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The work that led to the founding of the MEBSH was started in 1936. There were several waves of Haitians (some 50,000) expelled from Cuba that arrived in Les Cayes in the early 1930's. A few among them had become Christians through missionaries working in Cuba. These set out to preach the Gospel in southern Haiti. A missionary from the West Indies Mission (now World Team) traveling through Haiti was contacted and ask for help in training leaders for the many small churches springing up all over the south. In 1938 the Haiti Bible School was founded together with a farm that the students worked to feed themselves. The medical work started in the early 40's and the Radio network in 1959. Churches continued to multiply 1970 there were 220 and today there is a total of 487 churches. Most of the churches have grade schools connected to them and 27 high schools are functioning. Community development, trade schools, the Home Economic Center and Production, a training school for auxiliary nurses, medical university and hospital Bonne Fin. The construction department, well drilling and the newly started work by LSM of building group homes.
To become a member of the MEBSH one need to testify to saving faith in Christ, be baptized after a period of instruction , attend the services and monthly members meetings and be subject to the counsel of the church. The total membership is hard to come by since no up to date statistics are available. My best guess after talking with the leaders is that there is a total weekly attendance between 120,000 to 140,000 in the MEBSH churches. Churches are largely but not totally autonomous since the placement of the pastors in regulated by the leadership (Executive Committee.) and all properties (grounds and buildings) are in the name of the MEBSH. The president and the Ex. Committee is elected for a term of 5 years with two consecutive terms possible for the president.
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