Greetings!
" O LORD, how long shall I cry for help, and you will not hear?Or cry to you "Violence!" and you will not save?."
~Habakkuk 1:2 ESV
As I write this newsletter, I am thinking of the prophet Habakkuk and his concern for the moral condition of the nation of Israel. The people had turned their backs on God and forsaken His law. I feel like Habakkuk today. I am praying but it seems that God is not hearing. I know God has the power and cares for His people in Haiti. I know, most of all, that He has a plan to restore His people. Keep praying with me. Keep believing with me that God can restore peace, hope and joy in the life of the Haitian people.
These past several months have been very difficult for Haiti. The people are tired and can no longer live under the current situation. They are demanding change. They have asked the elected president to resign because of corruption.
As I traveled to the island last week, I saw in the faces of those I met fear and sadness. And I saw hunger and fatigue. This was difficult. Haiti has an unemployment rate of 85%, but even the 15% who have jobs were forced to stay home. Schools are unable to function. The price of a gallon of gasoline is now $11US a gallon in some provinces. The cost of food has tripled. What used to be $4US is now $12US. Gas prices are high and streets are blocked. Transportation of people, food, and other needed supplies from one area to another is impossible. No one is allowed to go anywhere amidst the protests and demonstrations. No one wants to go anywhere because they are fearful. As Pastor Nicolas, ESMI's Coordinator of Theological Training, said, "We are prisoners in our own home." His congregation of 4000 only had 500 in attendance last month.
"First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people,
for kings and all who are in high positions,
that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life,
godly and dignified in every way." ~I Timothy 2:1-2
We need your prayers:
- Pray that God will work in the heart of Haiti's political leaders: President Jovenel Moise, the Senators, and Delegates...
- to come to a personal knowledge of who He is
- to see the misery of the people and make decisions that will help the country to be stable
- if it is God's will, that the president would resign
- that the opposition party would stop their revolution
- Pray for the people:
- that God will change their heart
- to find food as so many are hungry
- to have peace, joy and hope in Christ alone
- that children can return to school and businesses can begin to function
- Pray for the Churches:
- to be light in such darkness
- to minister holistically
The country is at an ominous stand still. Pray for ESMI to continue to train leaders and preach the gospel even in such a time as this.