Michigan United Methodists have had a relationship with God’s people in Haiti since 1996. The 2024 Annual Conference put a plan in place to help strengthen that special bond.
Those who watch the news see Haiti as a violent place in need of police presence. The Michigan Conference sees Haiti as a place of promise in need of God’s love.
Twenty-eight years ago, the Michigan Area – Detroit and West Michigan conferences – entered a covenant relationship with the Methodist Church of Haiti. The Eglise Methodiste d’haiti (EMH) is a district of The Methodist Church in the Caribbean and the Americas, which grew out of The British Methodist Church.
Since the first covenant in 1996, things have changed both in Michigan and in Haiti. Two conferences are now one in Michigan. An earthquake, COVID-19, political instability, and leadership changes have rocked Haiti. The Michigan Conference’s Haiti Task Force acknowledges “setbacks and issues of accountability in relations with EMH.” These factors have made it increasingly difficult for Michigan residents to visit the ministries they helped build in Haiti.
Given these realities, the task force spent recent months exploring ways to move forward in vital partnership. At the 2024 Michigan Annual Conference in May, the task force brought a new model of relationship, which members adopted. Churches and individuals across the state can now continue their support of their Haitian brothers and sisters in Christ with renewed enthusiasm and confidence.
During a fireside chat at conference, Rev. Alex Plum, chair of the Michigan Conference Board of Global Ministries, noted, “The situation in Haiti remains brittle. But when we ask for your financial gifts, we have systems in place that we can trust.”
The EngageMI program of the Michigan Conference Board of Global Ministries provides the foundation for the renewed commitment to the people of Haiti. As with other ministries in the state and around the globe, EngageMI encourages a wide range of learning, giving, and action. All are urged to pray for Haitian partners and study the country’s history and culture. Contributions of time, service, dollars, and witness are welcomed. Advocating for transformation in Haiti is a critical way to support partners.
The Advance stands behind EngageMI partnerships outside the United States, including Haiti.
Going forward, the Haiti Task Force resolves to expand the number of potential partners in Haiti. At present, they invite engagement with the four GBGM Haiti Advance Specials such as Grace Children’s Hospital, Haitian Assets for Peace International (HAPI) and Jeremie Rising.
Online contributions to support the work of these ministry partners may be made using the Give buttons on the EngageMI web page.
excerpt from a story by Kay Demoss, Michigan Conference Communications
This story represents how United Methodist local churches through their Annual Conferences are living as Vital Congregations. A vital congregation is the body of Christ making and engaging disciples for the transformation of the world. Vital congregations are shaped by and witnessed through four focus areas: calling and shaping principled Christian leaders; creating and sustaining new places for new people; ministries with poor people and communities; and abundant health for all.
