Our Story
The Journey of the Bethleem Movement
Our Story & Founders The Journey of the Bethleem Movement
The Bethleem movement is a powerful testament to faith, resilience, and a lifelong commitment to the people of Haiti and the diaspora. Founded and led by Olnick Duverne and his wife, Rose-Mada Pierre-Louis Duverne, this holistic ministry bridges spiritual restoration with vital community development, standing strong even through the greatest trials.
The Roots of the Mission (2009–2018) "And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not." Galatians 6:9KJV.
The vision began in 2009 when Olnick Duverne officially launched the Bethleem Foundation. Driven by a passion to fight poverty and support vulnerable families in Haiti, the foundation spent its early years laying the groundwork for sustainable development, focusing on environmental care, agricultural training, and basic relief. To financially sustain and sponsor these humanitarian projects, Olnick established Bethleem Construction, a building materials business in Haiti.
This enterprise served as the financial engine behind the foundation’s early success. A monumental shift occurred in 2018 when Olnick married Rose-Mada Pierre-Louis. Bringing her deep devotion, organizational leadership, and passion for education, Rose-Mada’s union with Olnick marked a new era of growth.
Planting Hope For a Better Tomorrow
Psalm 33:6 (KJV)"By the word of the LORD were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth."
Together, as a husband-and-wife leadership team, they expanded the foundation's reach. Expanding Amidst Adversity (2021) With their combined strength, the ministry achieved a major milestone in 2021 by establishing deep communal roots in Cabaret, Haiti. To meet both the spiritual and intellectual needs of the community, they co-founded the Bethleem Evangelical Church and the Bethleem Evangelical School in Cabaret.
Today, the school stands as a beacon of hope, providing hundreds of children with quality Christian education and life-saving daily nutritional support. Faith Tested by Fire (2024–Present) The depth of the ministry's mission was severely tested when unstable conditions and targeted violence in Haiti directly impacted the Duverne family and their livelihood.
Hand in hand, supporting our communities and building a stronger foundation for every child.
Bethleem Construction, the business that funded the foundation's charity work, was attacked and forced to close. Amid intense persecution and threats to their family, Olnick was forced to leave Haiti in 2024 to seek refuge in the United States. Despite the physical separation with Rose-Mada courageously remaining on the ground to oversee the ministries in Haiti and Olnick establishing a new base in New York, their shared vision never wavered.
"When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee." Isaiah 43:2
In the face of adversity, Olnick expanded the movement's footprint to the United States, officially establishing the Bethleem Evangelical Church located at 67 East 32nd Street, Brooklyn, NY 11226. From this new sanctuary, the Bethleem Foundation continues its vital mission, gathering resources from the diaspora to distribute clothing, toys, shoes, and essential aid to vulnerable children and families back home in Haiti.
Biographies of Our Founders
Together, we are sowing seeds of hope for a brighter tomorrow. Every action counts.
Co-Founder & Visionary Leader Olnick Duverne is a resilient church planter, community builder, and the visionary behind the global Bethleem network. Since establishing the foundation in 2009, Olnick has worked tirelessly to create structural pillars of faith and self-sufficiency for vulnerable populations.
Following political and economic persecution in Haiti in 2024, Olnick established the Bethleem Evangelical Church in Brooklyn, New York, transforming adversity into an opportunity to unite the diaspora in supporting humanitarian relief, agroecology, and education across borders. Rose-Mada Pierre-Louis Duverne Co-Founder & Director of Education and Outreach Rose-Mada Pierre-Louis Duverne is a compassionate ministry leader, advocate for women and children, and structural strategist.
"But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully."
⁷ "Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver." 2 Corinthians 9:6–7 (KJV)
Joining the mission wholeheartedly after her marriage to Olnick in 2018, she catalyzed a massive expansion of the foundation's humanitarian programs. Remaining dedicated on the ground in Haiti, Rose-Mada directly oversees the Bethleem Evangelical School and Church in Cabaret, ensuring that the next generation is equipped with academic excellence, vocational skills, and proper nutrition.
Connected Ministries Under One Leadership Under the guidance of Olnick and Rose-Mada Duverne, the Bethleem ecosystem operates through four synchronized pillars: Bethleem Evangelical Church (Brooklyn, NY): Located at 67 East 32nd Street, Brooklyn, NY 11226, serving as the spiritual hub and apostolic foundation for the diaspora.
Bethleem Evangelical Church (Cabaret, Haiti): Founded in 2021, serving as the local spiritual sanctuary and community hub. Bethleem Evangelical School (Cabaret, Haiti): Launched in 2021, providing vulnerable children with education and a vital daily feeding program. Bethleem Foundation: Established in 2009, serving as the global sustainable development arm specializing in agroforestry, clean water, and global humanitarian distribution.