Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; […]The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. – Psalm 46:6-7
Dear Friends,As domestic and foreign news stories come and go from the headlines, I wonder if you’re aware of the current crisis in Haiti. The ongoing fighting, kidnapping and rampant sexual assaults have continued, but now have escalated since the end of February. Jimmy Cherizier (known as Barbecue), a former police officer and now Haiti’s most powerful gang leader, has been calling on Prime Minister Ariel Henry to step down. He claims the violence won’t stop until he resigns from office. On March 12th, President Henry officially announced he is indeed stepping down. Meanwhile, the gangs have seized or disabled most existing infrastructure, including access to food and medical care. Starvation, disease and homelessness are beginning to join with the violence in creating a horrific scene.
Bad news is never what we want to be writing about, yet that has been a theme lately. As partners in our ministry, we feel it’s important that you know what has been going on with these precious people.
Over 80% of the capital city Port au Prince has been taken over by gangs.
The airport has been closed
The Dominican border is closed
The main seaport is closed
The prisons were broken into releasing 3000-4000 of Haiti’s inmates
The US Embassy has evacuated all personnel
17,000 Haitians have lost their homes
Only two functioning hospitals remain in the entire nation
Although Hope in Haiti’s work is more rural and therefore more insulated from the violence, the area is still greatly affected with roads controlled by gangs and fear is instilled in the people. Most of Haiti’s schools have closed this month because of the rise in violence. Thankfully our schools have been able to continue. We still are able to pay the teachers and provide education for hundreds of children.
In the midst of the pain, devastation, and instability, is there any hope? The author of Psalm 121 puts it this way: “I lift up my eyes to the hills– where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.” Our hope for rescue is through the Lord! He is powerful and merciful and He cares for “the least of these.” We must lean on the Lord and advocate for our brothers and sisters in Haiti!
Haiti needs your prayers! Pray for the children. Pray with love. Pray without judgment. We serve a God who is just.
“I call on you, O God, for you will answer me; give ear to me and hear my prayer. Show the wonder of your love, you who save by your right hand those who take refuge in you from their foes.” – Psalm 17:6-7
Hopeful,
-Dixie and the team
So many young students and their teachers rely on you and your partnership.
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