Rev. John D. Hearn was introduced to Haiti in 1982 while participating in an evangelistic crusade sponsored by Rev. Winsett of Pittsburgh, PA. As he preached to the masses, Rev. Hearn was awestruck by the rampart poverty, hunger and illiteracy, and by the beautiful, barefoot and ragged children bloated bellies. Feeling compelled to help Rev. Hearn in February 1988 he took the lead in beginning a mission starting with just eleven children. With the help of one other pastor from Minnesota, the PCS Mission was formed in February 1983 in Port Au Prince, Haiti. Involved were the People’s Community Missionary Baptist Church where Rev. John D. Hearn was the pastor and Shiloh Baptist Church where Rev. Robert Porter was the pastor. The two churches combined financial resources. In August 1983 a group of 15 persons spent eight days at the Mission helping to furnish the house, care for the children, preach, and teach. This group was the first of many group “crusaders” to Haiti.
After a period of time Shiloh Baptist Church became less involved in the mission work and the name was changed to the Caring and Sharing Mission. As news about the work spread, other individuals, pastors and their churches began pledging faithful support, and some began to make occasional on site visits.
The Mission aims to provide a home, food, clothing, education, and medical attention. To help develop the program and oversee its’ daily operations a young Haitian named Jean Givard was selected. In early 1984 the first Mission was rented at 65 Delmas and we soon had twenty-one children under the supervision of Mr. Givard. In September of that same year Florence W. Moffett joined the work and eventually replaced Mr. Givard as mission supervisor. Sister Moffett being so loving and compassionate was given the name “Mommy Moffett” and for many of the children she is the only mother they have known.
Many professional people have given their time and training to help with the mission work. One example is Dr. Gerald Oliver, a young physician from Inkster, MI who in 1985 setup clinics in Haiti to treat sick and diseased adults and children. Others of honorable mention who spent extended periods of time at the Mission to help with the work and whose stay allowed Sister Moffett to take much needed vacation are:
•Jane Bradley
•Earlene Johnson
•Russell Jones, Jr. (Our Mr. Ambassador to Haiti.)
In March 1986 the Mission relocated to 41 Delmas to accommodate more than 30 children God had placed in our care at that time. There was always a desire to own our own home with land for future expansion and development and in 1989 we purchased a home at 33 Delmas. The home was situated on two acres of rich fertile land! On April 1, 1990 Rev. John Hearn, Rev. Welton Williams of Detroit, MI and Rev. Sam Neely of South Carolina all officiated a dedication service of that newly purchased property.
The two story house has a carport, living room, two dinning rooms, five bedrooms, three indoor toilets, indoor and outdoor kitchens. The house has enough space that we can allow for separate girls and boys dorm areas. The land has a well, trees, area for gardening, a watchman’s quarters, a pantry, and storage area, two bathroom facilities, and since 1999 a new free standing school has been built. In spring of 2000 a sewing school was constructed under the expertise and supervision of John Alexander who is another man that grew up in the Mission.
The children raise rabbits, chickens, eggs, and vegetables. In the summer of 1996 the Mission began the sale of fresh poultry, eggs, and rabbits, using the proceeds to buy more stock and to help pay living expenses. The Mission provides on site schooling for grades K-5. Those in grades 6-12 attend private schools where tuition is paid monthly by the Mission. Children of Haiti are very studious and are eager to learn. We are thankful to our Lord God for inspiring Rev. John D. Hearn to begin this good work in 1983.
