“Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines,
though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food,
though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls,
Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior.” 
Habakkuk 3:17,18

It has been a season of danger and brokenness in Haiti, and of desperation.

The Dominican Republic shares the island of Hispanola with Haiti. Due to much violence and instability in Haiti, they have closed their borders – land, sea, and air. Many Haitians live in the Dominican and are now being told to leave. No visas are being given and no visas are being renewed. Haitians are very discriminated against openly. And thus, there is one less safe place to live if you are Haitian.

From August 2023 to October 2023 over 31,000 Haitians and 17,000 Cubans have fled their countries. Up to 15 planes each day have flown out of the capital city in Port au Prince, Haiti, loaded with Haitians looking for a better life. They pay high prices from $3,000 to $5000 US to fly to Nicaragua and are then bussed north through Honduras and through Guatemala until they reach the border of Mexico. Then they wait until they can be processed before continuing on their journey to the United States border, hoping for a better life. Many have sold their homes or borrowed money to pay for their tickets. Some take buses north and hundreds simply walk 1,125 miles to the closest US border with Texas. Some may be allowed to enter the United States, but many will be turned back. Some choose to stay in Central America or Mexico while others continue to try to find a way into “the promised land” of America. Now another hammer blow: as of Monday, October 30, 2023, the Haitian government has closed all flights to Nicaragua without any explanation, cutting off one of the few exits that existed and leaving several thousand people stranded at the Port au Prince airport, bags packed and no where to go but back into gang land.

Hopefully the last few emails from us have explained the backstory. Life has become hopeless for many in Haiti. With 80% of Port au Prince taken over by gangs the people are looking for a new life. Parents are desperate for their children to grow up safe and sound, and as such, they want them out of Haiti. They are willing to sacrifice nearly everything to send them far away, some never seeing their children again. Imagine…

Hope in Haiti continues to support the people of Haiti in this desperate situation. If ever we were to respond to our calling to help one another, it is now! Hope in Haiti has had to change our strategies, but we are not abandoning ship. By God’s grace and because Pastor Louinet is committed to the work of the Lord and working with his people, our schools are functioning. Your partnership allows us to support three schools and have about 650 students. We continue to employ about 80 people and faithfully pay them each month. And what’s more, we intend to stay and overcome the darkness! Recently we asked Pastor Louinet to consider throwing a Christmas party for the schools to celebrate our students, their families, and the birth of Christ. We pray daily and ask God to protect our friends. We choose to be joyful in God our Savior. Please join us in prayer to our God who has a plan, not only for the Haitian people, but for the entire world.

“The Lord is in His holy temple; let all the earth be silent before Him.” Habakkuk 2:20