Haiti
Devastation, poverty, political unrest and enormous need. These visions are often what first come to mind when thinking of Haiti. Even as the least-developed country in the Western Hemisphere and one of the poorest in the world, Haiti is also a place of vast potential and inspiring hope.
Government turmoil and ongoing voodoo practices have been part of Haiti’s history for centuries. Lack of food and natural resources, political instability and uprisings have added to Haiti’s economic stagnation and continue to severely affect the people of Haiti. The majority of Haitians live on less than $2 per day and over half the population is illiterate. In order to combat the religious turmoil, the poor economy and poverty, humanitarian and evangelistic outreach is crucial. That’s why we serve in Haiti!
We began working in Haiti in 1979 and continue to meet the physical, emotional, spiritual and educational needs of the Haitian people so they can also see and know Christ. Whether providing education and job training, leadership skills, health care, outreach or a hot meal for a child, CWO is making a difference.
Find out more about our programs in Haiti in the sidebar to the right.
Here Joel and Marie St. Amour (our ministry leaders in Haiti) share about the Feminine Training Center in Haiti.
Making a Difference … in Haiti!
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Church & Leadership Development
Growing Strong Churches & Leaders in HaitiBy working with eight partner churches in Haiti, we help pastors develop strong ministries that welcome people from their communities into the church. Because few pastors have a seminary education, our role is to provide biblical training and leadership skills to improve conditions in churches, schools and the community. With training, pastors learn to address practical and spiritual questions. We organize regular conferences where professionals from Haiti and the US come alongside the church leadership with tools, ideas and inspiration. Our annual Great Discovery Camps, which are free evangelistic camps, give the unchurched an opportunity to learn about Christ and become connected with a church. From biblical training, to leadership development to outreach, we help others to know Jesus!
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Feminine Training Centers
Educating Women, Building FuturesWith Feminine Training Centers (FTCs) in Port-au-Prince, Mirebalais and La Jeune, we help women of all ages receive vocational training, find work or start a business and know Jesus. The students want to build a future for themselves and their families by learning skills in sewing, cooking, cake decorating, crafts and cosmetology. With FTC students graduating every year since 1983, we’ve helped more than 4,500 women create self-sustaining lives. Typically, at least eight out of ten students enroll and remain enrolled until graduation. Each student becomes involved in a weekly Bible study, so students graduate with skills and confidence as well as knowing that Jesus loves them!
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Health & Nutrition Center
A Healthy Start for Pregnant Women & NewbornsHealthcare in Haiti is sometimes primitive, especially in rural communities. Pre- and postnatal care is very limited. We have worked in the tiny farming community of LaJuene since 2010, providing healthcare and Bible study for mothers. Our staff nurse offers health and nutritional care for the women while also praying with them and introducing them to the Bible. Our plan is to establish a Children’s Feeding Program in LaJuene to provide meals to children 10 and under. Children will receive a hot meal while learning Bible stories along with learning how to pray and sing. We hope to bring Jesus to multiple generations!
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Children's Feeding Programs
Feeding Children Physically & Spiritually!The CWO Children Feeding Program in Port-au-Prince Haiti started in 2009. As many as 65 children, ages 10 and under, receive a hot meal three times a week while hearing Bible stories, learning to pray and singing songs. CWO began a Children’s Feeding Program in LaJuene in 2022. We’re blessed to be able to feed children physically and spiritually! One young man told us, “I used to go to school on an empty stomach but I was waiting for the school day to end so that I could go and eat on Monday, Wednesday and Friday at the CWO Feeding Program. Those days were different since I could find a decent and sustaining meal three days per week. I have completed my high school and I am grateful for what CWO had done for me through the Feeding Program.” It’s always a blessing to hear how God makes a difference in these children’s lives through CWO.