Haitian Earthquake Affects Church of God

The Church of God in Haiti has been a daughter of the Church since 1933. It was Pastor Jacques Vital-Herne, the first overseer in Haiti, who wrote on March 17, 1933, to Pastor S. W. Latimer, the third overseer of Church of God, to affiliate with the Church in Cleveland.

Pastor Latimer answered positive on June 13, 1933. At this time, there were 8 local churches. The growth of churches was very quick. In 1936, Haiti had 30 churches. God has richly blessed our congregations.

Presently

At the present time, there are 741 local churches and 327 missions and more than 250,000 members. The present overseer, Bishop Elysee Joseph, has passed away due to injuries acquired during the earthquake. The Church of God is among the largest Christian movements in Haiti.

We have Church of God schools in the Haiti area. One specific school is the Seminaire Biblique. It is one of four bachelor’s-degree granting schools in Haiti and one of three in the country that is approved to train public school teachers. The Church of God has more than 100 schools (including elementary), several clinics, hospitals and orphanages.