Community development is a vital conference ministry. The following projects are implemented and supervised under the direction of the national church:
Animal Projects
Haitians depend on livestock as a source of income. Goats, pigs, cows, and chickens are usually raised and sold in the market to help provide the necessary income for daily living.
Animal projects are chosen and supervised through the Conference Development Committee.
Microenterprise (Small Business Loans)Microenterprising projects are small business loans given to people in our churches and church communities that need working capital to help them become financially self-sufficient. Loans are made for many purposes, some of which include giving funds for the purchase of:
- Livestock and garden seeds;
- Plastic products, houseware items, and personal care products so they can be sold in the market;
- B
eans, rice, cornmeal and other bulk food items for sale in the market;
- Small boutique stands and items essential for establishing a small food business on the street.
Small business loans create jobs and help bring relief from the financial stresses of life. They generate income to help fight poverty and provide a way for people to care for themselves and meet the needs of their families.
S
olar Ovens
When Christopher Columbus discovered Haiti, he gave it the name “Pearl of the Antilles.” He described Haiti as the most beautiful place he had ever seen because of the white pine forests and tropical foliage that used to cover this small tropical island.
Today, Haiti suffers from severe environmental problems due to the lack of forestry. In 1988, it was estimated that Haiti had 2% tree cover left and, according to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization, if this cycle continues to prevail, the country’s tree cover will be completely depleted by 2008.
The Free Methodist Solar Energy Committee strives to inform and educate the Haitian people to an alternative method for cooking – solar oven cooking. Seminars are based on Christian principles while teaching people how to cook with the sun. These seminars help people participate in the preservation of Haiti’s environment and help reduce deforestation.
If you are interested in financially supporting any of these projects, please click here to navigate to the website for Haiti Country Shares and our Extra Mile Projects.
