NEWSBREAK

Church Growth in Haiti Poses
Problems for Leaders

n a country that has suffered profound political and economic turmoil for the last decade, Haiti has the largest number of Seventh-day Adventists among Inter-America's 37 countries. With nearly 272,000 church members in 362 churches and 602 congregations, Haiti might be the largest French-speaking Adventist union, or region, in the world.

These startling numbers were discovered during a recent study conducted by administrators at the church's Inter-American Division in Miami, Florida. During the study, conducted August 4-7, church leaders in Haiti expressed their concern for the fast-growing membership compared to the small number of pastors. There is only one pastor per 1,900 members on average, the highest such ratio in the region. Church leaders are now struggling with the challenge of improving the situation. Among these is a reorganization of local mission fields.

"It is amazing to visit their very progressive and rapidly-growing area," says division President Israel Leito. "The churches are packed on Sabbath morning, with most of the churches in Port-au-Prince having two and some even three services. Some churches start their services at 6:30 a.m. in order to accommodate three worship services."

To add to the problem, there is also a migration of pastors out of the country, according to Leito. Church leaders have already committed funds to provide salaries for two pastors.

Among the urgent needs in Haiti is the availability of Sabbath School Bible study guides for children. Most parents cannot afford to purchase the guides. The local publishing house is working with church leaders to make the guides affordable.

Some members worship in unfinished churches, due to Haiti's unstable economic and political situation. Sometimes funds are not available to complete church buildings, and organizations such as Maranatha Volunteers International have found it difficult to help amid the political strife. However, leaders are giving careful attention to provisions to help finish churches in Haiti and other territories in the region.

Regardless of the struggles the members in Haiti are facing, Leito says they faithfully and courageously further the work of the church, and, in spite of the financial challenges, are very supportive of missions. The church in Haiti has the highest missions offering-to-tithe ratio than any other area in the region, he says.

The Adventist Church in Haiti operates a university, a hospital, more than 1,000 primary and secondary schools, a printing facility, a bakery, a modern packing company, and Radio Esperance, the largest public Adventist voice to the Haitian people.          --Adventist News Network

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