Persist

Sunday, March 3, 2024

It was a harrowing week in Haiti as violence surged significantly, reaching even the confines of the international airport, where planes on the ground were hit by gunfire. The airport in Port-au-Prince is now closed.

Last night (Saturday), gangs unleashed chaos in Port-au-Prince, targeting key sites like the national penitentiary, leading to a mass escape of over 4,000 prisoners. Some chose to stay put, while others were shot dead in their cells. At least 25 people were found dead in the streets after the break.

Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

As the Prime Minister of Haiti, Ariel Henry, has been traveling - and signing an agreement with Kenya for 1000 police officers to come to Haiti from Kenya, gangs are rallying together around a single cry - Ariel Henry must go! Seemingly, most Haitians would agree with this. The problem is, what happens when gangs are the ones to dispose of him? Who governs from there? What does security look like for families living in metropolitan areas going forward? And will any foreign government recognize governance by gang?

I urge you to continue to pray fervently for our beloved neighbor, Haiti.

Run in such a way as to get the prize!

This morning's service in Haiti was live-streamed, as usual. I so enjoyed seeing my friends, especially the women's group who sang together this morning. May the LORD continue to knit their hearts together in love and may they be an example to the rest of the church of the older women teaching the younger women.

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

At Mission of Hope International (MOHI) in Haiti, our students were able to continue attending school.

Their consistent persistence to be educated reminds me of Ephesians 5.

The medical and dental clinics were busy this week with people coming from the neighborhood and beyond.

We were also busy with students getting checkups and worm treatments. The children are already at risk of malnutrition simply because their families don’t have access to food. The last thing they need is worms taking what nutrients they do have!

Worm treatments won’t keep children from becoming malnourished but combined with a feeding program, like the ones here at MOHI in Thozin, Grand-Goave, it's a lot less likely.

For no word from God will ever fail.

Ricardo is 15 months old and enjoys the daily meals he receives at MOHI – especially the fruit.

His mom can’t find work and his dad, a mason by trade, finds only sporadic jobs. The daily meals are significant for them.

Ricardo’s aunt, Antira, is a third-grade student at MOHI. She needs a sponsor. Maybe you’d like to be that special someone who empowers her to rise above her circumstances like someone did for Pastor Lex.

“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

Nurse Marlouse continues visiting our friends in La Grúa, Baraguana, and Cambiaso. From prenatal care to managing chronic illness, she is available to provide education and listen to our friends who do not have the access to healthcare services that most of us are accustomed to.

We had such a fun time last night at our Friends of MOHI Encounter in Gardner, MA. Many thanks to each one who fought the elements (cold rain) to show your support. There was something special about standing in front of everyone to welcome them and seeing a room full of friends. Oh how the LORD has blessed us!!! So many people helped to put this event on - I dare not list them lest I forget someone - but I do want to thank the Gardner Senior Center and Community Action Committee for use of their facility and the amazing way in which the directors rolled up their sleeves and made sure everything was in place. And to our cooks (Lex, Jeff, Jean, Antoniel, Jephte, Fabie, Nancie) and to Marie, Lisa, and Sarah for the amazing desserts we shared.

We enjoyed connecting once again with our friends in Marblehead, MA at the Clifton Lutheran Church. We shared an update and enjoyed coffee hour questions and answers.