The Church and the Fight against Poverty in Haiti invites religious leaders to join their efforts to reduce poverty to its lowest level in Haitian society in general and within the church in particular. Reading this book should help readers in general, whether Christian or not, to understand poverty from a secular and biblical perspective and to develop a Christian attitude towards this scourge (Psalm 12:5). Based on the analysis of the concept of development, readers should be able to demonstrate attitudes that encourage and facilitate progress in Haitian society. All of this will lead them to develop character traits that will make them authentic Christians, that is, ready to play their role as salt and light in a world in flux (Galatians 5:22).
When all is analyzed, it is important to emphasize one of the aspects that any wise leader will also have to take into account: the question of the place that children are called to occupy within the religious institution (Proverbs 22:6). Such an issue also involves the development of a psychoeducational infrastructure that promotes the holistic development of children, youth and adults within the church (Luke 2:52; Luke 4:18-19; 1 Thessalonians 5:23). Another central aspect that every religious leader must promote, through his or her words and actions, concerns values such as rationality, equality, equity and a futuristic vision among the members of the church community. But all this requires, a priori, that he undertake a work of personal development (Romans 12:1-3), work that is the sine qua non for the hoped-for change in the behavior of others (1 Timothy 4:12).
Therefore, the desired change for Haiti must begin with a transformation in leadership (Amos 8:11; Romans 12:2). If these leaders are not transformed, it will also be difficult for Haitian families to transform themselves and their behavior to impact the rest of society (Matthew 5:13). Consequently, the book invites those involved in religious life, including the faithful, to first engage in a process of personal spiritual transformation that includes reading, applying and teaching the Word of God (Ezra 7:10).
Finally, the fight against poverty will require the exercise of an effective ecclesiastic and pastoral ministry. To achieve this, the Pastor in the flesh of the local church, for his part, must demonstrate spiritual, ministerial and relational maturity. The church institution, for its part, must remain faithful to its mission (Matthew 28:18-20), remain pure and holy, develop spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 12; 1 Corinthians 14) and gifts of ministry (Ephesians 4:11), maintain unity (Psalm 133), strive to produce the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22), keep the flame of the Spirit burning (Romans 12:1), and be a source of inspiration (Romans 13:1):11; Ephesians 4:30; 1 Thessalonians 5:19; 2 Timothy 1:6-7), the Word of God (Psalm 119:11, 105), the love of God (1 John 4:7-19), worship and praise (Psalm 22:1), and the love of God (1 John 4:7-19:3; 1 Corinthians 3:16; Revelation 5:12), love for the lost (Romans 13:8) and keeping anointed (Psalm 51:13; Luke 4:1, 18; John 14:16-17; 1 John 2:27).
All this long work can only contribute to eradicating the chronic poverty that has plagued the country since its creation. Yes, the development of Haiti is possible! The local church has its role to play which is none other than that of salt and light to the glory of God.
