Staying Focused on the Lord’s Will: Returning to Haiti – The Deep Faith of Eline Eustache

When RoRo received an unexpected job offer from an international organization, it seemed like the opportunity of a lifetime. His close friend, a former secretary of the organization, had promised him a prestigious position that would leverage just one of RoRo’s unique skills—speaking four languages. The job would come with impressive benefits and would certainly provide a stable, comfortable life. But as tempting as it was, RoRo knew that the decision wasn’t his alone to make.

He shared the opportunity with his wife, Eline, fully expecting her to be on board. But to his surprise, she immediately said no. One of the things she said has stuck with him all these years later,

“If we stay here, we can be useful. But in Haiti, we are needed.”

This wasn’t just a passing comment—it was a reminder of the deeper commitment they had made years ago. The plan had always been to return to Haiti. They had a mission, a calling, and a promise to fulfill. The promise was to God, and also to Bill Hochstetler, someone who had become an integral part of their journey. Bill’s belief in them and their shared vision for Haiti was a cornerstone of their decision. RoRo, though tempted by the stability the job could offer, knew Eline’s decision came from a place of deep faith. He didn’t argue. In fact, he jokingly said, “Happy wife, happy life.” Beneath the humor, he knew that following Eline’s lead was the right path. Their plan to return to Haiti had always been rooted in their faith and a shared belief that they had work to do there.

Of course, doubt crept in. RoRo was walking away from a future that promised stability and security to step into quite the opposite. Even in those days, Haiti was unpredictable, chaotic, hard, and their future there was uncertain. But despite these doubts, RoRo trusted Eline. He knew her faith was unshakeable, and he trusted that God had a plan for them both.

In December 1984, RoRo and Eline, with their two-month-old son, Karl, returned to Haiti to fulfill the promise they had made. They didn’t have “big money” or the comfort of modern conveniences. In fact, they had very little. Though the first few months in Haiti were spent in uncertainty of what the future would hold, they clung to a clear conviction that they were doing what God had called them to do. In 1985, they planted their first church—a step of faith that would change not only their lives but the lives of hundreds in the years to come.

There were days when they had nothing—when they slept on the floor, unsure of how they would make ends meet. Yet, even in these moments, they were always reminded that the church they had planted was the Lord’s church, and He would always provide.

And God Did.

Though their journey was far from easy, RoRo and Eline’s unwavering faith was rewarded. The church they had planted experienced rapid growth, and they saw countless lives transformed as people came to the Lord. By faith, they accomplished everything they had set out to do. Through the highs and lows, they clung to one truth: that God would always provide.

Their story is a testament to the power of trusting in God’s plan, even when it leads you into the unknown. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the greatest rewards come not from stability and security, but from the leaps of faith we take, jumping into the obscured, but doing so out of obedience to a higher calling.

Ultimately, RoRo and Eline’s heart was to Do Something In Haiti That Will Last—not just for one generation, but for the generations to come. It wasn’t about building wealth or status, but about creating a lasting legacy of faith and transformation for Christ’s Kingdom. As their work in Haiti progressed, it became clear that their mission aligned with the core belief of their organization: Do Something In Haiti That Will Last. This vision would not only change lives in the present but would continue to impact the future for decades. Through their trust in God’s provision, and their dedication to His work, they had begun to lay the foundation for something eternal.

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In honor of Haitian Christian Outreach celebrating 40 years of ministry, YOU can make a lasting impact. Prayerfully consider giving your best gift to continue the legacy of doing something in Haiti that will last!