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 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 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 of being from a broken-home, Charles always had a heart for
hurting people. Margaret, a social worker, also had a heart like his.
The desire to alleviate some of the suffering of the Haitian people
prompted the first trip to Haiti. After that he knew that God wanted
him to get busy providing for the children of this poor country. Since
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
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 has 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 clothes line 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. Today the ministry
involves 22 churches/schools attended by approximate 15,000 children
who also receive a uniform and a noon meal when funds are available.
Land was purchased and an orphanage built that houses 78 to 84
children. They receive clothing, three meals daily, medical treatment,
and a Christian education.
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 we do
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 others to encourage and minister to the
poor people.
Any questions can be directed to our email address.
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