Violence. Gangs. Food shortages. Skyrocketing inflation. For millions of people in Haiti, the future seems bleak. Having experienced extreme unrest since their president was assassinated three years ago, the people of this beautiful island nation have borne the burden of constant pressure and threats.
Gang violence has forced thousands of people to flee their homes, leaving their few possessions and sense of security behind. In this catastrophe, the people of Haiti are experiencing repeated bouts of trauma and are teetering on the brink of despair.
But between the clouds of trouble, hope is breaking through. We’re working to equip hardworking Haitians to start small businesses, build a support network, and increase their incomes.
Bright Hope’s partner churches in rural Haiti have created Savings Groups that offer financial education, friendship, and a place for members to save their earnings. Within each self-governing group, members contribute weekly to the group’s savings. In addition, Bright Hope adds capital to increase their ability to provide personal loans. Members can then request loans from their group at a fair interest rate and receive accountability, enabling businesses to develop and make a profit.
Ben’s Story of Hope
Ben is a father of six and president of a Savings Group in his community in Northern Haiti. And now, thanks to his Savings Group, he has expanded his agriculture business.
Ben shared: “It is a pleasure for me to share my experience with you. My first loan allowed me to build a small warehouse for peanut speculation. This activity is very profitable for my family and allows me to have margins of more than 30% on my investments. Before joining the Savings Group, my wife and I were members of a different micro-financial institution with a very high interest rate. Now, the interest rate is lower.”
“We want to have a mill to grind corn. Considering that there is only one grinder in town, building a new mill in my community would be very profitable. Also, as a farmer, I was one of the first beneficiaries of the agricultural emergency program. I am so thankful for this support and for the special work Bright Hope does in the community. The country needs these kinds of initiatives to embark on the path of progress.”
Can you pray for Haiti?
Haitians like Ben desperately need our prayers and encouragement to carry on. Even amid violence and hunger, our brothers and sisters in Haiti still have the hope of the gospel. Despite the turmoil in the country, faithful pastors and church leaders continue to care for their congregations despite the challenging circumstances. Your prayers reach to these Haitians.
The people of Haiti need our support, now more than ever. Please stay tuned for our upcoming campaign to offer prayer and encouragement to church leaders in Haiti. Right now, they feel like the weight of the world is on their shoulders. But we know that God hasn’t abandoned His church in Haiti!
