Bethesda Evangelical Mission

Bethesda Evangelical Mission (BEM) was created to respond to the call of the great commission given by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ to preach the Word of God to "all nations."

It all began as the Lord brought one of his servants by the name of Pastor Sylvior Dieudonne from Gonaives, which is in the north part of Haiti to Les Cayes located in the south, in search of prospects to become students at the Ebenezer Theological Seminary in 1979. My brother Pastor Joel and myself Pastor Jean-Phares responded and registered with our parents approval. We prayed that if it was god's will, He would provide the necessary finances for the call, to which He did.

In the seminary, besides our theological classes, we learned how to walk in holiness with the Lord and trust Hiim in everything, especially through difficult situations. It was mostly practical until graduation in May of 1983. After our graduation we did not cease to pray and fast for God's direction in the ministry and our lives. The Lord laid a heavy burden on my heart to reach the prostitutes, the cock fighters, the gamblers, and every lost soul of my home town of Les Cayes haiti with the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.

So, in November of 1983, I decided to leave Gonaives and go to Les Cayes in order to begin with the mission. At the time I was only twenty years of age. I went with nothing but a vision and a passion for the lost. I also went with an enthusiastic desire to preach the Wod of God, despite the opposition and the good promises of other options with the seminary if I chose not to leave.

Everything started at our parents living room, (our Jerusalem) with a prayer meeting every morning starting with the family. Christian neighbors joined us and soon it was known in the city by most Christians. We were led to organize evening prayer and fellowship with God and the whole community. Home visitations in the community for personal evangelism were organized and the results were fabulous. Many who were backslidden and many new converts were added to the group.

On January 1st of 1984, we decided to officially name it a church and had our very first Sunday morning worship. Due to our desire to see deliverance, healing and restoration for the people, we referred to St. John 5 and named the church "Bethesda Evangelical Church of Les Cayes.

We soon became a fast growing missionary church. Mission trips to surrounding villages were taken and as a result of those trips, many other churches were started.

Right now a five hundred seat capacity church has been completed in Les Cayes. For each church there is a Lay-Pastor assisted by a board of deacons, under the supervision of the mission overseer. Four churches have been founded with additional property for the prospect of building another church.

There is also a radio ministry to reach the entire island of haiti with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. In addition, BEM is a member of the haitian Evangelical Churches Council (C.E.E.H.), the Protestant Federation of Haiti, and Protestant Schools Federation of Haiti.

BEM's primary goal is to reach the coastal areas of the South in evangelism and church planting, and to open an ophanage in Les Cayes, giving shelter and care to the precous little children. Our prayer is to find sponsors for at least 500 children, giving them an opportunity to go to school, be fed, and be clothed.

We also would like to open a Bible seminary to train Pastors and workers for the ministry. Additionally, we'd like to plant churches through Evangelistic Crusades and Missionary trips. Finally, we would like to start a construction campaign to build up the existing churches, as well as find support for the leaders on the field.

Now we are so thankful to the Lord for adding to our structure a U.S.A. director to coordinate, lead, speak on our behalf, and to represent us among other ministries in the United States and around the world. In September of 1999 the Lord laid this charge on the shoulders of our dear brother Rev. Jean-Lubin Beaucejour for the period of three years. Rev. Jean-Lubin has been one of the pioneers of the mission. He has been my assistant in the mission and has demonstrated leadership and faithfulness and has known what this mission has faced over the years.

BEM has been in contact with the Rev. Daniel V. Cavinder for a number of years and he ahs proven to be a tremendous asset to us. He is our former U.S.A. director, who continues to give his support at any time. Also Pastor henry Brown of Albany GA, who has been with us throughout the struggle. Last but not least, Pastor Wilhelmina Redmon of hamden CT, who has faithfully supported the ministry spiritually and financially over a number of years. She has also added "Haitit Day" to her church schedule. In addition her church hosted the ceremony for the installation of Rev. Jean-Lubin as the U.S.A. director.

We pray that as you read our history, the Lord would increase the desire for missions in your heart, and that you would share with others what you have learned about us. Remember we are a non-denominational organization who will be more than happy to work with you and your local church.

May God Bless You.