Hello, our global church family,
I'm Stanley J. Philippe, the lead pastor of Multicultural Community Church in the Dominican Republic. I also help oversee our network of churches in Haiti. Today, I reach out to you with a heavy heart to share the escalating difficulties faced by our brothers and sisters in Haiti and invite you to share in their burdens.
When you hear “things are not good in Haiti” it can be distressingly easy to think of this as something you’ve heard before, and something that we’ve been hearing repeatedly for years. This can make it harder to see the need for a timely response to the current crisis.
A Crisis Unfolding
The beautiful land of Haiti, known for its resilient spirit and rich culture, is currently sunk in chaos and despair. Our Haitian brothers and sisters are navigating through one of the most challenging periods in their history, with violence reaching unprecedented levels.
Gang violence has made it impossible for the country to function. Many of our sister churches in Haiti cannot meet for worship. Families forced to flee with only the clothes on their backs must leave behind everything they know. A friend in Haiti describes the situation as “a collapse of order.” The recent mass escape of inmates from the country's largest prison has only intensified the chaos.
The streets of Port-Au-Prince are scenes of unspeakable tragedy. Haitians are being killed and their bodies left unclaimed. More than half a million people have been displaced. These refugees grapple with the aftermath of rape, kidnapping, torture, and murder.
A Nation Paralyzed
The Haitian people are enduring unimaginable hardships. The crisis has crippled Haiti's weakened infrastructure. Gangs have taken over the international airport, disrupting flights and creating difficulties sending relief supplies. The gangs kill police officers and anyone else who might stand in their way. They burn police stations and businesses.
The closure of the border with the Dominican Republic has further isolated the nation. Prime Minister Ariel Henry's recent resignation amidst these overwhelming challenges has deepened the leadership void during this critical period.
Most harrowing of all, Haiti is on the brink of a catastrophic famine. With inflation soaring above 100% and gangs controlling the main port, vital supplies of food and medicine cannot reach those in desperate need. The prospect of hunger looms large, threatening to claim thousands of lives if this crisis continues.
How to Respond
In my recent conversations with Haitian pastors, family, and friends enduring these trials, the deep magnitude of their suffering often leaves me searching for words. The Apostle Paul teaches us, “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers” (Galatians 6:10). Our Christian family in Haiti desperately needs the love and support of the worldwide family of God.
1. Pray
In these moments of heartache, we must fervently intercede for Haiti.
Pray for the cessation of violence and for safety and protection over the people of Haiti.
Pray for the provision of food, medicine, and essential supplies to reach those in need.
Pray for wisdom, guidance, and courage for the leaders within Haiti and for the international community as they seek solutions.
Pray for the church in Haiti to remain a source of hope and light in the darkest of times. May our Haitian brothers and sisters receive strength and empowerment amid the terrible circumstances around them and experience the supernatural peace of His presence.
2. Donate
As a church, we are committed to helping our Haitian family. We don’t want to just wish them well, but we want to do all we can to alleviate their suffering as God enables us (James 2:15-17). Your offerings will enable us to care for families, pastors, congregations, and communities forced to leave their homes and find new places to live without being able to take anything with them.
DONATE ONLINE NOW: http://aminternational.thankyou4caring.org/
Go to “Projects” and look for “Iglesia Comunidad Multicultural.”
Or SEND YOUR CHECK to "Antioch Ministries International" at 505 N. 20th Waco, TX 76707 Please include a sticky note designating the donation to "Iglesia Comunidad Multicultural".
3. Advocate for urgent action
As a leading global power, the United States has a significant role to play in aiding Haiti during this crisis. Please consider reaching out to your representatives (if you are an American citizen) and advocate for urgent action on behalf of Haiti. Contact your elected officials and let them know that you are deeply concerned about the situation in Haiti and expect them to act.
Express your concern about the escalating violence and humanitarian crisis in Haiti.
Emphasize the importance of wise actions by responsible leaders internationally and locally to help break the cycle of violence.
Urge them to advocate for increased humanitarian aid and support for the Haitian people.
Encourage the pursuit of diplomatic solutions to address the root causes of the crisis and support the establishment of a stable and democratic government in Haiti.
Your prayer, donation, and voice matter. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of the beautiful people of Haiti currently facing one of the darkest periods in their nation's history.
Thank you for your compassion and willingness to stand in solidarity with the Haitian people.
Great blog! I and many others have contacted our representatives. Haiti is in my prayers.