Bethel Long Term Commitment to the Haiti Grass Project
In their Church services on Sunday, January 26 and in a follow service on February 2, 2020, Bethel Missionary Baptist Church, Tallahassee, Florida expressed its commitment to the Haiti grass project for the next three years.
The project goal is to alleviate soil erosion and poverty through the planting of deep-rooted perennial grasses throughout the island. The land reclamation program, led by Better Universe and Citizens, a nonprofit organization, has developed numerous partners including religious groups, universities, civic organizations, private industry and individual donors. The program is expected to reduce mudslides, build up soils and improve agriculture. An article published by the local Capitol Outlook newspaper, “Haiti grass restoration project has Tallahassee roots”, provided a well-balanced description of the implementation challenges.
Bethel Baptist Church has participated in both home and foreign mission projects for many years. The last ministry project in Haiti was concentrated near the city of Pignon located in the northern section of the island.
Bethel, established in 1870, has a congregation of over 3,000 members, making it the largest African American Church in the Florida Panhandle. The church celebrates its 150th birthday in year 2020. Reverend Dr. RB Holmes, Senior Pastor, is a true visionary who is recognized nationally for his civic involvement, community improvement activities, and extraordinary leadership. Florida governors have consulted with Dr. Holmes and appointed him to advisory boards over three decades.
Bethel joins several other faith-based organizations as supporters of the Haiti Grass Project. We anticipate that their level of support will make a significant difference as we race to get enough grasses planted in advance of the next devastating disaster. The project is currently achieving impressive growth and land coverage in just one growing season.
Captured in the photo is Haiti Grass project representative, Jane Watson sharing words of appreciation with Pastor Holmes.