My Hope Haiti: Raising the Roof on Worship

15,000 Haitians Pack This Church 7 Nights a Week

May 18, 2011 - For over two years, a church in Cap-Haitien has packed its two-story, open-air 15,000-seat stadium-style auditorium for seven nights a week. The Tabernacle is partnering with BGEA's My Hope Haiti program, which culminates July 21-23.

And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.
— Romans 5:5

By Trevor Freeze

It’s one thing to have 15,000 people attend a 4-hour church service once a year.

But how about seven nights a week? For over two consecutive years?

Welcome to The Tabernacle de Louange Church, a one of a kind place of worship that is setting new standards for revival in Cap-Haitien, Haiti.

“This was unbelievable,” said Jim Mullen, the My Hope managing director for special training. “God is doing some amazing things.”

Mullen was at The Tabernacle for Friday night’s service and was asked to share the My Hope Haiti vision. The response, nation-wide, has been overwhelming to say the least.

A goal of 3,000 churches involved was far eclipsed by 4,400 churches who filled out church registration forms, which is a good indicator of the involvement level.

“At first we thought the national leaders might have been over enthusiastic (initially) by trying to get 3,000 churches,” Mullen said of the country with just over 10 million population. “(The response) has been absolutely amazing.”

Just like the continual turnouts at The Tabernacle, pastored by Rev. Ecclesias Donatein, as thousands nightly pack the unfinished cement structure for services that include elements of music, message and prayer meeting.

Often times, like Friday night, hundreds of people are left outside, as there are not enough spaces to fit the demand as God continues to move greatly in this northern Haiti city.

“They were standing shoulder to shoulder,” Mullen said of the open-air stadium that seats an estimated 15,000. “All the aisles just disappeared.”

The excitement of a Haitian revival points to a July 21-23 crescendo as the My Hope national broadcast will air that weekend. “Matthew homes” will have been trained and mobilized, and the Gospel message will be offered to an entire nation over three nights in homes through TV, radio and projector screens. Then thousands of Matthews will give their 3-minute testimony and invite their guests to receive Christ.

All at precisely the exact same time.

Mullen sees My Hope enveloping Haiti at just the right moment as the country continues to rebuild after the Jan. 2010 earthquake.

“I can’t tell you how many times people came up to me with tears in their eyes,” he said. “They’re hugging me and saying ‘Thank you for coming.’ Please tell Billy Graham and Franklin Graham we thank them for remembering us, and sending My Hope.”