about us
In 1964 E. Charles Hyder was sent by President Lyndon Johnson to the Caribbean Island of Hispaniola with 82nd Airborne Division to stop the aggression of communism in the country of Dominican Republic. The other end of this island was Haiti. It was in this setting that E. Charles Hyder witnessed suffering and poverty greater than he could imagine. He saw Haitian families brought over the mountain from their country to work in the sugar cane fields. He learned that Haiti was the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere.
After completing his military obligation, he married, finished college and began his career. His wife, Margaret, worked as a social worker, and Charles was a business man. Then, something happened that changed their entire way of thinking and living; Jesus became the Lord and Savior of their lives. Although both had been church members for years, conviction of being lost brought them to their knees. Asking for forgiveness and repenting, they became “reborn”.
God began to deal with this couple, specifically about the ministry. In 1975 Charles announced his call to preach. Upon the advice of his pastor, he returned to school completing his Master of Divinity and Doctorate of Ministry. He pastored two churches, but felt there was more God wanted him to do. Because he was from a broken-home, Charles always had a heart for people who were hurting or suffering. Margaret, a social worker, also had a heart like his. The desire to alleviate some of the suffering of the Haitian people prompted their first trip to Haiti. After that he knew that God wanted him to get busy providing for the children of this poor country. Because education had lifted Charles from the welfare environment of his boyhood, he felt that an education for these children was extremely important. Yet, he realized they must be fed, clothed and have the necessities of life.
Charles and Margaret Hyder chose to partner with Pastor Jean Edmond. He was very poor, yet his heart was pure and his love for the children of Haiti was very obvious. At that time, he had 28 orphans living in a little building, sleeping in beds stacked three high. One filthy concrete outhouse was used by both boys and girls. A barbed wire fence served as security and as a clothesline for drying clothes.
In 1979 the Hyders were awarded a tax-exempt, non-profit status for their ministry. A lot has taken place since then. Many people and churches have invested in the lives of these children. Before the earthquake the ministry was involved in 22 churches/schools attended by approximate 10,000 children who receive a uniform and a noon meal when funds are available. Land was purchased, and an orphanage was built that houses 78 to 84 children. They receive clothing, three meals daily, medical treatment and a Christian education. It will take time to repair or rebuild the 12 buildings affected by the quake and to get all the children back in school. However, we will continue the feeding program in all locations.
For the past few years there has been political turmoil in Haiti. Many people have been killed or robbed. When it is too bad to travel there, the ministry continues because Pastor Edmond is on the scene. Haiti is a wonderful country, and the people are very appreciative of all that is done for them. The churches are filled with singing in celebration because the people have hope in Jesus. Over the years we have taken groups of doctors, nurses, preachers and many others to encourage and minister to the poor people.
After completing his military obligation, he married, finished college and began his career. His wife, Margaret, worked as a social worker, and Charles was a business man. Then, something happened that changed their entire way of thinking and living; Jesus became the Lord and Savior of their lives. Although both had been church members for years, conviction of being lost brought them to their knees. Asking for forgiveness and repenting, they became “reborn”.
God began to deal with this couple, specifically about the ministry. In 1975 Charles announced his call to preach. Upon the advice of his pastor, he returned to school completing his Master of Divinity and Doctorate of Ministry. He pastored two churches, but felt there was more God wanted him to do. Because he was from a broken-home, Charles always had a heart for people who were hurting or suffering. Margaret, a social worker, also had a heart like his. The desire to alleviate some of the suffering of the Haitian people prompted their first trip to Haiti. After that he knew that God wanted him to get busy providing for the children of this poor country. Because education had lifted Charles from the welfare environment of his boyhood, he felt that an education for these children was extremely important. Yet, he realized they must be fed, clothed and have the necessities of life.
Charles and Margaret Hyder chose to partner with Pastor Jean Edmond. He was very poor, yet his heart was pure and his love for the children of Haiti was very obvious. At that time, he had 28 orphans living in a little building, sleeping in beds stacked three high. One filthy concrete outhouse was used by both boys and girls. A barbed wire fence served as security and as a clothesline for drying clothes.
In 1979 the Hyders were awarded a tax-exempt, non-profit status for their ministry. A lot has taken place since then. Many people and churches have invested in the lives of these children. Before the earthquake the ministry was involved in 22 churches/schools attended by approximate 10,000 children who receive a uniform and a noon meal when funds are available. Land was purchased, and an orphanage was built that houses 78 to 84 children. They receive clothing, three meals daily, medical treatment and a Christian education. It will take time to repair or rebuild the 12 buildings affected by the quake and to get all the children back in school. However, we will continue the feeding program in all locations.
For the past few years there has been political turmoil in Haiti. Many people have been killed or robbed. When it is too bad to travel there, the ministry continues because Pastor Edmond is on the scene. Haiti is a wonderful country, and the people are very appreciative of all that is done for them. The churches are filled with singing in celebration because the people have hope in Jesus. Over the years we have taken groups of doctors, nurses, preachers and many others to encourage and minister to the poor people.
Charlie and Margaret Hyder
Children in their uniforms
Children playing from water pump
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By sending to:
A Voice for the Children
1026 Tavistock Way,
Knoxville, TN 37918