In 2000, Red Bridge Baptist Church members Bill and Jennifer Campbell heard a need, and their hearts turned toward it. Missionary Webb Chenault, whom Red Bridge supported, spoke of the orphans in Pignon, Haiti, and the urgent need to provide them with shelter, food, education, and spiritual hope. In early 2001 the Campbell family made an exploratory trip to Pignon. They were so stirred by what they saw that they found it difficult to leave. Just a few years later in 2003, using buildings and property donated by Webb Chenault, Haiti Home of Hope was founded.
Jennika Before and After
Neither Red Bridge nor the Campbell family had experience opening or running an orphanage, so congregation-wide passion for the ministry was crucial from the beginning. A committee of members formed to research and plan each step. Prayer and financial support poured out from the whole church, but other gifts were also vital! From the congregation stepped forward engineers, medical professionals, teachers, electricians, and many others willing to use their talents to build up Haiti Home of Hope. The phrase most often uttered by those who’ve visited is “I want to go back!” A deep friendship was kindled between people in the heart of Haiti and people in the heart of the U.S., and it won’t soon be extinguished.
Today, HHH is its own 501(c)(3) corporation, but Red Bridge continues to give, pray, and organize short term missions trips; and over half of the board of HHH are Red Bridge members. Haiti Home of Hope provides total care for 50 orphans, runs a milk clinic and feeding clinic, provides scholarships to local children, and gives support to local widows. If you’d like to learn more about the ministry, go to visit their website, or like the Haiti Home of Hope Facebook page.
