One question we sometimes hear is, “How does it make sense to talk about what’s happening in Haiti in terms of war?” The assumption is that war is usually more organized, with a clear goal in mind, where unrest or chaos like what we’ve seen in the country is different. Yet the effects are similar. People suffer under gang control in much the same ways they do in war time, and that commonality requires us to discuss the situations similarly.

The major challenge for us, as we encounter victims of war, is reinstilling a sense of humanity. For many people in Haiti right now, everything is painful. Countless individuals have lost friends, parents, and siblings in a war system where death happens for no greater purpose than to satisfy selfish ambition. We’ve seen families, individuals, and children experience great suffering with no apparent purpose to give it dignity.

The questions we’re asking are, How do we affirm life and bring hope in this culture? What does it mean to meet someone in their pain and introduce them to the light of the gospel?

A verse that consistently comes to mind is Psalm 34:18—

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

This is the heart of God, and it is our heart for the people of Haiti. Our goal in this season of civil war and gang violence is to reach out with the message of Christ. We serve a God who is near when everything around us falls apart, and who desires nothing more than that all would find rest in Him. Our prayer throughout Haiti’s crisis has been that God would work powerfully despite the senseless brutality, bringing healing and ultimate purpose to the souls of the oppressed.

Will you join us in prayer?

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