This year’s Walk for Restavèks was something special—more than a fundraiser, it was a living expression of Connect 2 Ministries’ mission to unite the church in the US with the church in Haiti. For the first time, participants joined both in person and virtually, walking side by side across the country to pray for and support the children of Haiti. Whether gathered in Simi Valley or walking through residential neighborhoods, the theme of the day was that God’s work is not limited by distance—that together, we are one body working to be the hands and feet of Jesus, wherever God’s people find themselves.

To that end, it was an encouragement to see more than 130 volunteers, friends, and community members come together for our Simi Valley Walk for Restaveks on November 1, along with more than fifty people who joined us for hybrid walks in four different cities around the country (including northern CA; Hendersonville, TN; Melbourne, FL; and Bradenton, FL). Representing more than twenty-five churches, these participants gathered to pray for and support the ministry in Haiti. Thanks to you—our sponsors, attendees, and volunteers—we were able to raise $14,000, which will go directly to supporting our current rescued restaveks along with those we are hoping to rescue and ready to welcome. Over the course of the morning, we prayed for…

• Spiritual revival in Haiti’s youth. Pray for a movement of faith among Haiti’s youth. In a time when we hear of child soldiers and the restavek crisis, ask that the Lord would capture the identity of Haiti’s young people and give them a desire to live out His purpose.
• Spiritual renewal in and through Haiti’s churches. Pray for encouragement and renewal for pastors, church leaders, and members of congregations across Haiti. Ask God to strengthen their faith, guard them from discouragement, and give them boldness to proclaim the gospel with love and truth.
• Wisdom for Haiti’s government. Pray that Haiti’s political and civic leaders—national and local—would be guided by wisdom, integrity, and a heart to serve the people. Ask God to raise up leaders who pursue justice and prioritize the good of the nation.
• God’s provision for ministry needs. Pray for God to meet every practical need: food, supplies, transportation, and staff capacity. Ask Him to multiply resources and open doors for continued service and outreach.

The day was a blessing from start to finish. It was a wonderful time, complete with bounce houses, face painting, a food truck, and fellowship with friends, old and new. We also hope that you learned more about the restavek system, how we’re trying to help, and the situation of many children who are desperately in need of rescue. Most importantly, we are thankful for the Lord’s provision—“unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain” (Psalm 127:1). We hope you’ll join us again next year as we look forward to another opportunity to Walk for Restaveks together.

To learn how you can be praying with us for the ministry in Haiti, visit Prayer Requests.