Church gives chance to see Haiti's other side

Some things cannot be explained.

Or maybe that's where the power of faith steps in.

"We know miracles happen. This is our miracle," says Jordanes Hyppolite. He's the administrator of New Jerusalem Haitian Baptist Church, founded in October 2006 with about 20 people. Today, the congregation has grown to about 150, meeting in a cramped sanctuary in East Tampa.

To say the members don't have a lot of money is an understatement.

Even in the best of times, Haitians who move here and start from scratch don't have much. Throw in a tanking economy, and you can understand the challenges they face. Finding work in a shrinking marketplace when there are language barriers and a lack of education and skills can be a mighty mountain to climb.

But somehow, in August 2007, the congregation was able to scrimp together enough cash to make a down payment on the converted church it was leasing from University Seventh-day Adventist.

"We had the first option to buy this," Hyppolite recalls. "We knew this was our best chance to have our own place."

They held fundraisers, worked overtime, dug deep into their meager savings. They were still $20,000 short of what they needed, but the mortgage company lowered the down payment and granted them a loan.

"We believe that if you do what you're supposed to do, the good Lord will do the rest," he says. "He supplied our needs."

One good turn deserves another. With the building, the church also got a nice chunk of real estate. On Saturdays, New Jerusalem invites local kids to come for playtime, computer training and music lessons. If they stay through lunch, they get a free meal.

"Some kids, they show up at 10 in the morning and they don't go home until 9 at night," Hyppolite says. "We keep them busy and out of trouble. We show them that the Lord's way is the right way."

The church distributes food to families in need, and helps with medical costs for those who don't have health insurance. There are months when Hyppolite isn't sure where the money will come from.

But somehow, it comes in, enough to pay the mortgage, the bills and those extra expenses to help others. That's why he believes in miracles.

The congregation also doesn't forget its roots. Most of the members still have family in Haiti. They manage to send money home from time to time for necessities.

New Jerusalem, like a lot of Haitian churches in the Tampa Bay area, has outgrown its sanctuary. If there's a big event, like a wedding or a revival, they can't accommodate the crowds.

"There are a several Haitian churches around here, but nothing big enough for all of us to come together," Hyppolite says.

So now the little church has big plans: Raise enough money to expand its sanctuary. It may seem impossible, given the odds. But these are odds it has faced before.

On May 30, members of New Jerusalem will host a Flag Day Carnival to raise money for its dream to grow. Hyppolite is hoping that the festival will introduce Americans to the "other side" of his native land.

"We are known for our political troubles, our poverty and all those hurricanes," he says. "But there is much beauty and much culture that people never hear about. We want to show off the good things, the things we love about Haiti."

They'll provide the standard carnival fare, with rides and games and food, but you'll also get a sampling of Haitian dance, art, music and culinary creations, such as twice fried green plantains, pork, and rice and beans. An auction also is in the works, as well as a $25-a-ticket drawing for a 2010 Toyota Corolla. The drawing will be held at the end of the year, or by the time they sell at least 5000 tickets.

The church family is opening its hearts and its doors to the community. Stop by for a visit, and you may be pleasantly surprised.

FLAG DAY CARNIVAL

When: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. May 30

Where: New Jerusalem Haitian Baptist Church, 1912 E. 139th Ave., Tampa

Cost: $5 for adults, $3 for children.

Information: Call (813) 312-0486 or go to http://flagdaycarnival .webs.com