Yearly Archives: 2024

In Haiti, approximately 300,000 to 500,000 children are restaveks. The term “restavek” is interchangeable with international definitions of child trafficking—it constitutes modern-day slavery. The restavek system is rooted in poverty, where families, unable to provide for their children, send them to work as domestic servants in exchange for food and shelter. Restaveks often endure long hours of labor without adequate food, education, or medical care, making them vulnerable to further exploitation and abuse. In light of recent trouble in Haiti, this situation has become especially urgent. Haiti has been plagued by political instability and social unrest, and this often leads [...]

In Haitian culture, greetings often include a recognition of spiritual presence. It is common to greet others with blessings, such as "Bonswa" (good evening) or "Bondye beni ou" (God bless you). Blessings carry a subtle acknowledgment of the divine, and while the dominant religious context in Haiti is Vodou, this shared belief in supernatural power offers a point of connection in evangelism. We can agree that the supernatural is real, that divine power exists, and that it demands our attention. However, these broadly shared beliefs can also cause confusion. Vodou priests assume a role of spiritual authority over their people, [...]

World Day Against Trafficking in Persons resonates with the heart of Connect 2 Ministries. Each year on July 30, we join the global movement to end human trafficking as an extension of our ongoing ministry during the year. More than 115 children rescued from trafficking now call our Connect 2 Ministries community their home, living in an environment where they are loved, educated, and given a hope-filled future. Over the last two years, Haiti has experienced a prolonged period of social and political crisis. Today, we asked our founder, Greg Barshaw, to share what happens to restavek children in Haiti [...]

Vodou has created a culture of superstition in Haiti. Common practices are often rooted in Vodou beliefs and practices, and the result is a society where occult religion bleeds into everyday life. Here are a few examples. Avoiding Whistling at Night. Many Haitians believe that whistling at night can attract evil spirits. People refrain from whistling after dark to avoid calling the attention of a malevolent entity. Placing Salt at Doorways. Sprinkling salt at the entrance of a home is a common practice to ward off and protect the house from evil spirits. Salt is universally recognized for its [...]

In Haiti, the influence of Vodou is far-reaching. It has not only affected politics but the way people live their daily lives as well. Many common aspects of culture reflect this influence. Herbal Remedies Vodou plays a significant role in Haitian healing practices. Herbal remedies, passed down through generations, are a crucial aspect of Vodou healing. These remedies are used to treat various ailments, from common colds to more serious conditions, and the preparation and use of these herbs are often accompanied by rituals to invoke the healing power of the loa (Vodou spirits).1 Offerings and Altars Many Haitian homes [...]

In last week’s blog post, we briefly discussed the Tonton Macoute—the paramilitary and secret police force created by François “Papa Doc” Duvalier to execute his political agenda. Today, we’re looking at how the Tonton Macoute influenced the relationship between Vodou and politics in Haiti. The name “Tonton Macoute” refers to a Haitian mythological figure: a bogeyman said to kidnap and eat misbehaving children.1 It was first associated with Duvalier’s enforcers when people began to disappear or be killed, seemingly out of thin air. The name alone evoked fear, but reports and rumors of the Tonton Macoute engaging in dark Vodou [...]

Last week, we mentioned François “Papa Doc” Duvalier, who ruled Haiti from the late 1950s to early 1970s (you can read the post here). Many of you are familiar with Papa Doc’s regime, but you may not know just how strongly he relied on Vodou. Duvalier’s time in power was marked by brutal political repression and strategic cultural and religious rhetoric that placed Vodou front and center. Vodou became so much a part of Duvalier’s public persona that he declared himself one with the loa (the spirits of Vodou) and an embodiment of “the Haitian flag.”1 For context, Vodou is [...]

The relationship between Vodou and politics in Haiti is deeply intertwined. Vodou has influenced leaders, political movements, and social dynamics in every generation, and it continues to play a role in Haitian politics today. To understand this connection, we need to take a closer look at Haiti’s political history. Historical Roots Vodou’s political significance in Haiti began with the Haitian Revolution (1791–1804) (see our post, “Stronghold of Evil, Part 1” for more information). Since then, Haitian leaders in every century have used Vodou to achieve political ends. In recent history, François "Papa Doc" Duvalier, who ruled Haiti from 1957–1971, cultivated [...]