STORY
Springfield, Ohio's Haitian Church: A Sanctuary of Faith in Tough Times
November 14, 2024
Francis Tuffour
Early on a Sabbath morning, a young man with his baby strapped to his chest steps into the small Haitian Adventist church, where voices of praise fill the air in Springfield, Ohio. For members of this faith community, the gathering is more than worship—it's a source of solace, a sanctuary from life's hardships.
Emmanuel Haitian Seventh-day Adventist Church began with just four Haitian members meeting in the basement of Springfield's Hispanic Adventist Church in December 2021. Named 'Emmanuel' to reflect their unflinching faith in God's presence among them, the congregation quickly grew—first to 17, then to 35, to 40, and now to over 70 members, with as many as 80 to 100 joining when visitors come. These immigrants left Haiti, but they did not leave behind their faith. They created a space to grow spiritually, seek God's guidance, and find hope amid their challenges. According to the Migration Policy Institute, many Haitians have recently migrated to the U.S. due to political instability, natural disasters, violence, and economic hardship. Amid these struggles, the members of Emmanuel face difficulties navigating a new environment while holding tightly to their roots.
While they left behind some challenges in Haiti, life in a new land has brought hardships. Cleoius Joseph, an Emmanuel Haitian Seventh-day Adventist Church elder, explained that members face significant immigration-related difficulties but lack someone to guide them through the process. 'We need help with immigration issues, filling applications, and someone who can assess our needs and connect us to resources,' he shared.
The church regularly sees new members and visitors, some of whom are not Adventists, arriving in search of help. Many come with nothing to eat, lacking food, clothing, money, or even a place to stay. The financial strain also prevents the congregation from hosting after-church potlucks, which they would otherwise use to build fellowship and support.
Joseph also noted that some members have faced ridicule and harmful stereotypes, with rumors circulating that Haitians are responsible for pet disappearances. This misconception has caused distress within the community, leading some families to relocate to other cities in search of a more understanding environment."
Despite facing tough times, the church continually strengthens members' faith in God through prayers, Bible study, sermons, and songs. Worship includes ample time for singing, which they approach with joy and energy. Unlike the Israelites, who questioned how to sing the Lord's song in a foreign land, Emmanuel Haitian Adventist Church members lifted their voices together. The congregation participates in singing, not just a few in a praise team, creating a shared sense of unity.
Though they may lack potlucks, their fellowship is rich as they sing hymns like What a Friend We Have in Jesus. Faces beam with hope as they sing lines such as, 'Is there trouble anywhere? We should never be discouraged; take it to the Lord in prayer! Precious Savior, still our refuge—take it to the Lord in prayer! Do your friends despise, forsake you? Take it to the Lord in prayer!'
During Sabbath School, they engage in communal study, led by one person who encourages participation through questions and personal contributions. Together with the sermons, these moments of worship and study continue to strengthen the faith of every member
The church, composed mainly of young people and conducted in French, is led by Roger Melendez-Cabrera, a Spanish pastor who provides spiritual guidance with the support of his elders.
As Emmanuel Haitian Adventist Church grows, its members hold fast to their faith, drawing strength from one another and finding hope for better days ahead. Within this humble congregation, they have genuinely found a sanctuary.
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