By Laura Polynice (Nott)
“Nou bouke,” (We’re tired) has long been the cry of the people of Haiti – since the 2010 earthquake, through the 2019 unrest which shut down the country for three months and into this current season of gang violence and insecurity. This past month has been a particularly tiring one for the nation. Then this morning, Haiti awoke to the news of the death of the president.
Earlier this morning, President Jovenel Moise was assassinated at his home. The First Lady was taken to the hospital with gunshot wounds. The death of the president throws Haiti into a new chapter of the unknown. The constitution states that the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court is to be the successor; however, he passed away of covid two weeks ago and his funeral was scheduled for today. It is hard to predict what will happen in the coming days and months. All we can say is Haiti needs our prayers. The country is suffering.
An anonymous woman who heard the shots summarized much of the population’s feelings well when she said, “The president had problems with many people, but this is not how we expected him to die. This is something I wouldn’t wish on any Haitian.” (CNBC)
June was a tough month for Haiti. We are in the middle of the rainy season, but while the rain falls and the gardens grow, the country of Haiti is struggling to hold on. Gang activity is on the rise throughout the greater metropolitan area of Port-au-Prince. Some communities have had to leave their areas due to gang violence. Some hospitals and organizations have been forced to vacate their facilities for the time being, out of concern for the safety of their employees and those they serve. The Haitian police have insufficient resources, training, and support. Meanwhile, covid, though relatively mild in Haiti during 2020, has seen an increase in cases. We are beginning to hear of more sickness around the country and in our area. Prices are continuing to rise. Fuel shortages are becoming more common and lasting longer. There have been two fatal boat accidents in our area impacting our coastal community. Then last weekend, a chartered plane crashed and claimed the lives of the six people on board, who had decided to fly in order to avoid travelling through an area made nearly impassible due to gang activity. Thankfully, hurricane Elsa did not hit Haiti hard, though the south did have some flooding and loss of crops. The population is discouraged and frustrated over the economic, political and gang situations in Haiti and the loss of innocent lives. The cry of the people has been, “Nou bouke.” “We’re tired.”
Through all of this, there is one thing that gives us hope: God, our heavenly father who we know loves Haiti. He may not bring peace and prosperity to this country today or tomorrow, but through it all, we know He is with us. Deuteronomy 31:8 says, “It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” He calls us to continue to serve those in front of us and to do the work entrusted to us. He asks us to encourage and lift up one another. He commands us to pray for our neighbors and our enemies alike.
PLH continues to do the work God has put in front of us. While most of our English classes are on summer vacation, two that started mid-year continue to meet. The soccer fields and basketball court host casual play and organized scrimmages in the evenings when the weather is cooler. It is encouraging to see soccer players arriving by truck and by foot for scrimmages or to hear the bounce of basketballs until well after dark. Sports truly are an outlet. Amongst all the stresses of the world, PLH is a place where youth can come to play, relax, grow, learn, and challenge one another. The PLH staff are working to make repairs to the road and finish the bathrooms so the campus can be better accessible and equipped to host events and activities. We hope to have everything ready to host special activities in August.
It may be difficult to see in the middle of so much suffering, but we know that God has big plans for this community and this country.
How can you help?
Pray. Please pray for the population of Haiti that has faced decades of hardships. Pray for families that dream of a better life for their children. Pray for workers, national and foreign, that continue to do the work God has placed before them. Pray for those behind the violence and corruption. God has the power to change hearts. Pray that this next chapter in Haiti brings good leaders and positive change.
Give. It feels strange to ask for money on a day like today, but the truth is, now more than ever, Haiti needs the training, employment and hope that organizations like PLH bring. Right now, we are running the annual Join the Community campaign. This campaign invites you to join the PLH community by becoming a monthly donor. Monthly giving fuels the programs and projects that provide hope to the community in challenging times. Just $15 a month helps to:
Educate current and future professionals by providing English classes and other job skills programs.
Empower youth by providing soccer and basketball programs that holistically train athletes in faith, sport, and future.
Employ staff and construction workers with jobs to provide for their families.
Expand the campus to better serve the community.
Thank you for your continued prayers, support, and partnership.