The Radio Lumiere Radio Network was inaugurated on February 20, 1959. It was begun by the Rev. David Hartt of the West Indies Mission (later known as World team). During its 40 years of existence Radio Lumiere has grown from a single radio station on the southern peninsula of Haiti to a network of five AM and three FM mono stations, and one FM stereo station. These stations, linked by mountaintop relays, comprise the only network of its kind in the country of Haiti. This enables it to broadcast to more than 90% of the Haitian population. In many rural areas it is the only radio broadcasting available to the local people in either of the two local languages, Creole and French.

 Much time, effort and financial resources have gone into the development of this nationwide service. Nor has all of this investment been in the purchase and maintenance of technical facilities and equipment. An equal emphasis has been placed on the programming for the network, most of which is produced locally in the Radio Lumiere studios. This programming includes educational and cultural programs, a news service, development programs, and many religious and evangelistic programs.

      Along with the evolution of the network came other changes. These included moving the central studios to the capital city of Port-au-Prince in the late sixties. In the early eighties regional production studios were inaugurated in each of the target areas. These studios produce local programs which are then mixed into the network offerings to give the station a local flavor.

Since 1986 there has been a great deal of political change and social upheaval in Haiti. This too has affected the Radio Lumiere Network. Several times during these years network installations have been attacked and damaged by various politically motivated groups. Programming has also had to change to keep step, both with the changing social and economic situation, and with the new attitudes and desires of the target audiences.

       In recent years Radio Lumiere has become a truly national endeavor. In the early 1980's the World team began to turn the administration of the network over to Haitian nationals. By 1988 the ownership of the network had been transferred to the "Mission Evangelique Baptiste du Sud d’Haiti (MEBSH)", the Haitian national church founded by World team. Presently a board of directors administers the network the " Conseil d'Administration du Reseau Radio Lumiere (CARRL)". This body comprises leaders representing the MEBSH and also others from the many other Protestant denominations served by Radio Lumiere.

Why Radio Lumiere is an important medium in Haiti

  Radio broadcasting is still the medium of choice for Haiti. In many parts of the world television, and even the computer, have taken over as the media having the widest influence. However, due to the economic situation in Haiti, radio is still the primary source of informational input into the lives of most of Haiti's seven million people. Television for example is limited to the middle and upper classes living in the capital city. Even telephone communication does not exist for most rural residents.

  The power of radio and the influence it has on the lives of the people in Haiti cannot be over stated. For many Haitians what they hear on the radio is what they believe and live by. It can change their behavior and influence their value system much as TV does in the more developed countries.

    This power of the radio media presents broadcasters today with unprecedented opportunities to bring about much needed change in Haiti. Educators can not only get their messages of better health care, agricultural methods, and a better way of life across to the masses, radio also offers tremendous potential for persuasion and the changing of opinions.

    Economically Haiti is still the poorest country in the western hemisphere. Agricultural production has dropped off drastically in recent years and the country no longer can feed its own people. Deforestation is rampant. Health care is almost nonexistent in rural areas. Education is only for the top few. Eighty-five percent are illiterate. The list goes on and on of the desperate needs facing this little country as it tries to pull itself out of years of despotic dictatorial rule and tries to create a modern democracy. Radio is one of the few tools the leaders have to meet these tremendous needs. 

Radio Lumiere is always at work in meeting the spiritual needs. In the evangelical churches in Haiti there are needs as well. Never has there been a greater need for teaching and for examples of Christian living than there is today. The last twelve years of political turmoil and uncertainty have resulted in rapid growth in the church. People are continuing to turn to Christ by the hundreds and thousands. Churches are full and over flowing. This of course has created a great deal of pressure for more pastors and for leaders. Unfortunately the existing Bible Schools and Seminaries cannot continue to keep pace. Many of these new Christians lack the teaching and training the church should be giving them. This in turn has often resulted in shallow Christians, syncretism, and ineffective witness and lack of influence in society. Radio Lumiere has the opportunity to step into this gap and provide the teaching these avid listeners need.

So Radio LUMIERE today faces a unique challenge as it wields this powerful media. With its nation wide coverage it is the only media outlet of its kind in the country. Because of its many years of broadcasting it is very much respected and is considered a credible source of information. In addition, because of its nonprofit, educational status it does not have the vested interests of most broadcasters in Haiti who are commercial and must cater to the small commercial audience.

  For all these reasons the opportunities facing Radio Lumiere today are greater than ever before. The needs are Greater, but so are the possibilities of meeting these needs and of causing lasting change.

HAITI FOR JESUS AND JESUS FOR HAITI!

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. 2Chron:7:14