OCTOBER MARKS THE 60TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BAPTIST THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY
This October marks 60 years since the Seminarie Theologic Baptiste d’Haiti (STBH), now University Cretienne du Nord Haiti (UCNH), was established by Ivah and Harold Heneise. It has been a time of celebration, of looking back and looking forward. Many graduates from this great institution have gone on to establish themselves as pastors, doctors, business leaders, worship leaders, and doctoral professors all over the world. I have seen some of these graduates and I am impressed and amazed that so many high quality people specializing in so many different fields could have come from such a humble place as Limbe, Haiti. It is impossible to deny that this institution has had a major impact on Haiti and the world. Founded in 1947 by Ivah and Harold Heneise, missionaries with the American Baptist Home Mission Society, in the small town of Haut Limbe, this Baptist theological seminary began with three students, who went on to graduate several years later. In 2007, 82 students graduated, with degrees in theology, business, agriculture and fine arts. One of the recent graduates, Kesnel Pierre, is the Police Commissioner in Cap Haitian, the largest city in northern Haiti (watch for his story in an upcoming newsletter).
With limited resources, the Heneises and a small teaching staff provided excellent training for Haitian church leaders. Harold and Ivah discovered early in their ministry that most of the Baptist churches in Haiti had no Sunday School programs, so they started a Sunday School training program for new pastors and authored Sunday School materials for all ages. They also developed the summer camping program at the Seminary campus, worked to promote youth associations, and helped develop Christian Day Schools in the local Baptist churches.
In 1995 the Seminary expanded into the University Cretienne du Nord Haiti (North Haiti Christian University) under the leadership of Jules and Laurie Casseus (Laurie Heneise) to respond to the urgent need for college level programs for Haitian young people. UCNH has grown steadily despite the political and economic turmoil in Haiti and now serves as a beacon of the gospel in that dark, troubled country.
HAITI REFLECTIONS – MUSIC CAMP 2007
Rebecca Heneise, Guest Writer and Photographer
When my aunt Debbie called me to ask me to go in her stead to Haiti, I couldn’t believe it. I still couldn’t believe it when I finally stepped off the MFI plane at the airport in Cap Haitian. I was going to take pictures for Haiti Hope Fund of the 30th annual music camp on the grounds of UCNH. I was also going to be in charge of the children’s ministry, a first ever in the history of music camp. When my aunt Laurie found out that I would be going we began to talk about the need for someone to develop a program for the children. Historically music camp was designed for adults, to prepare worship leaders and choral directors. However, in recent years more and more parents have been sending children to the camp and the children have had to sit through long hours of programs designed for adult attention spans. Having previously worked with children as an acting teacher and an art teacher, I felt sure that I could offer something to the children’s program. Aunt Laurie also expressed a desire to expand music camp into a fine arts camp and we decided that perhaps this was the year to begin those endeavors. So there I was in Haiti with a notebook full of plans for a theatrical piece based around Jonah and the Whale, a suitcase full of art supplies, a friend to direct the children’s choir (Kate Stremme, a talented musician), my camera, and a pocket Creole/English dictionary. I did not know what to expect but I was ready for the adventure.
Also arriving to teach at the Music camp were Irma Schar, Kate Stremme, Louima Lilite, Stephen Dalrymple, Connie Bull, Rose Michel and Jean Dona Darius. Louima was camp director and coordinator. He has worked alongside Aunt Laurie for many years to make music camp happen each year. Each teacher has a history connected to Haiti and to the camp. Irma was Louima’s piano teacher at his first camp when he was 12 years old.
All of us worked together incredibly well. Even though we had never worked together before, we made a great team this summer. I think what helped us was our daily morning devotions as well as our evening discussions. Not only were we dedicated to the success of the camp and the students, we all had a passion for Christ and serving Christ. There was a great sense of purpose and communion among us.
A student I met while at the camp was Katy Jean Louis. She is from Port-de-Paix and has been attending music camp since 2001 when she was 12 years old. She studies the violin, drums, piano and clarinet. I asked her why music is important and she told me, “Music is important to know because in everything music makes sense. The people who have problems; it make them to get a little better, little better, little better.” It is not surprising that her biggest passion next to music is medicine. She will be taking exams next year to get into medical school. At some point she will have to decide whether to pursue music or dedicate her time to the study of medicine. I hope she will be able to do both. She told me that music camp has been a place not only for learning more about music but also to grow closer to and learn more about God.
The final concert, involving all 135 camp participants, was held at Le Tabernacle in Cap Haitian. This place is built like an amphitheater and seats over 5000 people and we had that many there that evening. We named our children’s choir “Belle Joie Chorale” and on this 30th anniversary concert we gave the first ever children’s choir performance. There were 23 children in the choir and they sang three pieces. Their performance was well received by the audience. We also had 10 children take part in the play we wrote together. The play was about Jonah and the Whale. The concert was broadcast from two different radio stations all over Haiti, which was a great honor, but made the staging of the play awkward. However, the audience loved the play and laughed and clapped quite loudly at the end. What made it especially meaningful was that we sang a song we had composed together and we ended the play with a rousing chant. During the course of the event aunt Laurie was presented an award by Haiti Hope Fund for her 30 years of dedication to music camp. The University also presented her an award for founding the Fine Arts department at the University. It was a great honor for me to be there representing Haiti Hope Fund. During the course of 30 years many lives have been changed and enriched. It is a privilege to be a part of that history.
A NOTE FROM DEBBIE HENEISE
This year was the first year that I wasn’t able to attend music camp because I had a far greater event to attend! Our first grandchild was born in July to our son Ryan Heneise and his wife Bethany. It was a special joy for me to travel to Austin, Texas to see my 2 day old granddaughter, Selah Sofia Heneise and to help the young parents with all the attendant chores and duties that follow the birth of a baby. I also had the extreme pleasure of meeting our first adopted granddaughter, Emma. Ryan and Bethany have adopted Emma, who is now one year old. We are praising God for these two granddaughters! All together, these two little girls make for a very busy and noisy household! Though Ryan and Bethany are in Texas now, they have a special place for Haiti in their hearts. It is such a compelling place; the people, the countryside, the extreme poverty and the paradoxical optimism in spite of their poverty. Once you have witnessed these things, it is impossible to forget and return to normal American life. Each of us hopes to make a difference in someone’s life in that country.
PRAYER CONCERNS & PRAISE
Praise the Lord for October 2007 which marks the 60th anniversary of the founding of the Haiti Baptist Theological Seminary, started by Ivah and Harold Heneise. Please consider making a special gift in honor of these great missionaries and the work that goes on today because of their faithfulness to God’s calling. Perhaps you’d like make a donation in honor of a loved one. And your gift will touch the lives and hearts of someone in Haiti, making an investment in the future of people in Haiti! A special gift at Christmas would be a thoughtful and unique present that will be remembered long after Christmas is over.
I recently read an article about how to donate to your favorite charity (hopefully Haiti Hope Fund) by making a tax-free gift from your Roth or traditional IRA. You must be at least 70 ½ years old and the deadline to do this is December 31st. Consult with your financial advisor about this and other creative ways to support your favorite charity.
Also, don’t forget that you can leave a gift to Haiti Hope Fund in your will. This act of kindness will be a legacy that will live on in the hearts of others.
GRADUATION IN MAY 2007 – 82 Graduates !
Once again the time for graduation arrived. As last year, there were thousands of attendees including many distinguished guests such as the secretary of the General Baptist Assembly, the Director of 4VEH Radio, the Director of the Haitian Bible Society, the Director of College Practique du Nord, the Commissioner of Cap Haitian, the director of Women and Children Services in Haiti, and many others. It was a time of jubilation for students, parents and family.
It is such a privilege to be able to go to school in Haiti. Education is so precious here; not a thing is taken for granted. Many children do not have the opportunity to go to school at all as Haiti does not have a public education system funded by the government. Each family has to pay for its children’s education, including books, uniforms and food. It is beyond the ability of most parents to send their kids to school. Additionally, the French education system in Haiti is rote based (memorization) and not logic based. This means that schools do not concentrate on logic, analysis, problem solving, groupings of like and unlike things, puzzles and hands-on learning. Haitien students can recite from memory, running circles around American students, but they are severely lacking in the analytical and critical thinking skills that are so necessary in the sciences. Yet education is the bedrock of prosperity and of culture, religion, politics and society. This is one reason why Haiti Hope Fund is so important because we focus on education of the youth of Haiti. This is a lasting way we can make a difference in a person’s life. What a great opportunity we have to make an indelible mark on this planet. Surely this is what Jesus would want us to do.
PROFILE OF ILENA FRANCOIS
Ilena is one of 12 children whose family lives in Bel Aidair. She longed to attend college. Though her parents and her aunt tried their best to send her to UCNH, they just couldn’t provide the funds necessary for the entire four year program. Ilena almost collapsed with despair when she contemplated going back to her home where there was no hope for her. This was when Haiti Hope Fund and others, like Mme. Nzunga, missionary to women in Haiti, stepped in to help. Now she has graduated with a degree in theology and hopes to go on to get a second degree in business. Her husband of one year also graduated in 2007 and they are expecting their first baby in September. She wants to help her brothers and sisters get a university education as well. Mme Nzunga said that it’s the small things that we can do for others that make a big difference for those in need. By helping and encouraging Ilena we have shown her that God loves her, through many people and in many ways. This is the essence of ministry!
A NOTE FROM DEBBIE HENEISE
First Alumni Association Meeting
I recently attended the first alumni association meeting for UCNH/STBH in Ft. Lauderdale, June 23. We had a very good turnout and lots of interest in what’s happening now and how they can help their alma mater. We hope this enthusiasm will translate into scholarships for students, endowments for professors and capital improvements.
One of the older students related an interesting story. He was at the 50th anniversary for the University in 1997 when Ivah Heneise took him aside and said, “Dumanie, this is where it’s all going to happen. (the transformation of Haiti).” At that time he said he didn’t understand what Ivah was talking about. It was only now, he said, as he was listening to what was being said at this meeting that he realized what Ivah meant. UCNH is poised on the crest of the wave that is forming to transform Haiti and it will happen at this campus. The influence that will build this nation will come from this campus. That is why he said it is so important for all the alumni to really support this university!
PROFILE OF MADAME MARK
Madame Mark is the head cook for UCNH. She worked in the campus kitchen when the school was the Baptist Seminary of Haut Limbe. She is responsible for the seniors’ banquet the day before graduation as well as the day to day food preparation. She has three daughters that have graduated from UCNH, thanks to scholarships they have received. One daughter graduated with a degree in business and works with Agronomist Mike Lawson on campus. The eldest daughter works at a bank in Cap Haitien and the third one is the assistant to the campus registrar, Max Petit-Papa.
Each year the seniors have a dinner that includes their immediate families. This year there were about five hundred people in attendance. That’s a lot of food! Madame Mark and her kitchen ladies worked through the day and all through the night preparing delicious food, including pineapple upside down cakes, roasted goat meat, griot (fried pork), roasted chicken, rice dishes of all kinds, succulent salads and tropical fruits, all presented in beautiful and artistic displays. The overall feeling of festivity on the plaza indicates that this is a very special affair. All the graduates and their guests were resplendent in their formal wear; kelly green tables are set with exotic bamboo floral arrangements made by the Agricultural Department, and families are enjoying the hard earned fruits of their labor- their precious children graduating from one of the best universities in the country.
After watching the ladies labor over food of all kinds in the university kitchen, then seeing them serve the finished products as if it was nothing, I am convinced that they are miracle makers. When they finish making the food they get dressed in their finest outfits, hair perfectly coiffed, and come out to serve the guests effortlessly. If I hadn’t witnessed these same ladies laboring over the food preparation the day and night before I would not have imagined the level of hardship they had so cheerfully endured! These ladies deserve special praise for service over and above the call of duty.
PROFILE OF MIKE LAWSON
Mike teaches agriculture at the University. He graduated from Texas A&M in 1984 with a Bachelor of Science degree in General Horticulture and in 1989 earned a Masters degree in International Development from the same University. He spent 3 years working for World Hunger Relief in India, Kenya Mexico, Nepal and Haiti. He came back to Haiti with World Hunger Relief to work at Ferrier and helped train farmers and others in soil conservation and nursery practices. He has worked in Haiti for 18 years. This year Mike will be heading up an agricultural development project that will impact the Limbe valley. The project will include reforestation training for technicians and education for elementary and secondary school children on the benefits of conserving their resources.
A NOTE FROM KEN HENEISE
I recently came across an interesting editorial in our local newspaper, the Times Union – Jacksonville, 7/6/2007 by respected author Jonah Goldberg, titled “Wealth of civilization found in our minds, not in our buildings”. He stated in this article that “Building roads, dams and factories in the Third World is a fool’s errand until those nations have the intangible capital required to maintain such things.” I was struck by the truth in these words, and how this truth applies to Haiti and to the efforts of everyone involved with Haiti Hope Fund and North Haiti Christian University. We are truly investing in the human capital that Haiti needs to have hope for the future, and our work is NOT a fool’s errand. We are responding directly to Jesus’ command “…go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” Matthew 28:19-20
PRAISE AND PRAYER CONCERNS
Praise God for another successful graduation. Eighty-two students graduated this year. Pray that each of these students will make an impact on Haiti. Ivah and Harold Heneise’s dream was to enable Christian young people to have an opportunity to be educated and to make a difference in Haiti. Let’s make it our dream as well.
Praise God for the first meeting of UCNH Alumni, held in Ft Lauderdale this June. There was a spirit of anticipation and joy as they saw pictures of their campus and realized their need to help their alma mater.
Pray for the youth of Haiti, that they will grow and prosper in the Lord. I was able to visit an elementary school on my visit to Haiti and I realized the need to recognize that these young ones may be going to UCNH in the future.
Pray for Laurie Heneise Casseus, daughter of Ivah and Harold Heneise. She is back in Haiti after surgery for an intestinal hernia and 8 month convalescence at her sister’s in California. There is great rejoicing in Haiti for her return. She will be there for Music Camp’s 30th reunion this year. If you would like to contribute to the music camp scholarship please call Debbie Heneise at (904)484-4265 or send your contribution to PO Box 56 Penny Farms, Fl 32079.
VOL XIII – ISSUE 2 // SUMMER/FALL 2006
GRADUATION IN MAY 2006
Debbie Heneise
This year 86 students graduated from UCNH, topping last year’s record of 69 graduates! I was impressed with the magnitude of the ceremony, the huge number of beautifully dressed people who attended, and the many dignitaries and guests who came from far and wide to be present. I see in the graduates of UCNH the manifestation of God’s restorative and regenerative power in a country that so desperately needs His Grace. We are privileged to be witnesses to God’s amazing power.
I know personally several graduates this year. Ben, who graduated from the College of Business, is the son of Miller, a man who was a trusted driver for us when we worked in Agricultural development for the American Baptist Foreign Mission Society at Quartier Morin in Haiti. Ben will not only have a better life because of the education he has received from UCNH, but he joins a growing cadre of Christians in the business community of Haiti. Ben will bring to his community a commitment to honor God in all areas of his life. This is an example of the “salt” that Jesus speaks of when describing the impact that Christians should have in the world where they live.
Josue, a trusted manager for us at the Agriculture Center in Haiti, also has a son who graduated this year. I felt so proud to see these young men graduating with their peers. There was also a couple graduating. The wife earned a degree in business and wants to start a construction supply store; her husband gained a degree in theology. All these students had scholarship funding thanks to many of you who contributed financially through Haiti Hope Fund.
Let us not grow weary in providing aid for these young students. They need our help more than ever. There seems to be a growing momentum as more students are determined to graduate from UCNH each year, no matter what the difficulties. This is very encouraging, so let’s keep the forward movement!
I plan to attend graduation services every May. I would be delighted to have you visit Haiti with me and see what all the excitement is about. I spent 16 years as a missionary in Haiti, so you would be in good hands. Please pray if the Lord would like you to this mission field.
A NOTE FROM DEBBIE HENEISE
My father died this July and I was devastated. As my family and I planned the funeral service and contemplated what life would be like without his earthly presence, I thought about what I would like to do to honor him and continue his legacy. My dad was a medical doctor and a psychoanalyst and he placed a high value on education. He was always attending continuing medical education classes and often combined family visits with CME classes. I thought it would be appropriate for my family to contribute to the Ivah and Harold Heneise scholarship endowment fund as a way to allow others to attend UCNH and become educated, productive members of society. I urge you to consider contributing to this fund to honor a loved one who has gone to be with the Lord. Perhaps you would consider honoring your loved one by establishing an endowment bequest where the gift you give is permanent and only the interested generated by the gift bequest is used. This way your gift can continue indefinitely. Perhaps you might consider gifting to UCNH in your will or making a gift to celebrate someone’s birthday, wedding, or another special event in a loved one’s life. If you have questions about giving in this way ask your financial counselor for advice. Haiti Hope Fund has a financial counselor who can help with your questions as well.
Please call Debbie Heneise at (904) 284-5320 and she will get you in touch with Steve DuVal of DuVal Fields Financial Services.
MUSIC CAMP 2006
This year’s music camp was a great success! About one hundred people attended the camp. The program is in two sections. The first five days is Leadership Camp, designed for church music leaders. The second part is regular music camp for kids of all ages, lasting two weeks. This year there were two guest teachers from the United States: Louima Lilite and Jim Jensen. Louima had come to music camp as a young boy and is an example of what an impact music camp can have. He developed a love for music that brought him to the United States to continue his study of music. He is currently at the Eastman School of Music in New York completing his Ph.D in vocal pedagogy. Louima completed his undergraduate degree in piano performance from Biola University in California.
Jim Jensen was the other guest teacher this year. Jim’s background includes over 30 years of ministry as a Worship Pastor in Oregon. He has degrees in Violin performance and choral conducting. Laurie Heneise Casseus, daughter of Ivah and Harold Heneise and wife of UCNH president Jules Casseus and originator of music camp, taught piano hymnology and was camp coordinator.
This year there were 18 leaders in the Leadership session. Classes included music theory, conducting, leadership discussions, private and group lessons, aerobics, and evening chapels. The theme of the camp this year was “Let Everything that Has Breath Praise the Lord”. Louima said, “My first American thought was to simply teach them a chorus under the same title that we sing often in North Baptist Church in Rochester. However, the teacher in me prevailed and we decided to ask them to write their own songs in their own language. So Friday evening we learned the first Haitian rendition of that text and I was simply blown away by the level of talent. The writer is a former piano student of Dephanie (my wife) in previous summer camps. His name is Esaie (Isaiah). We congratulated and thanked him profusely.”
This next two weeks of music camp opened July 19 with 80 students. Some campers came with instruments. But many former students did not come this year due to financial difficulties. Louima Lilite said, “Several students wrote to say how heartbroken they were for not being able to afford the camp. The fee seems exorbitant to them but is only $80 US for 12 days of instruction, food, lodging, and materials. Without the scholarship funds we were able to raise, 30 fewer students would have come. It’s just that the poverty in Haiti has risen to such a level that it is hard to describe. In the midst of such misery, we get to bring beauty to the community through our music. I played three classical piano pieces by Debussy and Chopin. Everybody just loved it, and afterward some of the young boys who weren’t students at the camp came to me and said that perhaps they could play the piano like me someday. I told them it was possible.”
Jim wrote, “During the final student-leader concert we enjoyed a beautiful song on soprano recorder (like a flute) and a jazz arrangement on alto saxophone. Many students had prepared pieces on keyboard, and all of them played with joy. Wester, the tall bassist, was quite amazing. He can make a bass guitar sound like a melodic instrument with various accompaniments and special sound effects. Three anthems were performed by the mass choir and were directed by UCNH music majors. Each student directed a different stirring African anthem and rhythm accompaniment and improvised dance. Maestro Lou and I directed the choir also. Hand-chime choir, solo clarinet and several pianists also performed.”
Music camp is offered every summer. Please keep it in your prayers. Eighty dollars is a small sum to pay for the priceless opportunity to offer those whom God gifted with music. Would you designate part of your offering towards the camp? Perhaps you could be one of the volunteers for this camp. The director, Laurie Casseus, is always looking for volunteers who can teach. Don’t miss this experience! Louima writes: “I am humbled to think of how God has used me in Haiti but I rejoice when I see the work He has done in me by going on that trip. I challenge you to dare to do things that go outside of your comfort zone, because you will be amazed to see how much God can do in you and through you.”
A NOTE FROM LAURIE CASSEUS
The University has recently lost a significant Scholarship Fund provided by a longtime supporter whose Fund closed. Theses monies were used to aid our most needy students who have little or no resources. We have more than 80 students in this situation. The cost for one semester is approximately $550. Usually one-quarter to one-half of this amount is awarded as aid. With the loss of this fund we are pleading for help. Would you please consider sending a gift to help these UCNH students to receive the training needed to make positive changes in Haiti? Perhaps you could add to this support by telling others: family, friends, or organizations that you attend. UCNH continues to surpass its own record for graduates, which is happening against seemingly insurmountable odds. We have such opportunity for growth; help us help Haiti.
PRAYER CONCERNS AND PRAISE
- Pray for those who work at UCNH and for all who commit themselves to contribute to the work in which Haiti Hope Fund is involved. Pray for God’s protection, for courage, and physical strength.
- Praise God for a new volunteer couple, Dr. Steve and Nancy James who will help at the Ebeneazer medical clinic that is affiliated with the UCNH campus. They were in Haiti last year and have returned for another year. Steve and Nancy bring valuable medical skills and encouragement to the clinic.
- Pray that Haiti Hope Fund will continue to grow and impact more Haitians.
- Praise God for a wonderful music camp this year and for the talented volunteers who came to share their gifts and encouragement.
- Pray for the students who urgently need financial aid to attend the Univesity.