“Haiti, a light has dawned on those living in the shadow of death!”
“The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned” (Isaiah 9:2,NIV).
》 Country Profile
Continent | America
Population | 11.33 million
Area | 27,750㎢ Occupies about 1/3 of the western part of Hispaniola Island in the Caribbean.
Capital City | Port-au-Prince (2.91 million)
People Groups | Total 6 groups Haitians 98.3%, Dominicans 0.4%, Americans 0.1%
People Groups Unreached | 0
Official Language(s) | French, Haitian Creole
Total Languages | 6
Bible Translations | Completed 4, Partial 1
Religion | Christian 94.8% (Protestant 15%, Catholic 69%), Ethnic religion 3%, Non-religious 2% Evangelical 17.5% 1.96 million
》 About Haiti
Haiti’s native Arawak people were wiped out by Spanish colonists in the 16th century, and Africans were brought over as enslaved laborers. In 1697, Spain gave the western third of the island to France, which eventually became Haiti. In 1791, the enslaved people led a major uprising and defeated Spanish, British, and French forces. Haiti declared independence in 1804, becoming the first Black republic in the world. From 1957, Haiti saw years of dictatorship, first under President François Duvalier and later his son, lasting about 30 years. Political instability has been ongoing, with the UN stepping in to help for long periods.
Haiti has suffered many natural disasters, including a devastating 7.0 earthquake in 2010, killing 300,000 and displacing 1.5 million people. Hurricanes in 2016 and another earthquake in 2021 also caused major loss of life. President Jovenel Moïse, elected in 2017, was assassinated in 2021, leading to even more instability. Current Prime Minister Ariel Henry is attempting to govern, but armed gangs continue to dominate and commit crimes.
Haiti is one of the poorest in the Western Hemisphere. Over 75% of people live on less than $2 a day, and two-thirds are unemployed. Many rely on small-scale farming, but frequent natural disasters make this difficult. Remittances from Haitians abroad are crucial, making up over a quarter of the GDP. This is nearly twice the combined value of exports and foreign direct investment. The country depends heavily on foreign aid, while poverty, corruption, and limited education make economic growth very challenging. Haiti’s GDP per capita is approximately $2,900.
》 Scripture Focus
| Isaiah 9:1-7(NIV) 1. Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those who were in distress. In the past he humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the future he will honor Galilee of the Gentiles, by the way of the sea, along the Jordan- 2. The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned. 3. You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy; they rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest, as men rejoice when dividing the plunder. 4. For as in the day of Midian’s defeat, you have shattered the yoke that burdens them, the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor. 5. Every warrior’s boot used in battle and every garment rolled in blood will be destined for burning, will be fuel for the fire. 6. For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this |
》 Prayer Points
1. Haiti’s churches need to be restored in the Truth. Although around 70% of the population identifies as Catholic, many are influenced by voodoo practices and follow them nominally. Major natural disasters, like the 2010 earthquake and the 2016 hurricane, led many Haitians to seek God in prayer and repentance. This created a hopeful spiritual shift, and evangelical churches have grown, now with about two million believers. Let us thank God for this growth. Groups like Vision Haiti, the Protestant Federation, and the Evangelical Church Council work together to support evangelism, prayer movements, and social engagement. But the churches also face divisions over authority, materialism, charismatic theology, and liberation theology. Let’s pray that Haitians see the great light of the gospel, illuminating the shadow of death over the land.
2. Pray for salvation to spread more effectively through missions. International missionary groups have been helping by supporting churches, training believers, and providing much-needed aid. Pray for the safety and work of missionaries from organizations like Youth With A Mission (YWAM), Campus Crusade for Christ (CCCI), Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF), OMS International, and CrossWorld. Rural areas are often excluded from society and lack education, resulting in high illiteracy rates, but many in these areas are receptive to the gospel. International relief groups work on issues like the environment, farming, healthcare, HIV/AIDS, education, and supporting children in crisis. Pray for the freedom and salvation of youth and children trapped in poverty, including the “restaveks,” children forced into domestic servitude. Ask the Lord to break their heavy yoke, just as the gospel breaks all oppression.
3. Haiti’s wealthy mulatto elite controls around 90% of the country’s resources but remains spiritually poor. For centuries, flawed democratic governance has left the people discouraged and oppressed. Many Haitians have left their homeland to live as low-wage workers in places like the United States, Cuba, and the Bahamas. Pray for the salvation of Haiti’s souls who have suffered tremendously, that the Lord, the Prince of Peace, may restore them. Ask that the gospel would be firmly established in Haiti, with the Lord ruling in justice and righteousness and transforming the nation for His glory.
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