These have been difficult days for our brothers and sisters here in Haiti. You are providing some vital encouragement to them right now!
The situation here has changed quite a bit in the last 6 months.
Instability has substantially increased. Unrest has become more frequent and widespread. Gangs and related gang violence have spread to areas not known for these things.
The value of the Gourde has dropped considerably resulting in decreased purchasing power, even as prices for goods and services have risen.
Electricity now only comes for a few hours at a time every other day or so.
For the past couple of weeks, gasoline has been nearly impossible to find.
We can feel the despair in the air as we move around the city. Haitians are losing hope.
The other day I pulled into a gas station. It was no surprise to learn they were out of gas. As I was preparing to leave, I saw a man just hanging out so I rolled down my window and said in solidarity: “The country can’t keep going like this for too long, man. I hope they figure something out.” He looked up from where he was sitting, slouched next to a non-functioning pump and said “Peyi a deja mouri” (The country is already dead).
Discouragement is everywhere here right now.
Last week at our STEP Seminary leadership team meeting we looked at these couple of verses as we considered the despair we see around us:
“Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation.
Habakkuk 3:17-19
God, the Lord, is my strength; he makes my feet like the deer’s; he makes me tread on my high places.”
While despair permeates the streets, we know that God is still on his throne. He is keeping us, and he will never let us go.
What a great reminder this weekend, that Jesus has risen from the grave, that he is at the right hand of the Father interceding for us, and that he will come back and make everything right.
Here is how you can pray
- Pray for the leadership team at STEP Seminary, that that we would remain encouraged in the Lord, so that we can continue to be an encouragement to those around us. Pray specifically for Wawa, Andrikson, Stanis, Marie-Paule, Joel and myself.
- Pray for our STEP alumni, leading churches across the country, that they would know how best to encourage their people.
Looking for something to read?
We’ve just added a page to our website so we can share with you some of the good resources we’ve come across so far this year. If you’re looking for something to read, click over here and take a look!
We’ll work to update this page throughout the year, so be sure to check back as we add more books and resources.
What we’re celebrating!
We’re so excited to see what the Lord is doing here through your partnership so far this year. Here are a few things we’re celebrating as we see him work.
Class is in session
Luke is back in the classroom teaching “Leadership Chrétien” to about 60 third-year students at the seminary. This is such a blast!
At the same time, students from last year have been swinging by his office telling him how they’re applying what they learned last year in their ministries. These stories are encouraging!
Almost two months with no “protest day” closures!
Despite continued unrest in the neighborhood around the campus of the seminary, we have been able to continue holding class without interruption since mid-February.
This allows us to finish the academic year on time and hold graduation on schedule.
Growth and Unity at Quisqueya Chapel
We’re excited about a new season of growth and unity at Quisqueya Chapel.
Last month the church brought a new candidate for the position of Senior Pastor to Haiti and he was very warmly received by the church.
Serving our Neighbors
Although insecurity has forced us to stop house construction in one community near the seminary, we rejoice that it looks like a door is re-opening in another community on the other side of our campus.
So, while the public face of Haiti portrayed in the media and other places has been largely negative lately, God is using you to make a difference here right now. Thank you for your partnership!
