HaitiGo

The Incredible Journey of Oran and Arshaloos Bell 

A Story of Faith, Trust, and Perseverance 

For this is what the Lord has commanded us: “I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.” Acts 13:47 

Arriving in Miami: The Beginning 

On January 1, 1947, Oran and Arshaloos Bell arrived in Miami, Florida, carrying with them two children under the age of five and $600 in their pockets. Their arrival marked the beginning of a remarkable journey, not only in miles but in faith. They had no sponsor, no backing, and no network to lean on, but they carried something far more powerful, a calling from God. 

God had called them to become missionaries and spread the Word of God. This voice was not a fleeting calling they could ignore. God wanted them in Haiti, so with faith and determination, they went knowing God would provide for their needs. 

“When you are young and have seen the Lord, the heart soars on the wings of faith and refuses to yield to reason.” Arshaloos Bell 

This sentiment captured the essence of their journey despite the uncertainty and daunting odds; their faith gave them the courage to face the unknown. 

Challenges and Perseverance 

Upon arriving in Miami, their first thought was to find a church where they could worship the Lord and give thanks. After walking a few blocks, they came across a small church and went inside. They were welcomed by a small congregation and joined them to listen to the message. After the service, they were invited to the pastor’s home for lunch with him and his wife. There, they shared the story of their calling from God and the purpose of their visit. This meeting would last a lifetime, and the friendship became invaluable to the Bells on their journey. 

Their first trial came on the very first day when they learned that none of the ships in the port were heading to Haiti. But they persevered. They finally came across a man who told them of a new company that was launching their maiden voyage and thought they might be able the help. They found the man in charge and were told they would, indeed, help them. So, on their maiden voyage, this ship carried their meager belongings to Haiti for them. That was the one and only time that company delivered cargo to Haiti.  

Arriving in Haiti: Their Mission Begins 

“And the gospel must first be preached to all nations.” 

Mark 13:10 

When the Bells finally set foot in Haiti, their hearts were filled with a mix of anticipation and resolve. The journey had already tested their faith, but stepping onto Haitian soil marked the true beginning of their missionary work. Surrounded by unfamiliar sights and sounds, they were immediately immersed in a new world—one with its own language, customs, and challenges. 

The road ahead was full of trials. They encountered the struggle to build trust within the Haitian communities. Yet, through every difficulty, Oran and Arshaloos remained steadfast. They learned to rely on prayer and the assurances that God was guiding them 

They faced many obstacles, including financial limitations and health concerns, but they were committed. They knew their mission was not just about spreading their faith, but also about building trust and showing genuine compassion to the people they had come to serve. Their arrival in Haiti was not the end of their journey, but a powerful new chapter. 

When they heard of a Baptist minister who spoke English, they immediately sought him out. His advice, however, was not what they wanted to hear. He told them that they were not needed in Haiti and advised them to move on. Haiti, in his belief, was already evangelized. 

Though discouraged, they stayed determined. As they explored their new surroundings and began to meet members of the local community, it became clear that Haiti was still deeply in need of hope, faith, and spiritual guidance. The first three months were spent acclimating to the country and learning the language.  They worked at building relationships with the people around them.  

By the third month, they began their ministries. Their first teachings took place in Riverside, where they would gather under the shade of trees, preaching the Word of God to anyone willing to listen. Though the setting was simple, their message was powerful. Through these humble beginnings, they started to build a foundation of trust and faith within the community—one sermon, one relationship, and one act of kindness at a time.

The Accidental Beginning of the First Clinic 

The medical clinic began unexpectedly. One morning, Arshaloos awoke to find a woman standing outside her front door desperately seeking help for an ulcer. With only a small family medical kit and no medical supplies to treat her with.  The woman, like many of the locals, had previously sought help from witch doctors. However, the remedies left her impoverished and uncured. 

Despite the limited resources, Arshaloos’ treatment worked. Word of her success spread quickly throughout her community, and soon crowds began to gather outside her door, hoping for remedies that the witch doctors had been unable to provide. This surge in demand prompted support from back home as well as from the church the Bells had visited in Miami.  

They quickly began receiving medical supplies from donors. With these provisions, the Bells were able to formally establish their first medical clinic, offering much-needed care to the local people. 

However, the clinic‘s success was not without opposition. As news of their efforts spread, the local witch doctors, government authorities, and even other missionaries became displeased and attempted to close the clinic. The Bells faced immense pressure and nearly gave up and returned home. Witch doctors would hold ceremonies at the doorsteps of the clinic, hoping to bring harm to the clinic and the doctors. When these attacks failed, they attempted to poison the doctors, but that too was unsuccessful. Despite these several efforts to shut down the clinic, each attempt failed. 

Reflecting on these trials, Arshaloos noted, “God always, in history, brings blessings out of the difficulties after we accept his will.” Their unwavering faith and resilience allowed the clinic to continue bringing hope and healing to the Haitian community. 

Next Came the Schools 

Establishing schools became the second major way the Bells shared God’s word with the local community. When the Bells first arrived in Haiti, they were struck by the sight of children running around without clothing and the scarcity of educational opportunities. There was only one school in town, and only the privileged children could afford the necessary books and clothes to attend. Adding to the challenges, the school had just one teacher who was absent as often as he was present. 

Moved by the need and determined to make a difference, the Bells once again reached out to their friends in the states and requested donations of books and clothing for the children.  As before, they witnessed God’s provision in the generosity of supporters. With these much-needed supplies, they were able to open their first school. This new school quickly grew to include four teachers and enrollment of 150 students. This school provided not only education but hope and dignity. 

Of course, their efforts were once again met with resistance. The original teacher, feeling threatened by the new school, approached the authorities to have it shut down. When government officials came to inspect the new school, they were so impressed by what they saw that it changed their perspective entirely. As a result, changes were made to improve the government-run school, raising its standards and operations to match the example set by the Bells. 

Today, the school stands as a well-established and well-run institution, a testament to the Bells’ perseverance and faith. While the school was providing much-needed education for the children, the physical building itself faced many challenges. The walls were made of packed mud held together by bamboo poles. The roofs were made of branches and grass. These structures, of course, were vulnerable to the weather and were often washed away by a single storm. The schools were in constant need of repair. 

Eventually, through donations, they were able to build schools with cement floors and build benches and desks for the children. 

Today’s HaitiGo 

Now, almost eight decades after Oran and Arshaloos arrived in Haiti as a young couple with one goal in mind: to spread God’s Word, the results are a testament to the work they have done. There are now five churches, over 30 outstations, which are stations that have not yet reached 100 parishioners, four schools, three orphanages, and a Medical clinic. Most importantly, there are hundreds of thousands of Haitians who now know the Word of God. 

Though Haiti continues to face many challenges, they strive for a better future. They now have a bead program that allows the women in Haiti to earn money for their families. The children can finish school and go on to high school and even college.  

As the ministries continue and the challenges persist, the Bell’s efforts continue to pay off. Bridge Church gave the organization enough money to build a church and an orphanage, which they named Bridge Orphanage. The biggest obstacle is feeding hungry people. Gangs control the ports, but God will provide a way, just as he provided for the Bells so many years ago. 

How You Can Help 

Bridge Church, for over 25 years, has faithfully financially supported the critical work of HaitiGo in a hostile country that has dedicated itself to satan. You can help us further HaitiGo’s kingdom impact through your generosity in giving to our general fund. A portion of each $1 you give goes directly to support the work of Bridge Outreach Ministries and our supported partners.