Pray for the People of Haiti
The tiny island nation of Haiti holds a special place in my heart. I’ve never been there, but some 30 years ago my brother and a Haitian national he knew from college began a ministry in Haiti. They helped to build schools and orphanages in the northern part of the island, often traveling on horseback up steep mountain trails to get to their destination. The orphanage I heard the most about was located in Cap Hatien. I’ve seen many pictures and heard lots of stories about the children of that Center.
The child that caught my imagination the most was Frislin. He wasn’t an orphan, but his parents couldn’t provide for all of their children and asked the center to take him in. I knew there was a story there somewhere, but it took a couple of decades to discover that story as a middle-grade novel -- When Chickens Have Teeth.
My focus today though is on the atrocities that are being committed in Haiti. Most of the news reports center on the capitol of Port au Prince in the southern part of the country.
We don't know how much of the unrest has reached Cap Haitien but we do know that food shipments have been cut off because the gangs control the highways. The International Airport in Port au Prince has been overrun and flights in and out cancelled, preventing humanitarian aid from entering the country. The government is in turmoil, and the Prime Minister is stuck in Puerto Rico, unable to return.
As of this writing 1,190 people have been killed since the beginning of the year, and more than 15,000 have been displaced from their homes. Recent prison riots resulted in the escape of over 4,000 inmates. It's a horror -- a nightmare situation -- that those of us who live in America can't begin to comprehend.
In the past the country was tolerant of American missionaries and visitors. That condition has been steadily deteriorating. Even before the assassination of the Haitien President Jovenel Moise in 2021 the U.S. State Department had issued a Level 4 - Do Not Travel notice which remains in effect to this day.
Linda Gunter, founder and CEO of the Love Him, Love Them Hatien Ministry sent out a newsletter recently about the effect the violence has had on their hospital in Galette Chambon. To date the gangs have left this vital service untouched. She surmises that it’s because the gangs themselves, as well as their families, have been served by the medical team.
In spite of the turmoil, Ms. Gunter writes, “in the midst of a situation that seems insurmountable and gives us every reason to quit, we know that GOD has not called us to quit in the face of adversity.”
I join in her call for prayers for Haiti. For an end to the violence, for protection for those ministering in Haiti, for the children, for a competent government to be established.
If you are looking for a tangible way to help, you can sponsor a child for $100 per month. Information is here:
https://bit.ty/llhltsponsorship
You can also donate online at https://www.LoveHimLoveThem.org.
Or by sending a check to
Love Him Love Them Ministries
PO Box 505
Lavonia, GA 30553
Thank you for your prayers! God is still in control
Joyann
