Grace Haitian Alliance
Church was birthed, by the grace of God, on August 22, 1992 in the living room
of Brother Justin Bazile at 7933 S Escanaba through the efforts of some
brothers who did not want to see the people of God scattered here and there
without a way to congregate. Following internal conflicts that had raged within
the only Haitian Baptist Church there was in the South-East side of Chicago,
many believers had left, wandering about without a pasture to graze. Some men
of God such as Brother Bien-Aimé Jeanty, Brother Bazile Justin and many others
understood clearly that the plan of God is not for Christians to live the
Christian life alone and isolated from a corporate body; they contacted those
who had left and encouraged a first meeting that was going to give birth to
this Church. They named it then "Eglise Baptiste Haïtienne du Sud de
Chicago" or "Haitian Baptist Church of South
Chicago". Two of those
congregants were students at Moody Bible Institute. One of them, Madère Pierre,
emerged to become the pastor of the Church for nine years. The other one, Joel
Metellus, also served as Assistant Pastor, and continued to minister at the
Church till December 2011. The new leaders of the Church attempted several
meetings with the leaders of the other Church toward unity. All attempts having
remained unsuccessful, Grace Church became a definite separate entity and, in
1997, joined the Christian and Missionary Alliance through affiliation.
On July 9, 2001 Pastor
Madere Pierre was called to Nyack, New york, to study toward and M.A. in
theology and to pastor a Haitian Church there. Pastor Joel Metellus served as
Interim Pastor and called Rev. Joseph Lainé to assist him. On September 16,
2001, Rev. Jean Osée Lilite was placed as the Leader of the Church and has
served there ever since.
In August 2010, Pastor
Frantsner Samedi was called to join the staff and was appointed Pastor
Assistant. Rev. Jean Osée Lilite is now ministering in close relationship with
both Pastor Joseph E. Lainé and Franstner Samedi, and their partnership is very
fruitful.
The Church gathers around
130 people at present, and the Lord has blessed her with many ministries and
committed people. "Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast,
immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is
not in vain in the Lord." 1 Corinthians 15:58