I know that it’s been a long time since I’ve sent you an update on Haiti and our work there. I guess I get tired of continually reporting earthquakes, flooding, gang violence, hunger and more. It continues. In the month of June alone (and we’re just halfway through), there was another earthquake in the southern part of Haiti and flooding spreading over much of the country. People lose their homes and people die. Many people are so frustrated with the gangs that they are now fighting back on their own and it’s reported that 160 gang members have been killed. Will it lead to peace? Not likely.

Before going out on the main highway that connects north to south, one must check to see if the gangs are out and about. If so, lay low. Life continues for the common people, because it must.  Farming is still necessary and markets continue to operate, although when going to market one must be prepared to carry money specifically to give to gang members, hiding the reserve cash somewhere on their body. If driving through a blockade, one must also be prepared to pay a gang member simply in order to pass. It must be so frightening to be approached by someone who can rob, kidnap, or even kill you without repercussions. Though gangs go to some schools to kidnap children, thankfully that hasn’t happened at our HIH sponsored schools.

This is now ‘normal’ way of life in which our three schools continue to educate children. Teachers come to teach. Students take exams, passing on to the next grade. Camp for youth (ages 12 to 40 yrs) is a huge event looked forward to by young people all over central Haiti. Flag Day is celebrated with musicians and parades. Women are honored for Mother’s Day with every mother receiving a new red t-shirt. Life goes on… And more than ever our friends need our help.

“In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning.  Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” John 1:3-5

Our partner, Pastor Louinet, has been a witness to that light and continues to shine in a very dark place. Please pray for him and his family as he is committed to God and his work. He says, “Thank you for your continued support. If it wasn’t for you, I don’t know what we would do.” With the help of Hope in Haiti partners like you, they have hope for the future of the children. Because of your gifts, he can pay the teachers and feed the children. He asks that God will bless each person who supports a country like Haiti.

Because of Him,