7/15/21 Update on Status in Haiti

Thank you for your many wonderful responses offering support and prayer for Haiti over the past week. It is difficult to see this country we all love so much struggle with turmoil and uncertainty.

I am glad to share with you that our colleagues in Port-au-Prince are all safe and have sent the following update:

  • All our campuses and activities – health clinic, vocational school, clean water distribution points, construction, and MICECC offices – have resumed normal operations. The schools are currently closed for summer break.
  • Things are calm around the campuses. There have not been that many people out and about, although traffic is slowly starting to resume.
  • Getting gasoline is a bit of a challenge.
  • Worship services were held at all three churches this past Sunday. Many people attended the services at Terre Noire and Repatriote.
  • Approximately 200 worshippers attended church at Cite Soleil despite insecurity challenges which have existed in the area even prior to last week’s tragic events. To make it easier for Cite Soleil residents to attend worship, plans are underway to organize a second service for them at Terre Noire.
  • There is confusion about the future leadership of Haiti, and the population is eager for answers surrounding the assassination of President Moise.

As you can see, our ministry continues to make plans in the midst of difficulty. The prayer below, written and shared by the Rev. Dr. J. Herbert Nelson II and the Rev. Jimmie Hawkins of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), speaks to what is on HOM’s hearts as we join our Haitian brothers and sisters in hoping for a better tomorrow.

Grace and peace,

Gary W. Fulton
Executive Director

 

A Prayer for Haiti

Loving God, 
Your children in Haiti have known so much pain and anxiety, and this news tightens throats and brings more fear. 
Be with the family of President Jovenel Moïse, slain in his home early July 7, and First Lady Martine Moïse, who remains hospitalized with injuries. May his soul be at rest and her recovery swift.
This violence is an ominous sign of more unrest for an already volatile island nation. 
How long, O Lord?  
Even as most people in Haiti are living hand-to-mouth, they are left with more confusion. 
What does this mean? they ask. Who will fill this power vacuum? What more trouble will come? 
Accustomed to so many storms, Haiti is in the eye of the hurricane of violence. They wait with caution, too afraid to leave their homes, even to find their daily bread. 
They are hungry for so much more than bread. 
We ask you, O Lord, to bring long awaited peace to your people there.  
Be with each and every one, whispering encouragement to draw on their deep faith in you.  
They walk through the valley of the shadow of death, and though they fear, they know you are with them. 
Your rod and your staff comfort them. 
They depend upon you, O Lord.  
Give wisdom to leaders to care for the weak and ill,  
to lift up the poor and powerless,  
to seek justice for all. 
Make room in the hearts of those with power to seek your wisdom in all their actions. And above all, hold each of your children in the palm of your hand.  
We pray all of this in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ. 
Amen.