A vision for a Bible training school

Before OMS began ministry in 1958 in Haiti, G.T. Bustin pioneered mission work there, working with the East and West Indies Bible Mission. During WWII, after a visit to Haiti, Bustin had a vision from the Lord to build a Bible training school in the country. His vision became a reality several years later, with the opening of a new Bible school. Although the school only had a handful of students when it began, some of the students became the first pastors of the churches that opened in the surrounding villages.

A vision for a radio station

One day, as G.T. Bustin walked across the compound grounds, he heard another message unmistakably from God, “I want you to build a radio station to evangelize Haiti. It is to be called Radio 4VEH, La Voix Evangelique d’Haiti (the Evangelistic Voice of Haiti). After some time, Bustin stepped out in faith, although he knew nothing of radio broadcasting and didn’t have the resources. God worked out the details over the next four years, and on June 2, 1950, Radio 4VEH transmitted its first public program.

OMS begins mission work in Haiti

East and West Indies Bible Mission also had work in several other countries. Although they were faithfully supporting the mission work in Haiti, funds were short. Unless God worked a miracle, the radio ministry would come to an end. God worked things out. In 1958, as a result of a series of situations, including generous funding from Men for Missions International, and God’s direction over several years, the radio station was transferred to OMS.

More new ministries begin

In 1965, the first wing of the Bethesda Medical center opened. Through the years, the clinic has grown from just providing medical care to offering dental services since 1973 as well. Today, Bethesda Medical Center and Dental Clinic is one of the top-rated clinics in northern Haiti. In 2005, it treated 32,684 patients.

Then, in 1967, Emmaus Vocational Bible School, now Emmaus Biblical Seminary, opened its doors. It made the transition from a vocational school to a seminary because many Christian vocational schools had begun to pop up, but few high quality theological training institutions existed. About 75 students attend EBS each year, and around 15 graduate with four-year degrees every May. A new building is currently being constructed for the seminary.

The OMS Emmaus Fellowship of Churches has approximately 50 churches with 6,250 members. Many of the pastors of these churches have graduated from the OMS seminary.