Written by Board Member Cheryl Smyth

Haiti is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere. It is constantly experiencing economic and political upheaval. The need is overwhelming, and although millions of dollars have been poured into the country, few positive and lasting changes have occurred. Many organizations have attempted and failed to establish a long-term ministry presence in Haiti.

In 1998, the Jacksonville Baptist Association established the Cabaret Baptist Children’s Home outside the city of Cabaret. From the beginning, they intended to develop ministries that would enable Haitian children and adults to develop a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, and through him, change the country of Haiti. The orphanage has approximately 48 children from birth to early teens.  They provide two schools for children, English classes, and a trade school for adults.  The orphanage also has a church onsite that ministers to the local community.

While I was in Haiti, my senses of sight, smell, hearing, taste, and touch were heightened like never before. 

Sight – My first impressions of Haiti were overwhelming.   There are many men and women, just standing at the airport, looking for some sort of help or hope.   The cars, motorcycles, buses and tap taps, (which are colorful pickup trucks the tops) are moving in all directions. I saw piles of debris left from the earthquake in 2010, some new construction, and people walking and talking everywhere. While driving I noticed the market with chickens, goats, turkeys, bananas, mangos, and lots of gasoline in plastic jugs. Also, I saw goats, cows, and donkeys roaming freely. Also, the beautiful blue Caribbean waters and white rocky shores while driving along the coastline to the orphanage.

Smell-

Charcoal fires and wood fires are used for preparing meals.  Food smells, of chicken, fried plantains, rice/beans, freshly plowed fields, farm/animal smells, dusty dirt smells and whiffs of the ocean salt water.

Hearing –

Horns, squealing brakes on vehicles, animals’ sounds all hours of the day and night, children playing, singing, and praying. Music, (loud music), maybe soccer fans cheering at a local game. Voodoo drums and chanting. Nightly singing and prayers of the children and nannies at the orphanage.

Taste- 

Fresh chicken, fresh eggs, Caribbean-style beans and rice, bananas, coconuts, fresh fruit, Caribbean cold slaw (spicy) and that special cold glass bottle of Coke at night for a treat.

Touch –

Hugs, Hugs, and hugs for the children. Pushing children in swings, flying kites, playing games, braiding hair, reading books, etc. All the while holding a hand or having your arm around a child.

Touch is important for children and especially for orphans.  They thrive, they smile, they snuggle, and they fall asleep on you. They just want to be loved.

Cabaret Baptist Children’s Home offers so much for these children.  They protect them, feed them, cloth them, provide medical care, educate them and teach them spiritually.  

I had the opportunity to experience this during my multiple trips to Cabaret.  Something must be done about the poverty that Haitian children live with daily.  The amount of need in Haiti is overwhelming. 

It is easy to become discouraged when trying to find a way to impact the poverty problem.  I know personally, I want to help every single child, but I can’t.  So often I end up doing nothing.  Cabaret offers a special way that you can become involved in the life of a child.  For a monthly gift, you provide help with a child’s medical needs, meals, education, clothing, and shelter.

You have an opportunity to change a life!   Our family has sponsored multiple children at Cabaret, following them as they grow and develop in their difficult environment. 

Get involved in the life of a child at Cabaret.

Sponsor a specific child and start praying for them today.  Watch them grow, start school, and experience success as well as hardship in their lives. 

At Cabaret, we have a saying that is special to us. “Do for one what you wish you could do for all”.

Sponsor a child today.