Extension Ministry:
Outreach to God's children in Haiti

Half of their children do not live beyond the age of 5. The average income is $240 per year. Families know that if they have six children, chances are only one will survive . It is statistics like these that compelled Joseph and Molly Bail, Extension Ministry leaders at Cypress Meadows Community Church, to begin a campaign for the children of Haiti. Now, over 200 Haitian children will enjoy basic comforts such as food, clothing and a decent education. And all for just a few dollars per child with no administrative fees.

The idea sprung from the determination of two people with a longing to help and became reality after two journeys to see firsthand the situation in Haiti. However, nothing could have prepared Joseph and Senior Pastor Douglas Poole for what they would encounter in St. Louis Du Nord, Haiti. "Our trip to Haiti was a heart-breaking eye-opener," recalls Pastor Poole. "There is so much need, and so much poverty, we were literally overwhelmed. We just didn't know where to begin."

Upon returning from their first discovery trip, Pastor Poole, Joseph and Molly presented the case for Haiti to the congregation of Cypress Meadows. The question they asked was, "How can we help?" The ideas poured in, but problems with communications (no telephones) and language (Creole) made it impossible to determine the best way to assist. According to Joseph, "The only way to find out how we could truly help was to go back and see Pastor Charles, the leader of the church we were working with." Joseph, once again, was off to Haiti.

The second trip brought the answer to the surface: Pastor Charles also runs a school for the local children. The school, with over 500 students, is the only means by which any of the children can get an education. "It was an answered prayer, the perfect solution," says Joseph. "We would help the children."

So the Bails created a system that permits members of Cypress Meadows to "adopt" a child for their education. "Their poverty level is so low that we can adopt one child for a full year. In that year, they will receive their education, uniform, at least one meal a day, and textbooks…all that, for $100. I can't imagine another way to make $100 go so far," says Joseph. There are no administrative fees, so the entire $100 goes for the child's benefit.

"Thus far, our congregation has adopted over 200 children and counting. We are also providing the school with a generator so we can communicate via email, and we are just getting started," says Pastor Poole. "I am very moved by the generosity and compassion of our family here at Cypress Meadows." Pictured at left, Joseph Bail is surrounded by students at the school proudly wearing their brightly-colored uniforms.

Joseph and Molly are available to present their story and photos of what they experienced in Haiti for churches and groups with interest. Please email Joseph and Molly for more information.
Pictured above, Pastor Caleb Deliard, Cypress Meadows Sr. Pastor Douglas Poole, and Pastor Celestin Charles smile for the camera.