HBH–Hagerstown Haitian Launches “The Gospel in Motion” Across Four Communities
Hagerstown, Maryland — In the midst of the fear, uncertainty, and financial hardship affecting many members of the Haitian community, the HBH–Hagerstown Haitian Seventh-day Adventist congregation launched a new community-based evangelism initiative throughout July entitled “The Gospel in Motion.”
Under the leadership of Dr. Brian Ladiny, Pastor Tabuanka Jean, and the Hagerstown Haitian Personal Ministries team, the initiative was created to take the message of hope beyond the sanctuary and directly into the communities where people live, work, and gather.
The vision is expressed through the slogan: “One Gospel. Many Locations. Every Community.”
The initiative is inspired by the ministry model found in Acts 19:9: “He withdrew the disciples, reasoning daily in the school of Tyrannus.” The apostle Paul did not limit his ministry to the synagogue. He used a public lecture hall as a place to teach the Word of God and engage the surrounding community.
Following that biblical example, The Gospel in Motion brings evangelistic meetings into community centers, recreation facilities, rented auditoriums, schools, and other welcoming public spaces.
Bringing Hope in the Midst of Crisis
Under the central theme, “Jesus Is in the Midst of the Crisis,” revival meetings and Bible seminars have been conducted in several communities, including Chambersburg, Pennsylvania; Hagerstown, Maryland; Martinsburg, West Virginia; and Frederick, Maryland.
As Haitian families continue to face immigration concerns, economic difficulties, emotional distress, and uncertainty about the future, Hagerstown Haitian leaders recognized the need to bring the gospel closer to the people.
“When we take the gospel beyond the church walls and into the heart of the community, we create opportunities to reach individuals who may not initially feel comfortable entering a traditional church building,” Dr. Ladiny explained. “This is mission in motion-bringing hope to every local Haitian community.”
The community-centered approach has encouraged church members to invite relatives, friends, neighbors, and coworkers to attend the nightly Bible presentations. Meeting in familiar public settings has also created an atmosphere where guests feel more comfortable asking questions, participating in discussions, and developing a clearer understanding of Scripture.
Church Leaders Working Across the Region
While Dr. Brian Ladiny and Pastor Tabuanka Jean have led evangelistic efforts in Chambersburg and Hagerstown, Elder and Evangelist Chenet Dasema has provided leadership for the Frederick outreach.
The meetings have attracted guests, families, and young adults who have gathered nightly to hear biblical messages, receive prayer, and discover renewed hope through Jesus Christ.
The leadership believes that this model of evangelism is already producing encouraging results. Visitors are becoming more engaged with the Bible, relationships are being strengthened, and individuals are considering decisions to accept Christ despite the crises surrounding them.
Preparing for a Harvest
The Hagerstown Haitian congregation plans to culminate the July evangelistic initiative with a baptismal celebration in early August, marking the beginning of new spiritual journeys for those who have responded to the message.
The church invites members throughout the Allegheny East Conference to continue praying for the speakers, Bible workers, ministry leaders, guests, and families participating in the outreach.
Through The Gospel in Motion, HBH–Hagerstown Haitian is demonstrating that the church is not simply a building. It is a movement of believers carrying faith, healing, and hope into every community. The Gospel is moving. Communities are gathering. Lives are being transformed. God is Glorified. -
Submitted by Pastor Tabuanka Jean