The first question that we have been asked lately is, “How are things in Haiti?” Our response is, “Not good!” We are then asked is, “What can be done?” That is a question we do not have an answer for and is out of our hands. We are praying that somehow God would intervene bringing peace and order to the chaotic situation in Haiti.
We have read that Jimmy “Barbecue” Cherizier, a former police officer and the leader of the G9 gang alliance, said, “Once again, the population is not our enemy, the armed groups are not your enemy.” The general population may not be their enemy, yet the general population is being hurt the most by all that is going on in the battle to gain control of the country. As some people are able to leave Port-au-Prince to take refuge in the countryside this puts a strain on these areas much like it did during the 2010 earthquake. Increased population on small towns and villages cause more demand for food and other resources.
Our concern is for the Christian World Outreach (CWO) staff and those we minister to along with everyone in dangers way. When communicating with Pastor Joel he has shared some of what has been happening with those we know.
Due to the gang violence, Suze, Joel’s niece, a Feminine Training Center (FTC) teacher, and her cousins, Sandra and Richardson, had to leave Suze’s home just outside of Port-au-Prince in Côtes des Arcadins because of the gang violence. Sandra is a graduate of the FTC and Richardson is assisting with work at the LaJeune FTC. They were not able to pack all their belongings and left with just their Bibles and song books to seek refuge in the northern part of Haiti. It took them two days to travel to LaJeune. Their home has been seized and inhabited by gang members.
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