The Florida-Bahamas Synod’s (FBS) relationship with the people of Haiti was a grassroots relationship that started in April 1998 through the “Pigs and Pastors” project. This effort was initiated by the late Pastor Luther Kistler and his wife, Dottie, affectionately named the “Father and Mother” of ELH. The project grew into a relationship with the Haitian people and in particular with a group of pastors desiring to be a part of the Lutheran Church. The FBS Haiti program walked together with the people of Haiti in the development of Lutheran churches, celebrating the ordination of the first four pastors on January 31, 2009 and the establishment of Eglise Lutherienne d’Haiti (ELH). Pastor Joseph Livenson Lauvanus has been president of ELH since its founding. In 2010, the church entered into a formal companion relationship with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA).
The ELCA and FBS expanded their involvement with ELH following the devastating January 2010 earthquake when over 200,000 were killed and the country was decimated. From water wells, to rebuilding church facilities, to establishing a Lutheran Center in Gressier (outside Port Au Prince) the partnership was an important component to the growth of ELH to some 35 congregations throughout the country. Subsequent projects such as providing goats to families, erecting solar panels at the Lutheran Center and providing backpacks and school supplies to children have empowered both the people and the church.
2021 set off a period of unprecedented tension and unrest in Haiti. President Jovenel Moise was assassinated in July of that year, and social unrest ensued. Gang activity, kidnapping and violence have made the city of Port Au Prince an extremely dangerous place and the rule of law has been severely threatened. During 2024, gangs moved into Gressier, ransacking and looting the Lutheran Center. As of 2025, schools, hospitals, government offices and embassies in Port Au Prince are barely functioning and some 1.3 million people have been internally displaced. Lack of access to food and basic supplies threatens the lives of the people of Haiti.
The Florida-Bahamas Synod maintains close touch with Pastor Livenson. Gang-controlled transportation routes and the risks of kidnapping and looting often render ELH unable to partner in projects and distribute assistance. Nevertheless, FBS and ELH have a strong relationship and look for opportunities to work together for the sake of the gospel wherever possible. Further, in 2023 the Global Mission Table expanded its engagement in Haiti to also work with the ELCA and Lutheran World Federation through partner agency ACT Alliance. ACT Alliance’s extensive local networks are still functioning, allowing the organization to continue bringing relief to the people despite the unrest.
Please contact Haiti Team Leader Alonzo Batson (nostab@comcast.net) or Rev. Katie Carroll, FB Synod Global Mission Table Chair (revkhc@gmail.com) to learn more about the Haiti companionship.
