Taking the gospel to the people of Haiti

The Turnbull couple shows compassion for those in need overseas as well as students around Liberty’s campus

Whether serving in Haiti or Lynchburg, missionaries Wallace and Eleanor Turnbull have worked to leave a lasting legacy of love for Jesus Christ with those they meet.

pray — Missionaries impact Haiti for Christ. Photo provided

Pray — Missionaries impact Haiti for Christ. Photo provided

The Turnbulls have served as missionaries in Haiti since 1946 and founded Baptist Haiti Mission (BHM) in 1948. Wallace Turnbull said that while they worked in Haiti, his wife was involved with mission affairs in the capital, including working with Government Ministries and custom importations. He worked in a variety of fields as he taught students, traveled to various congregations and built churches and post-disaster housing for those in need.

Though their ministry had humble beginnings, Wallace Turnbull said God used them to impact the people in Haiti in a powerful way.

“Jesus said to go make disciples,” Wallace Turnbull said. “We did, and he (made) his message explode. It affected much of the country in many ways.”

According to the BHM website, this mission has aided in the establishment of more than 350 churches and 354 schools and assisted with various humanitarian projects.

In March, the Turnbulls were honored by Haiti President Michel Martelly for their service to the country during a ceremony in the national palace.

According to an article on the BHM website, the president thanked Wallace Turnbull and his wife for their service through various outreaches of BHM and presented him with a cross of Haiti’s high honor.

Approximately 60 people, including pastors from the national church association and foreign officials, attended the televised event. Wallace Turnbull had the opportunity to speak for a few minutes and gave God the glory for all that was accomplished.

“It is not me,” Wallace Turnbull said to those in attendance. “It is the Lord, through the wonderful Haitian people. You are in my heart.”

In addition to their work in Haiti, Wallace Turnbull and his wife are also involved with the Liberty University community. The late Dr. Jerry Falwell, Sr. visited them when he was 20 years old, and later, their son David attended Liberty. David Turnbull died shortly after graduation, and dorm 19 was named in his honor.

Wallace Turnbull and his wife currently reside in Lynchburg, where they stay for a portion of the year to assist Haitian students attending Liberty.

Each year, up to two Haitian students are offered scholarships through Liberty and the Turnbull family foundation to cover the cost of classes, room and board. According to Wallace Turnbull, churches in Haiti choose students they believe will become leaders in their country to receive scholarships. The Turnbulls assist with other costs and help the students feel welcome while they attend Liberty.

“We keep contact here and seek to help them to feel embraced,” Wallace Turnbull said.

After graduating, these students will return to Haiti and use the skills and knowledge they learned to help people in their home country.

Wallace Turnbull said he supports Liberty’s emphasis on Christian living and outreach and prays for students daily.

“I pray every day that the Lord will bless all of you at Liberty University, keep the school united … and fill the young folks from (numerous) countries with good things to take home,” Wallace Turnbull said.

When given the opportunity to share his story with young people, Wallace Turnbull said he emphasizes the importance of surrendering to God and following his plan.

“Give your mind and your heart to the Lord Jesus, and when an idea of something to do comes, it’ll be his idea,” Wallace Turnbull said. “We live a short time, and he has a wonderful road planned for us if we give ourselves to him.”

5 comments

  • Saint Gérard Charleston pastor

    I would to be a student at this university. My phone number is 7744170284.

    • Kekekolio Gumpfer

      I met Wallace Turnbull in Haiti, about 1993. My aunt in law Ivah Heneise took me to meet him.
      I was about 42-3, and about 13 years in the Lord. And Wallace Turnbull treated me like a long lost favorite son…..I was covered with prison tatoos and will never forget his agape love that he exhibited to me those orecious days with him and all the likeminded missionaries with him. One scripture says it all…The bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee brother…mahalo nui loa no apau kakou…I ka inoa o Iesu, amene. Gregory Allan Gumpfer

      • Amen. I meet the Turnbulls 7 years ago in Frankfort Kentucky and they were one of the nicest people I have ever meet. My mom read stories about them helping Hatians with their farming and how they made such a big impact. They are very funny people and are very fun to be around.

  • I lived in dorm 19 while attending Liberty. Many times upon entering the dorm I would read the plaque dedicated to David Turnbull. After graduation I went to Haiti and some years later adopted haitian children. Who but God could have seen the beautiful picture he was painting.

  • I spent a week with the wallace family i was bless sent by pastor G Mercier. Love them

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