Dear HBM Family,
As many of you have probably heard, the country of Haiti is in a state of unrest. There have been riots for the past five days to attempt to overthrow the current President. The price of gas, water, and food have increased dramatically. Throughout the country, people are burning tires, buildings, cars, playgrounds, and businesses. The markets are closed due to the violence and yesterday they released tear gas in the zones. The result of this affects the country as a whole. The people, the families and the children throughout the country suffer as many people go without food and water every day. This is the most unrest we have seen in Jeremie, Haiti for a while.
Here is what we are doing on the ground at Haiti Bible Mission to live the difference.
We are fighting the battle on our knees with the presence of God in our midst. We are praying for the people, the government and the whole country to find the peace of God in the midst of turmoil.
We are reaching out to our neighbors by giving Manna Packs(food) so they don’t go hungry. Several of the neighbor women who have businesses near by were destroyed and burned in the streets. HBM will be rebuilding those so they can provide for their families again.
Our Praise Report is that God has protected HBM in some miraculous ways these past few days.
Mark, Steve (our new COO), his wife Tamela and their daughter Crystalyn who are now on staff at HBM flew in the day the riots started. Prayers went out immediately because the roads on the way to Jeremie were blocked. By the time they arrived at the road blocks, they were clear and drove right though.
Yesterday the riots were intense and no one could leave the compound. We were short on water for the staff so we ventured out to fill up our water supply. God is so good, we were able to get through the road blocks to get water. We have enough food, gas and diesel because of the amazing leadership of the Haitian Staff.
Here is how you can partner with us through the unrest and difficult situation in Haiti.
You could be a part of living the difference here in Haiti by praying. As a staff, we have all been spending intentional time in prayer and worship for the country. We have been asking God for peace for all Haitians and for God to give wisdom for the country’s leadership.
Some of the neighborhood women’s businesses have been severely damaged due to rioting. We want to live the difference by rebuilding their businesses. These neighborhood business are essential for these women to make a living and help provide food to many neighbors. To rebuild their buildings it will cost $1,200. This will ultimately help women in need and help the community.
Secondly, the solar battery system is struggling on the compound. We need to replace three batteries. When the batteries are not working properly it affects the rest of the batteries. We have to run the generator more and burn more fuel. In reality, there is an increase in cost and there is a shortage of diesel fuel in the country. For three new batteries it will cost $975. This will ultimately help save us hundreds of dollars a week.
Despite all of this we have had some amazing things happening here in Jeremie. We have had 6 people put their faith in Christ at Pastor Eldet’s church. This is something worth celebrating! The same church has been outgrowing their current building and is in need of more space. God is using this church and the people in mighty ways! We would love for you to join what God is doing by helping support financially for Pastor Eldet’s church.
We know that God is sovereign and is over all. We know that according to Scripture He works all things for good; therefore, we do not lose hope. “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28).” God is working despite it all and is doing big things. During all of this we have the opportunity to love and bless people as Christ would. Thank you for your continued prayers. To God be the glory.
For questions or more information, you can email us at info@HaitiBibleMission.org