About Mission of Hope
The Mission of Hope was founded by Bob and Sharon Johnson in Haiti, where they were able to acquire a piece of barren land just north of Port Au Prince. Their vision was to build a mission complex that would effectively reach out and minister to the physical and spiritual needs of the less fortunate people in Haiti.
In 1998, the torch was passed to Bob and Sharon’s son, Brad, and his wife, Vanessa. As they felt the call on their lives to make Haiti their home, they became pioneers of what was to become Mission of Hope as we know it today.
The Mission of Hope Complex now sits on 76 acres of land. Approximately 1,200 children are enrolled in the School of Hope and the Hope House Orphanage houses and cares for over 40 children and the Hospital of Hope will soon be operational. Over 600 adults, youth and children come from surrounding villages to attend the Church of Hope. In addition, the Mission of Hope assists close to 200 children in four other orphanages in nearby villages through the Feed A Child program. The Mission of Hope is able to contribute to the local economy by employing over 150 Haitian women and men.
Where is Haiti located?
Haiti is 700 miles from the coast of Florida with a population of over 8 million people. It is one of the most densely populated regions in the western world, thus creating a very needed mission field. It was discovered by Christopher Columbus on December 6,1492 while he was on his voyage to the New World.
Haiti and the Dominican Republic share the same island. Haiti occupies one third of the Western part of the island and the Dominican Republic is on the eastern portion of the island. Port au Prince is Haiti’s capital and largest city.
What does the name “Haiti” mean?
Haiti’s name comes from the Arawak word for “mountainous land.”
What’s the weather like in Haiti?
Haiti’s climate is generally hot and humid. Average high temperature is around 85 degrees and nighttime lows can reach 65 degrees.
What is the official language and religion of Haiti?
The official languages of Haiti are Creole and French. The official religion of Haiti is Catholicism which embraces about 80% of the population. The practiced religion of many Haitians is voodoo. Voodoo is essentially the worship of satan and his angels. Approximately 16% of Haiti is Protestant.
What is the predominant diet of the Haitian people?
50% of the population does not get enough food to eat daily. Rice and beans are the staple food of the Haitian people.
How much does the typical worker earn?
Haiti has an 80% unemployment rate. Daily minimum wage is $2.50 US. It is very difficult to live on such a small wage.
What is Haiti’s general mode of transportation?
Haiti has no public transportation system. Taxis and Tap–Taps are privately owned and are not big enough to meet all the needs of the population. For this reason many people walk where they need to go.
What is the average age of Haitians?
Approximately 60% of Haiti's population is under the age of 25.