History:
The Boy’s Home of Smiles was started in 1987 when missionaries from
Minnesota went to Haiti in search of native missionaries who were willing to
help start an orphanage. They found Joel and Rose Beaucejour and Pierre and
Josset Mecurri. Together they rented a large house and began taking in
orphans. Children of Promise International purchased a piece of land on
which a home for the boys was built. Unfortunately, over time, the
compound was seized by those who did not have a heart for the orphans under
their care. COPI spent considerable time and effort to re-establish
ownership of the children's compound but with a change in the political and
physical environment, operations in Haiti ceased in early 2020.
During
this time of turmoil, Jimmy Joseph and his family continued to minister to
those around them, providing comfort and the Word to children and adults in
various areas of Haiti (Jimmy and his wife, Esther, were an integral part of
the ministry team at the orphanage before it was closed.) In early
2023, COPI agreed to support Jimmy and his ministry efforts for a period of
at least three years, providing spiritual and financial support for his
preaching the Gospel and assisting families as best he can with food and
guidance in furthering the Kingdom.
Part of the new ministry in Haiti
included the construction of a "ministry center" where families could
congregate for worship, education and community fellowship. With some
financial help from COPI and a lot of "sweat equity", the building was
completed earlier this year and a dedication was held in October.
Another important aspect of
Josephs Ministry for Jesus is the distribution of food to families
and children. Unfortunately, the supplies are very expensive and
difficult to obtain in such an impoverished nation.
Information
about Haiti:
(Quoted from "Operation World" 21st Century
edition)
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Catholicism is the main religion in
Haiti, but 75% of the people professing this religion are also actively
involved in Voodoo.
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75% of the population lives in
poverty.
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The official language is French, but
only about 10% of the population speaks it. The common language is
Haitian Creole.
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There is a 48% literacy rate.
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Prayer Focus:
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Pray for the families being assisted
by Jimmy and Esther.
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Pray that Jimmy and his family will
be protected from harm and those who would want his Gospel mission to
fail.
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Pray that the region would be free
from Voodoo and turn to God for their survival.
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