families and community members with a safe space to gather and learn about God. Currently, over 246 registered children attend child development activities in a setting that is comfortable and conducive to learning. Children and youth are growing spiritually and are discipled by church staff who help them reach their full potentials. Children are also enjoying extracurricular activities, attending school and are confessing their faith in Jesus.
Over 35 adults and caregivers are also being impacted. They are exposed to the gospel and enjoy participating in church meetings and activities. Now that the congregation doesn’t have to meet outside in the sun and rain, more people are interested in coming to church.
A Testimony From Jean, a Church Leader
“This intervention has completely changed the lives of children in our community. Before the intervention, children had to walk miles to go to church and school. Now, the two classrooms will help children have a better future! The church has a good reputation in the community because of the way it is impacting people. Community members believe the church facilities are a gift from God. The new facilities allow me to better meet the needs of children. I no longer spend time searching for a decent place to meet and instead spend time planning child development activities. Thank you for your support. I am praying that God will bless you in return. I want to encourage you to continue to help communities like ours.”
A Testimony From Loudenie, a Compassion Participant
“Before the intervention was implemented, we didn’t have a beautiful school with comfortable classrooms. I had to walk a long distance to go to school. Now, I am able to enjoy both the church and the school, and I feel I am valued! My mom is thankful I will receive a good education, something she couldn’t afford before this intervention. I saw our community work together to support this intervention. It is true that together we can accomplish a lot! I also discovered that though the need in our community was greater than I could imagine, with God, we are able to overcome it.”
Thank You for Your Support
Thank you for partnering with Compassion International to release children from poverty in Jesus’ name. The support you have provided will impact children for years to come. May God bless you abundantly!
