The International School of Theology continues to thrive, even with the gang violence. The teachers work diligently to encourage the students and the church in Haiti. The students and faculty directly influence twenty-five congregations. Churches are being planted in the smaller villages, and souls are being added to the kingdom of God.
Each time the students attend class, the teachers travel to where the classes are taught, and when the cooks and workers come to help, they put their lives in danger. Yet, they continue! They have refused to allow the gangs to control their lives. They take precautions, and we have told them not to endanger their lives. There are times when the gang activity is so heavy that everyone must stay home. Yet, they continue! It is because of this love for the Lord that motivates us to continue working on their behalf.
We know the time will come when the students can return to the IST campus. The time will come when we can travel to Haiti and teach classes in person. God understands and knows the needs, and He will provide a way to continue in the future.
The building is only a meeting place, and we are not there to own a building. We are in Haiti to train preachers and teachers to move God’s word forward.
Please pray for the students and teachers at IST.
More Than 2,000 Souls Obey the Gospel
In 2014, the International School of Theology started with 24 students. Since then, we have graduated 54 men and women who continue to preach and teach the word of God. Each quarter, we receive a report on their efforts. Through August 2023, we have had 225 souls baptized into the body of Christ. This brings the total to 2,030 souls our students and teachers have brought to Christ. The glory belongs to God, for He is the one who has opened the door and softened the hearts of people to receive the message of salvation. More than 30 new congregations have been planted through our students and faculty. Most congregations meet in homes or under pole sheds with tin roofs. Some congregations are small but truly desire to see the church grow. We have also seen about 35 denominational churches leave man-made religion and turn to the truth.
Please take a moment to pray for the church in Haiti.
Trouble in Haiti
The death count continues to rise as the gangs continue to grow in number and ability. The gangs have taken control of about 80% of the capital city of Port-au-Prince and about 50% of the country. The police gain control of one area, and the gangs move to another. Thousands have lost their lives, been kidnapped, or injured because of the gangs. More than 200,000 people have had to flee their homes as the gangs took over neighborhoods. Many businesses have had to close; there is a shortage of food, gas, and other necessities of life. Some report that on the black market, gasoline can go for as much as $20 per gallon. Only the very wealthy can afford to buy gas at those prices. Many have had to shelter in their homes for days due to the violence. Thousands have crossed the border into the Dominican Republic, where they are not greeted with open arms. About half of the schools have been closed due to the violence, which further sets the children back in their education. The gangs recruit children as young as six years old and force them to commit crimes.
Even in the middle of a country torn by violence, the gospel of Jesus Christ, the good news of the kingdom, and the love of God are still being proclaimed. The power of the word is mightier than the sword or bullets. God will continue to open doors; may we continue to step through them.
Please take a moment to pray for the people in Haiti.