CONASPEH’s Vision and Mission Document
Haiti, June 2014
Introduction
The National Spiritual Council of Churches of Haiti (CONASPEH) is a national organization working in the educational, social, and economic areas. It is the representative body of the churches but does not have permission from the Ministry of Worship, which is the voice of Haitian missions and churches to the Haitian government. Currently CONASPEH is working on an agreement with the government to establish a good relationship between the churches and the Ministry of Religious Affairs. CONASPEH operates within ten (10) regions of the country, including five major centers of activity: Port-au-Prince, Jacmel, Artibonite, and Central Plateau Cayes.
Partner
- Global Ministries–a partnership of two denominations, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and the United Church of Christ in the United States and Canada–is our only long-standing partner. This partnership gives both institutions a global mission of the North and the South. Global Ministries is present with CONASPEH through the missionaries it sends, whose sole purpose is to support the work of CONASPEH in its mission. The missionary is also an employee of two partners: Global Ministries which ensures their salary, insurance, and everything an employee is entitled to and CONASPEH who is the organization that receives and directs the missionary according to need and priority. The missionary must be someone with expertise in the field for which CONASPEH had accepted his or her appointment. The missionary also has the task of promoting the activities of CONASPEH through Global Ministries and visiting groups.
The criteria for its adherence to CONASPEH may be summarized as follows:
1. Specific tasks defined by CONASPEH.
2. Jurisdiction justified by the two organizations.
3. Resources necessary for the completion of the project.
4. Being able to communicate in Creole or French before the appointment.
The National Spiritual Council of Churches of Haiti projects are 95 percent funded by the contribution of churches and students. The other five percent is funded by Global Ministries through its Global groups in Haiti mission or its members.
The National Spiritual Council of Churches of Haiti and its projects address the needs of the churches and their communities.
MISSION
To overcome identified problems, the National Spiritual Council of Churches of Haiti has implemented some projects such as:
- Theological Seminary André
- College St. Andrew
- Karen Yount Nursing School of Science
- The University Bridges of Hope of Haiti
- Council of Bishops of CONASPEH
- The Protestant Churches Convention of Haiti
- The Protestant Schools Network
- National Union for Integration and Cooperation of Churches and Communities
- CONASPEH Graphics Plus
- Yarbrough Foundation
- Demetress Roudward Foundation
- Ferdinand Gracia Foundation
- Hope Clinic
- Construction of church buildings and residential homes
- Micro credit, promoting youth
VISION
Our vision is the study of all recognized problems or challenges, which are genuine thorny problems for churches ministries. We hope that, in the future, a positive result will allow the development of the more than 8,000 member churches, will span the ten regions, and become the most representative organization of the sector, and the body that provides decision makers with better identified problems of the Protestant Church in Haiti. In the end, CONASPEH wishes to become the effective intermediary between churches and the different national and international institutions.
OBJECTIVES
The first objective is to balance the churches and pastors and allow the actual operational freedom for the leaders so they can meet the needs of their members and communities. Secondly, to assist pastors to get advanced education tailored to their ministry to better understand the social and spiritual problems of their members. Thirdly, to organize administratively those churches that will later develop links with the government and other institutions. Finally, the National Spiritual Council of Churches of Haiti strives to be the model of an ecclesiastical institution, fighting for the separation of the church and state, for a just society, and a depoliticized church while exercising the many gifts of its prophetic mission.
FINANCING
The National Spiritual Council of Churches of Haiti projects are 95 percent funded by the contribution of churches and students. The other five percent is funded by Global Ministries through its global mission groups in Haiti or its members.
Total Cost: $349,563.65
CONASPEH: $171,506.24
Global Ministries: $178,057.42
FERDINAND GRACIA FOUNDATION (FOFEG)
Ferdinand Garcia was a missionary of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the United States and Canada; he visited Haiti several times, leading groups and being an ambassador to CONASPEH. His vision and commitment to Haiti, especially for the National Spiritual Council of Churches of Haiti, was so great that he hoped that the problems of CONASPEH would be resolved quickly. Unfortunately, he left for the afterlife after many years fighting against cancer. We still remember that speech he gave after his first visit to Haiti: “I cease to pray for myself, because I have too much from God. Now my prayer is for Haitians who do not yet know life.”
MISSION
The mission of FOFEG is to continue the work Ferdinand Garcia promised to CONASPEH: to build a space where the sisters and brothers of the world can meet to share their faith, their lives, and challenges. This space would also facilitate such things as a place for students to study at CONASPEH and to host groups visiting CONASPEH.
OBJECTIVE
The objective is to build forty rooms, approximately 43 square feet; a conference room, a reception room; a small park; parking for ten cars; two bedrooms for directors, etc.
FUNDING
The land and the financing of the construction will be executed by the Global Ministries in collaboration with the National Spiritual Council of Churches of Haiti.
Land purchase: $80,000.00
Build 44 rooms and restrooms, waiting room, reception room, cafeteria, an administrative office, parking for five cars, a depository, and a small park.
Estimated cost: $462,000.00
COUNCIL OF BISHOPS OF CONASPEH (CEC)
The Council of Bishops was established at the Twelfth Congress of the National Spiritual Council of Churches of Haiti. Fifteen pastors were ordained as bishops for a mission: the implementation of the resolutions passed by the Congress, working in the names of the churches, and encouraging pastors to come together.
MISSION
The goal is to be closer to the member churches, to be at their service in order to solve the problems of civil affairs. To that end, each bishop is assigned to one or two regions. They also hope to reduce the number of temples, missions, or even names; to facilitate more correct social projects for a better result. The bishops want to work to considerably eliminate disorder of all kinds. It is also the moral obligation of the bishops to intervene in a church in conflict.
VISION
The vision is none other than to establish order and discipline in Protestant congregations, to speak with one voice while respecting authority and leadership at meetings.
OBJECTIVE
The objective is to organize churches in each region, to provide a regional representative to the Haitian government, to maintain records/archives of the churches, to verify the existence of churches, and to promote CONASPEH.
FUNDING
The National Spiritual Council of Churches of Haiti plans to finance this project through other activities.
2013-2014: $50,000.00
SAINT ANDRÉ THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY (STA)
The Saint Andrew Theological Seminary, National Council of Spiritual Churches of Haiti, is the educational institution through which the philosophy of the organization is taught along with theological orientation, social, political, and economic themes. This institution was founded in 2001 by the famous missionaries, Ruth and Carlos Wallace. They were the first leaders and teachers. Thirty courses comprise the curriculum and are divided into two periods for which the student receives a certificate. The Andre Seminary, so called, shares their bread and fish with the churches of different denominations for a real socio-spiritual experience. It is a true manifestation of faith.
MISSION
The mission of Saint André Theological Seminary is to prepare and send trained pastors so that they, themselves, can bring the kind of good news that frees the mind, body, and soul of believers. They are taught to speak convincingly as true servants of God.
VISION
The hope is to reach all leaders across the ten regions; to reinforce their intellectual and theological studies; to fight ignorance through their integration into a theological school; to equip a library that facilitates the task and to increase understanding of the Bible; to promote and educate for other roles in the churches such as: deacon, preacher, church committees, and Sunday school teachers.
OBJECTIVE
The objective is to strengthen the capacity of national leaders, especially those within the provinces where the question of theology is challenged and considered by many, the work of the devil. This year, the number reached in seven centers was 223: Port-au-Prince, 56; Jacmel, 35; Artibonite, 60; Gonaives, 12; Gonave, 15; and Port de Paix, 45. The perspective and long-term goal is to extend throughout the ten regions.
FUNDING
As stated before, the funding for this project is done in three steps:
2013-2014:
a) The contribution of students: $10,591.40
b) The National Spiritual Council of Churches Haiti: $1,059.10
b) Mission Groups in Haiti: $1,588.70
COLLÈGE SAINT ANDRÉ (CSA)
College Saint André is an initiative of the National Spiritual Council of Churches of Haiti (CONASPEH). The college is one of the best schools in Haiti and was established on October 12, 1998. It meets the needs of the poor and middle-class. The college is available to students with lower economic status. It receives about 800 children from three to 21 years in three sections: kindergarten, basic, and secondary.
MISSION
In college, the child receives a complete Christian education consisting of intellectual, social, and vocational training.
VISION
The hope is to provide the Protestant sector a modern school that meets international standards, to prevent movement of children to the capital, and to make this college an exemplary institution.
OBJECTIVE
The college meets international standards and has managed to win the trust of more doubtful parents. The school hopes to end the long waiting periods in the streets for girls waiting for public transportation causing them to arrive late in the morning, very tired. They also hope to increase the teachers who receive remuneration to equal those in the capital.
FUNDING
2013-2014:
a) Contribution of students of 97 percent
b) Two percent from the churches in Longmeadow
c) One percent from visiting groups: $1,858.50
d) Annual Cost: $61,949.00
MANJE POU APRANN (MPA)
Manje pou Aprann was established by Sherry Ward a missionary funded by Week of Compassion, via Global Ministries, eight years ago. “Manje pou Aprann,” a nutrition project for over five years, was funded by Dr. Michael and Susan Yarbrough and brother, Darrell Cantrell. This activity plays a crucial role in the education of children. Considering the socio-economic situation of families, the majority of these children go through the day without eating anything while trying to meet the requirements of their classes. Normally a child should have three, well-balanced, meals so they will have good development. With the participation of the partners, this program has been effective for a long time.
MISSION
This is the number one problem of Haitian children and parents of the middle and poor classes. CONASPEH and their partners have made it a priority to facilitate the education of these children in order to achieve the goal of improving living conditions. “The hungry have no ears” so procuring food makes it easier for parents to help in their children’s learning. So the mission is to educate while trying to keep the physical body healthy.
VISION
The vision of MPA is that this is a great need among children through observation of the results of examinations. It differs from one place to another, from one family to another, depending on the environment to which the child belongs. By solving this problem, it allows students to withstand low periods of the day. CONASPEH understood this great need and has appealed to its partners, who responded favorably.
OBJECTIVE
During this year, a total of 155 were served in the first cycle. They continue to fight for the program for the second cycle and secondary education. Three different elements make up the menu: eggs, milk, fruit, and a typical Haitian dish which is offered on Fridays. These meals take place in a well-ventilated room, spacious, equipped and clean. The children are received every afternoon, thanking the Almighty and those who blessed them.
FUNDING
2013-2014:
a) The missionaries Darrell Cantrel and Michael Yarbrough: $8,000.00
b) Children or Parents: $1,011.00
c) Cost numbers: $1,726.40
REGIONAL PROJECTS
The National Spiritual Council of Churches of Haiti (CONASPEH) is also represented in the ten regions of the country. Each Region is represented by a coordinator and a committee which imparts the organizations common purposes and the disclosure of the philosophy of CONASPEH.
MISSION
The mission is let everyone know that CONASPEH has a project. The major problems of the Haiti people residing in the provinces is poor development. CONASPEH has joined with the leaders of these provinces to make development a priority, because any real development begins with the base.
VISION
CONASPEH has established the basic projects that can bring improvement to the churches and their communities, especially in remote areas of the country. Leaders do not have to move to Port-au-Prince to run the meetings. Their regions can access the services that CONASPEH provides or facilitates. The construction of a center of activities is a necessity to the regions. From their home region, they will be able to organize without the strict supervision of a church leader, a Bishop, or always being in Port-au-Prince.
OBJECTIVE
Four (4) centers have been opened to obtain the various activities of CONASPEH: Jacmel, Artibonite, Les Cayes, and the Central Plateau. This year, two of these projects have been funded by the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Puerto Rico and the Church of the Seventh Day Adventists of Puerto Rico.
FUNDING
2012-2013-2014: A church in Colorado, represented by Dr. Michael Yarbrough and Susanne Yarbrough has donated the sum of $8,000.00 and $10,000.00 of the Disciple Christian Churches of Christ and the 7th day Adventist Church in Puerto Rico. This ten thousand was distributed as follows: $7,000.00 for the Centre and $3,000.00 for Cayes.
Total cost: CONASPEH $20,000.00
Puerto Rico: $10,000.00
Yarbrough: $8,000.00
Karen Yount: $2,000.00
KAREN YOUNT SCHOOL OF NURSING (ESIK)
The Karen Yount School of Nursing was established on September 2, 2003, in order to bring better health services by training nurses. The opportunity to be a trained health provider was immediately offered in churches to young girls and boys of all regions of the country. A professor and staff, under the direction of a licensed nurse, were secured and, along with financial and technical support from Global Ministries, were able to begin operation of the school. Created during a period of great social and political upheaval, it bears the name of a courageous pastor, Reverend Karen Yount.
MISSION
The mission of the school is to establish nurses in areas where there are no doctors or presence of any health institution. The school also hopes to train more nurses to provide health prevention in needy areas.
VISION
The hope is to make this institution a truly modern school that meets international standards.
OBJECTIVE
Since the implementation of this institution, more than 300 young people have received training courses and seminars, from various Haitian and foreign professionals. Student exchanges are being made with other countries such as the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, etc.
FUNDING
2013-2014: This program is funded by the Regional and Global CONASPEH students via:
a) Global Ministries: $5,249.00
b) CONASPEH: $29,594.00
c) Cost: $34,843.00
YARBROUGH FOUNDATION
This foundation was established with the arrival in Haiti of Michael and Susanne Yarbrough. The couple teaches a course on Christian marriage. This course helps inform Haitian couples on the various problems they may face in marriage. The course helps husbands by providing enough biblical background to make their marriage, society, and assemblies reap the benefits.
MISSION
This mission is to promote marriage and family in Haiti. It is also meant to strengthen marriages and that through this, the church, the community and Haitian society will learn better values. Marriage has always been a poorly addressed issue by Haitian couples and Protestant leaders. They want to develop a society with a spirit of unity and not give way to chaos.
VISION
It is in this perspective that the Yarbrough Foundation was established three years ago, to gather couples to share their experiences, to train couples from a biblical point of view, to promote the maintenance of the family through seminars, and to financially help those whose economic base is non-existent and could be one of the causes of problems.
OBJECTIVE
A meeting is conducted annually. Funds are made available which the wife controls. This fund is for a business that will facilitate the basic needs of the family.
FUNDING
2013-2014: Resources come from members of the National Spiritual Council of Churches of Haiti (CONASPEH) and informed and knowledgeable partners
a) Members: 70%
b) CONASPEH: 30%
c) Partners: 0%
Total cost: $28,629.00
NATIONAL UNION FOR INTEGRATION AND COOPERATION OF THE CHURCHES AND COMMUNITIES (UNICEC)
After the terrible earthquake of January 12, 2010, in which 300,000 people were killed, leaving more than 5,000 people with new disabilities, destroying the economy of the middle class, worsening the situation of the poor, and increasing the number of slums, CONASPEH and Global Ministries have seen fit to implement this project loan to churches, the disabled, and the reconstruction of destroyed churches. To do this, CONASPEH joined this private institution through which funds are provided to applicants.
MISSION
The mission began when the first victims of the earthquake were seen to encourage them to start over at the point where they were, to help them slowly rebuild what they had lost, to bring them financial and moral support, to inform and educate them about the natural phenomena, and, finally, to encourage them to save to better address the difficulties due to disasters and everyday life.
VISION
a) A working capital to help recover lost equipment, reconstitute the basic economy through small projects ranging from $536.12 to $750.56. One hundred and fifty five families with physical disabilities found funding for their small projects.
b) To finance micro-credit projects, administered by youth from several churches, youth organizations, and the community. Projects such as the manufacture of blocks, the sale of telephone calling cards, doing hair, fixing food, etc.
OBJECTIVE
The hope is to cultivate financial savings in poor Haitian families. Although it requires a constant struggle, the Haitian family with practical actions can gain experience in both the present and for future needs.
FUNDING
2012-2013: This project was funded by the Global Ministries and was started with $30,000.00.
2013-2014: By CONASPEH: $7,000.00
Global Ministries: $28,629.00
Beneficiaries: $954.29
Total cost: $36,583.29
YOUTH PROJECTS
Fondation Demetress Rudward
DEMETRESS RUDWARD FOUNDATION
This foundation was born a month after Demetress was kidnapped and killed by cowardly bandits and terrorists on the night of April 22, 2014, at 2 a.m. in the morning at his residence. Demetress was only 12 years old. Born in the United States of America, September 18, 2000, he already spoke three languages: English, Creole, and French. Demetress was intelligent, passionate about football, and his dream was to go for the Golden Ball. His father, Patrick, was his first coach, despite his occupation. He was spoiled by his mother who always took his side, for which she gave all her fortune. She was his traveling companion. His hobby was watching television and they discussed TV programs after school and work. He left without a goodbye. We believe we will see him one day where he is now in freedom and security. We believe, and what God says, it is true! Admittedly, this is a must, Death, but it is not the end. His life was not just on earth, it continues eternally with God.
Demetress Rudward was an angel with a specific and special mission. At birth he barely survived due to a respiratory problem. He died once on a Sunday morning as a result of this disease. Miraculously he resurrected after one hour of despair and because his hour had not yet arrived. The mission for which he had come would wait until April 22, 2014. He left behind anxiety, bitterness, sorrow, disgust, frustration, pain, despair, distrust, and so on.
A child who gave his life for his parents, taking his death at a special time, the commemoration of the death of our Lord!
OBJECTIVE
Demetress Rudward lives on in his parents, friends, and relatives and through the following activities:
a) Sports
b) Choir
c) Scholarships to children
d) Music school
VISION
These activities will return under Demetress’ watchful eye from high. This is also a reason for us to introduce youth, of any age, to holy movements, combating violence in all its forms, drawing attention to the society, government, families, institutions, etc. of this great evil that must be eradicated in this country.
FUNDING
The Villiers family, friends of Demetress, Michael Yarbrough.
2014: Cost: $1,900.00
CONSTRUCTION OF THE CHURCHES
A church is three-dimensional entity, that is to say, it has three main services: The worship service, school, and homes for orphans. Some churches have been built with inappropriate spaces. This project draws attention to those concerned about the problem and promotes aid that must be made to the Protestant sector. A church anywhere, even in the most remote places of the country is not present for basic services if its spaces are not appropriate.
MISSION
The mission is to make the churches a more comfortable and enjoyable space and the top venue in the community. CONASPEH leaders advise members on architecture and the technical construction and assist administratively to better serve members and communities.
VISION
These churches need to be taken in hand financially for us to reach a consistency, more or less, to the size of their three-dimensional spots, hoping one day to see their autonomy.
OBJECTIVE
The number of new churches is overwhelming, reaching one hundred a year. Aggravated by the situation of the earthquake of January 12, 2010, more than 1,500 churches were destroyed or damaged. These churches have been aided by groups visiting CONASPEH, bringing with them an offering of at least $3,000.00. Funds that the National Spiritual Council of Churches of Haiti allocated to the UNICEC this year will help more churches.
FINANCING
Groups: $14,333.00
CONASPEH via churches: $1,718.30
Total cost: $145,092.10
BRIDGES OF HOPE UNIVERSITY OF HAITI (UPOESHA)
TheEstablishment ofthe Project:
a) The history of the initiative to create this institution
The religious community, as part of her evangelizing mission, has always paid attention to the Christian and integral education of youth. To this end, evangelical leaders including Mr. Patrick Villlier, president of the National Spiritual Council of Churches of Haiti (CONASPEH), decided to establish in the town of Tabarre, an academic center for young people — especially those who cannot meet the economic requirements of other private universities. Before the establishment of this institution, this need for an academic center had been felt and expressed by both the young people themselves and by the entire community. Their expectations became more and more apparent. The faithful, pastors, parents, and educators from all backgrounds solicited insistently that the foundation of the Bridges of Hope University of Haiti where many young people in the community can be formed in various areas.
b) The originality of the institution in relation to other higher education institutions working in the same field
Unlike other higher education institutions working in the same field, Bridges of Hope University of Haiti aims to train young people and promote responsible Christian professionals for the integral development of the town of Tabarre and the entire country. It hopes to create an integrated environment of the human person, transmit values, encourage research, and promote the maintenance of an atmosphere of free discussion of ideas based on the principles and scientific rigor, mutual understanding, and respect for the dignity of the person.
This institution also wants to offer quality high-level training for Haitian youth. To do this, adequate resources will be established to prepare young people to seek solutions to the problems they face. For a university, this is threefold: methodical teaching, research, and community service.
c) The feasibility study proving the viability of the institution
Before founding the Bridges of Hope University of Haiti, a series of analytical studies were conducted to determine whether the implementation of this project would be feasible. To this end, the following have taken into account:
- Affordability: which allows for the establishment of an overall budget, then look for sources of funding and subsidies that can contribute to the sustainability of the project in an unlimited time.
- Institutional feasibility: that requires defined internal regulations by establishing on one hand student and faculty performance requirements, and on the other hand information on the academic and socio-cultural life of the institution.
- Socio-political feasibility: a priority assessment was carried out of the political impact of the implementation of the project (the implementation of the university center). This contributed to the formation of degree programs able to participate in academic development (research, teaching) and assuming an active role in the professional development of Haitian institutions and organization in the field of politics.
d) The definition of the main tasks assigned to developers at regional, national and global levels
The Bridges of Hope University of Haiti (UPOESHA) is an institution of higher education. Its mission is to create an environment conducive to the formation of the integral development of people. Regionally, nationally, and globally, its mission is to form part of, by work and enlightened perception of the reality of our country and the world, sustainable development of Haiti. Thus the Bridges of Hope University’s mission is to provide students with a quality education by providing the necessary social skills to have a productive and peaceful life in the interdependent communities that exist today.
The Bridges of Hope University has set a number of goals for training:
- The academic integration of students by allowing them a better professional relationship
- National and international mobility of students through scholarship
- Strengthen the supply of teachers for education
e) Development plan of the institution or field of education envisioned
The Bridges of Hope University of Haiti (UPOESHA) currently has four (4) schools, each functioning with students opting for a specific area: The Karen Yount School of Nursing, Administrative, Management, and Computer Science.
Each field of study has a long cycle program leading to the licensure after four years of study.
Other perspective fields of study are:
- Faculty of Education Sciences
- Civil Engineering
- Communication
- Law
- Diplomacy and International Relations
Description of theTarget Audience:
The need for university education in Haiti is enormous. During recent years, the need has increased even further. Today, during every academic year, more than 30,000 graduates of secondary education are struggling to find a higher institution to continue their study. The majority of these young people are not able to pay the fees demanded by the for-profit institutions. In response to this, Mr. Patrick Villier, the president of the Bridges of Hope University, took the initiative to allow access to a greater number of young people to higher education. The Bridges of Hope University of Haiti (UPOESHA) is accessible to the general public and all of society including:
- Students who have completed their classic study
- People of low income who desire to have a profession
- Graduates of business schools recognized by the INFP
- Professionals already practicing a profession
Faced with this heavy responsibility, UPOESHA’s ambition is to be a welcoming institution for all citizens; to be an open, fully performing institution which allows for the development of their missions, while promoting excellence in quality.
LEAD COMMITTEE:
1-Rev. Bishop Patrick Villier – President
2-Rev. Bishop Francoise St Vil Villier – Secretary General
3-Rev. Bishop Daniel Exantus – Counsel
4-Rev. Bishop Hilaire Pierre Michel – Deputy Secretary
5-Rev. Pastor Jean Dupoux – Political Counsel
6-Rev. Bishop Idanes Jean Baptiste Fleurant – Spiritual Counsel
7-Rev. Bishop Guy Romeus – Member
Translated and edited by: Office of Resource Development
March 2015