Earthquake Turned Haitians from Voodoo to God

Disaster has a way of rearranging people’s lives. Before the 2010 earthquake that devastated much of Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Haitians who practiced voodoo blamed evil spirits for tragedies.

However, after the disaster claimed more than 300,000 lives, many Haitians turned to churches instead of voodoo temples, proclaiming God’s sovereignty in their lives.

Today, Back to God Ministries International sees more people opening up to the Gospel than ever before.

Angelo Joseph, a 20-year-old student, serves as one example of this movement.

In the past, Angelo dedicated his life to worldly pleasures. Like many his age, he looked forward to attending Carnival, Haiti’s version of Mardi Gras, that includes drinking, partying and carousing. But this year was different.

When Angelo’s sister invited him to skip Carnival and come with her to a spiritual retreat outside of Port-au-Prince, he knew it would be a great way to avoid temptation.

Angelo attended the retreat along with 250 other students.

While there, Pastor Jacky Chéry, Back to God Ministries International staff member, shared a message and broadcast recordings from Rev. Paul Mpindi,  BTGMI’s French Ministry leader.

After the reflections, many youth, including Angelo, stepped forward to request prayer and rededicate their lives to Christ.

“I am young, and my lifestyle surely doesn’t please God,” Angelo confessed. “I have heard the call and it was as if I want Jesus to change my life.”

After the retreat, Angelo received a New Testament from some of BTGMI’s partners. He now attends Pastor Jacky’s “newborn Christian” class and listens to devotional CDs recorded by Rev. Mpindi that focus on the challenges young people face.

He also intends to join a local church, where his mother and sister already worship.

Your partnership in this ministry makes it possible for people like Angelo to receive materials and grow in his faith. With your help, they may continue to hear the life-giving message of hope in Christ.