We find ourselves overflowing with gratitude as we reflect on the last few months in Haiti.
The book of Romans tells us to “rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.” Over the last several months there have been many opportunities for both.
The harsh reality remains that life in Haiti is challenging and many are weeping. Children in our sponsorship program have lost parents to gang activity and illness. A newborn baby died from an unexplained fever. Many in Haiti go to bed hungry at night. Even more live in fear for the future as violence expands further outside of Port-au-Prince.
Yet beyond these ongoing struggles, there have also been reasons for rejoicing.
GRADUATES:
One graduate recently said, “We are the future of the country,” and we wholeheartedly agree! Thanks to our amazing sponsors, we are rejoicing with 15 students in the sponsorship program who graduated high school in 2024. This is a tremendous accomplishment as less than 30% of students in Haiti complete high school, and even fewer in the rural areas.
Students now await scores from their recent national exam that will help determine future plans either into college, vocational training, or the workforce.
NEW BABIES:
Your kindness has enabled us to rejoice at the arrival of healthy newborns at Sant Sante Espwa over the last month! Mothers and babies in need were provided with essential prenatal and postnatal care thanks to your generosity.
The Healthy Mothers + Healthy Babies program continues to grow and we are grateful.
FAMILY FOOD PACKS:
You also turned weeping into rejoicing by giving family food packs. Many families are struggling with hunger as jobs are hard to find and food prices are at an all-time high.
Fishermen who earn a living by bringing in daily catches of fish have given up fishing to rotate and patrol the waters and watch for gangs coming up the coast. Farmers have fled their land as gangs have burned their crops. Very few people have extra funds to build homes or businesses and those who work construction jobs are going without. Thank you for feeding families in need!
BIBLE DISTRIBUTION:
The new church plant in Bail, Haiti has been growing and many new believers are hungry for God’s Word! The first box of Bibles was distributed last week and Pastor Martin said, “Something amazing is happening right before our eyes in Bail, Haiti. Agape Victory Church in Bail, a real tool in God’s mighty hands… A big thank you to the supporters.”
We are excited to be a small part of seeing God move in Haiti through His church. More opportunities to support this church plant coming soon!