Bethanie Evangelical Mission was founded by Pastor Ignace Augustin in October of 1975 in Les Cayes Haiti. Formerly involved in voodoo worship and witchcraft, he attended a prayer meeting in Port Au Prince where he heard the Gospel of Jesus Christ which moved him in a powerful way. His life was radically changed. Through a dream and two visiting missionaries from the United States, the Lord opened the door for Pastor Augustin to attend Bethany Bible College in Bloomington, Minnesota. After graduating in 1974, he returned to Haiti and began pastoring. Today, because of his labors, there are 60 churches and 27 schools throughout southern Haiti and about 4,000 children who receive clothing and education.

Haiti, once known for it's beauty as the "Pearl of the Antilles," is now the poorest country in the western hemisphere. It lies 800 miles south of Florida in the Caribbean. Its lush forests have been stripped away, it's fertile top soil has washed into the sea. Largely an agricultural nation this has led to unimaginable poverty. In some areas the illiteracy rate is 80%. Unemployment is over 70%. The per capita income is less than $300 per year. The hard working farmers barely scratch out an existence with their primitive tools. Despite their struggle against adversity and poverty, the Haitians are a happy, hard working, peace loving people. They are proud of their African heritage and their land...yet they dream of a better life, and are receptive to opportunities to build a secure future.

Haitians are a highly spiritual people. We have found them eager to embrace the Gospel of Jesus Christ as they see their voodoo religion failing them. Bethanie Evangelical Mission exists to show the Haitian people that God loves them very much.