Sharing a Caribbean island with the Dominican Republic, Haiti is home to a mostly African Caribbean population. In the Indigenous language, Hayti means “land of the mountains” although they have coastal terrain as well. The common languages are French, Haitian Creole, and English. After the slave revolt of 1804 against the French, Haiti formed a republic, riddled with bloody feuds and dictatorships. Today, law enforcement is still rife with corruption.

Haiti is the most impoverished nation in the Western Hemisphere. Its economy was devastated in the 2010 earthquake, which tragically killed roughly 200,000 people. Although there have been minor gains in poverty reduction, the COVID-19 pandemic, the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse, and another earthquake have challenged an already staggering economy. Proper aid distribution is often prevented by violence and political instability. Sadly, the country has been affected by a recent resurgence of cholera. Additionally, Haiti’s economy suffers from overpopulation, two-thirds of which are unemployed and underemployed. Over half the population is illiterate, and sex and labor trafficking are rampant. Children in domestic labor situations often experience physical and sexual abuse. Runaways end up on the street as prostitutes, beggars, or criminals. Increased gang activity has led to mass kidnappings for ransom. Despite these challenges, legal efforts to eliminate trafficking have been in progress.

Haiti enjoys freedom of religion. Three-quarters of the population are professing Christians, mostly Roman Catholics. However, most also incorporate Vodou — a form of West African witchcraft and an official religion in Haiti. Some Haitian believers are boldly speaking out against Vodou and its demonic practices. With continued Christian missions and evangelism, the power of the Gospel is being made known. Illiteracy has hindered evangelism but Christians have bridged the gap with radio, children’s education, and ministry training. Amid many difficult realities, God continues to be at work across Haiti, replacing despair and brokenness with His hope and healing.