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“We could probably eradicate poverty in ourgeneration if we would only follow these two criteria:Observe and faithfully practice the true spirit of tithingandExpedite the most direct distribution of a reasonable majority of those alms to the heart of the problem, those living in abject poverty.â€
GLOW is an acronym for God’s Love for Orphans and Widows. GLOW was formed to share the Blessing with the most destitute of Haiti first, then the world. For over thirty years now we have been establishing an indigenous network of leaders who have been pouring themselves into positive development in Haiti. These faithful men and women are rooted in Haiti, they live the culture, understand its limitations. They have already established the ground work in their respective communities, yet they struggle for the bread to feed the children, the potable water that brings health and vitality, the very basics of life, stretching every penny to meet the needs of their families and communities.
Bettie Snyder - Co-Founder
Born and raised in Findlay, Ohio, Jack and Bettie Snyder began their “Christian Adventure†in 1969, doing mission work in Haiti. Jack was a successful building contractor and Bettie was a Nursing Home Administrator. The couple began taking frequent trips to Haiti, supporting various Haitian pastors and relief efforts for the poor, mostly children.
The Snyders worked for years under the direction International Child Care Canada. ICC opened Grace Children’s Hospital in Haiti in 1967 for the treatment and cure of tuberculosis in children.
In 1977 the Snyder’s “sold out†and started Mission Possible opening a vocational training center in the former Douglas school in Montrouis, 40 miles North of Port au Prince. The ministry grew quickly and within a few short years developed 14 schools with and enrollment of nearly 5000 students. Each of these schools operated feeding programs and had a strong positive influence in the health of the communities they served. Jack’s life had a profound impact on Haiti. He passed away in 1991.
After Jack’s death, Bettie considered retirement. Her heart led her back to Haiti and in 1998 she felt the call to start GLOW Ministries.
Phillip Snyder - Co-Founder
In 1979, Phil Snyder, a 21-year-old masonry contractor in Findlay, Ohio, first went to Haiti where his father and mother were serving as missionaries. What was scheduled to be a two-week vacation turned into a 12 year adventure.
Phil’s expertise in construction was a great asset to the growing ministry and he soon found himself immersed in building projects. Donkey trails were transformed into roads, tree bridges were re-constructed with masonry and steel. As his hands shared the work, his heart grew to love and respect the Haitian people.
Phil’s greatest challenge in Haiti came after Jean Claude Duvalier went into exile in 1986. The post Duvalier years proved to be dangerous and chaotic. Phil stepped into the directorship of the ministry in 1987, and determined to preserve the integrity of the ministry through those tumultuous years. He successfully indigenized the leadership of the Haiti ministry, leadership that remains intact today, and left Haiti in 1991 for a much needed Sabbatical.
Seven years later, to the day, Phil returned to Haiti and embraced the call to launch GLOW Ministries International. The heart of the vision is to see the Haitian church enabled to minister to her poor and reach her full potential.
Phil currently resides in Zeeland, Michigan with his wife Amber and their children. He travels to Haiti several times a year hosting short term mission groups, Haiti leadership seminars, visiting rural schools and surveying potential development projects.
