The Beginning of the Peredo Campus

What began with a witnessed tragedy has grown into a mission that brings healthcare and hope to countless people in Southeast Haiti.

In 1991, Haitian Christian Outreach began planting churches in the region, including one in the mountain village of Seguin. It was there that RoRo experienced a moment that would change the course of the organization forever. He noticed a man working, guiding a cow, but in a sudden turn, the cow gored the man in the stomach. Ro rushed to help, but there was nothing he could do. With no hospital, no clinic, and no emergency services nearby, the man tragically died. All Ro could do in that moment was pray that God would give him the ability to make a difference, so that no one else would suffer like that again.

The land in Peredo was originally purchased to plant another church and start a youth camp. However, after the 2010 earthquake, the need for medical care in the region became even more urgent. HCO began running mobile clinics throughout Southeast Haiti, partnering with Haitian doctors and missionaries to serve those in need.

Still, challenges remained. Mission teams had to return to the United States by Saturday, meaning care would stop by Friday afternoon. Ro did everything he could to keep clinics going—often hiring anyone he could find to help. Some weeks, they were seeing nearly 1,000 patients.

Because healthcare was so scarce, many people in the region turned to witch doctors to fill the gap. Their presence was deeply rooted in the culture. One story, in particular, captures both the physical and spiritual impact of the work in Peredo. 

A young boy, about nine or ten, had been helping with one of the campus construction projects. Barefoot, he made repeated trips to the river to haul water for mixing cement. One day, he broke his toe while working. Ro treated his wound and gave him a pair of shoes. But the next time Ro saw him, the boy was barefoot again. When asked why, he said quietly, “I’m saving them for church.” So Ro gave him another pair.

Not long after, Ro was told that someone wanted to speak with him—a man he’d never met. Locals warned him not to go. The man was one of the most well-known witch doctors in the area and could be dangerous. But Ro went anyway.

The man didn’t come with threats. He came to say thank you for giving his son those two pairs of shoes. Ro invited him to church, but the man declined, saying his current lifestyle didn’t fit with that. Ro shared the gospel anyway, offering whatever Scripture came to mind. Though he didn’t change his mind then, a seed had been planted.

God, as always, was faithful. Eventually, that man came to church and gave his life to Christ.

The clinic opened more than just access to healthcare. It opened doors to healing, physical and spiritual. It brought dignity and hope, and helped lead people to Christ.

This was just the beginning of what God would grow from the Peredo campus.

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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!