The Challenge ... and the Call

"The spirit of the Lord is upon me, because He hath anointed me to preach the Gospel to the poor; He hath sent me to heal the broken hearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised. To preach the acceptable year of the Lord." (Luke 4:18,19 KJV)

Haiti - the poorest nation in the western hemisphere. Land size - about the size of the state of Maryland. Population - 7.6 million. Most Haitian people live on the margin of social life in inhumane conditions.

Historically, Haiti was the first black republic to gain independence in November of 1803. The Haitians fought against the greatest French army of Napoleon Bonaparte. After the decisive battle of Vertieres, Henri Christopher erected the impregnable fortress, La Citadelle, atop 3100 feet to symbolize the highest aspirations of hope and liberty of the newborn nation.

Culturally, almost every Haitian shares some form of beliefs. The major religions are Catholicism, Protestantism, and Voodooism.

Politically, after two centuries of existence, the Haitian nation is still unstable. Within the last two decades, a brand new constitution for our citizens to live by was written. We have elected more than a dozen governments into office and the country has only changed for the worst.

The Citadelle is the Haitian symbol of pride, aspiration and freedom. We believe if we elevate Christ taller than the fortress and allow His truth to shine down the valleys of despair in our country, we can give our people spiritual hope.

A change of heart and spiritual awakening has to come before the living conditions of our people can ever be improved. (Matthew 6:33, Hosea 4:6, Psalm 33:12) For Haiti, this is a rainy season; it's time for the Haitian people to find shelter under the umbrella of the Lord. (Ezra 10:13)

Today, Haiti ranks 154 out of 177 countries on the United Nations Development Programme's list of human development. Our beloved country is crying for help. The selfish practices of voodoo has crippled the mentality of our countrymen and infiltrated the highest level of our government for almost two centuries, and the results speak for themselves.

Many missionary co-workers have been making the difference for Christ in our country. We add our voices to theirs so that the message of love, hope, forgiveness, and reconciliation of our Lord can cross over the mountains faster to help reach the un-reached for His glory.

The Call ...

Who are we? Global Vision Citadelle Ministries is a shared vision of Yves Prophete and Yvon Selin. Yves remembers well the day they both heard the call.

"We both happened to be in Boston for educational purposes. One Sunday morning, we were together driving back and forth in the greater Boston metropolitan area, searching for a Church to worship the Lord. As we drove together we began to reflect on the political, social, and economic mess of our beloved country. All of a sudden, the understanding of our hearts became enlightened. We discovered deep down that we treasured the same vision. We felt compelled to unite our God given talents in order to win our countrymen for the Lord."

Hence the Global Vision Citadelle Ministries was born. Global Vision Citadelle Ministries came into existence as a result of searching to know what is the will of God for us. Global Vision stands for our overall concern for the whole person: spirit, soul and body. "The Citadelle" is symbolic of that landmark which is a focal point of our nation's highest aspirations for freedom. We want to mirror such a dream with the true freedom that only Christ provides. (John 8:36)

Is there hope? Yes, in Jesus Christ's name! The purpose of Global Vision Citadelle Ministries Inc. is to present Him as the only alternative to a lost and dying world.

When tourism was a big part of the Haitian industry, the Citadelle was the capital of the Caribbean. Today it is still a crossroad where people of different ethnicity from all over the world meet to contemplate the wonder that came out of one man's dream. With the Lord on our side and the partnership of our co-workers, performing greater wonders will become possible. Therefore we have chosen that strategic location as a satellite to spread out the Gospel of Jesus Christ throughout Haiti and beyond.

Yves Prophete

Yves is a native of Haiti, born in Thomassique on June 1, 1961. After graduating from Manhattan Christian College in Kansas in 1989, he returned to Haiti to serve with Haitian Christian Mission as Field Director and board member for 10 years. He also served as trustee for the College Universitaire de Christianville for two years. Yves has certifications in the computer and electronics fields. In July of 2001, Yves received the blessing of U.S. citizenship. Yves lives in the Miami area with his wife Samathe and their two wonderful sons.

As Executive Director for GVCM, Yves' stateside focus will be to introduce churches to Global Vision Citadelle Ministries, and create opportunities for churches and individuals in the United State to partner with Haitian churches, pastors, and ministry projects. Yves has extensive connections with countryside churches in Haiti, having dedicated himself to outreach in those areas for many years. Yves is an excellent preacher with a calling to this ministry. His deep desire is to serve God by bringing the gospel to his homeland.

Yvon Selin

Yvon is a Haitian native, born in Port-au-Prince on July 25, 1958. He received his B.A. degree in Biblical Studies from Cincinnati Bible College and Seminary. He is presently enrolled in Trinity Theological Seminary pursuing a MDIV in Pulpit Communication & Expository Preaching. First ordained in the ministry by Moscow Christian Church in Moscow, Indiana, he is a dynamic preacher. Yvon also obtained his Associate Degree in Accounting from Ecole de Commerce Julien Craan in Port-au-Prince, and has worked in accounting and administrative roles. His work history includes: Mission Representative and Director of Evangelism & Christian Education for Lifeline Christian Mission for 5 years, Administrator for Haitian Christian Mission for 7 years, "Here's Life" Director for Campus Crusade for Christ for 12 years, and Member of the Board of Trustees for College Universitaire de Christianville.

Yvon's wife Claudie and their three children currently live in Brockton, MA. To serve the needs of GVCM, Yvon returned to Haiti as Field Director in 2002, while his family remained in Brockton. Yvon is a valuable asset to Global Vision Citadel Ministries, thanks to his extensive experience in administration and faithful obedience to God's plan for his life.

As Field Director of Global Vision Citadelle Ministries, Yvon's first priority will be to strengthen the existing congregations, develop strategies for evangelism and church growth and discipleship, help the congregations to become more dynamic, and provide training to our church leaders. He will be assessing ministry needs and facilitating actions necessary to meet those needs, thereby bringing the love of Christ to the people of Haiti.