One morning in Haiti, Poyis texted and asked if I wanted to come with him to pick up a new van. I said yes, and he arrived at the compound about half an hour later. When he arrived, he told me there was protesting going on in various parts of the country, a demonstration was happening near where the car was, and he wasn’t sure if we would go. Maybe tomorrow. As the day progressed, I discovered that one of the protests in a different area had turned violent. I receive updates from the US embassy in Haiti, and they were reporting on it and saying to stay away from that area. Haiti is NOT like the US, where many people own guns. In Haiti, it is only a few, and usually when there is violence, it is either gang related or government related.

Poyis told me that most of the unrest on this day was political, and these protests were happening near government buildings (far away from us). The government was led by President Jovenel Moïse at the time (he was assassinated in July 2021), and he had a reputation among the people for operating more autonomously and in his own interests than for the public good. The opposition leading the protests tended to have the people’s support, because civilians saw them as their only hope of change, practically speaking. It makes me sad for the people. I see more clearly why the founders of the US sought liberty and freedom, but even more so, I was reminded once again that the hope of the gospel, and faith in Christ’s ultimate return, is truly the only hope. Those in Haiti that come to know Jesus tend to understand this and have a sense of peace, even though they have very little and they struggle.

I wrote this prayer while reflecting on the events of the day.

Thank you, Lord, for your lovingkindness. I don’t deserve what you provide, and I see that you have your purposes. Tonight as I go to sleep, I pray for both the Haitian church and the American Church. For the Haitian church, I pray that you will draw people to Christ by showing them the kindness of your provision. Help them see that unlike those in authority over them, you are holy and your heart is compassionate toward them; help them see their need for you. For the American church, I pray that you would break the hearts of people so that they will realize that all the stuff they are trying to hold onto or grasp is nothing but idolatry, and that they would turn to only you, Father, through Jesus Christ. May they see that it is NOT for us to fix this broken world, but instead to turn to you, Lord, and live as a light in this world—to serve others as we look to Christ for His perfect, loving example. This is my prayer tonight. Amen.

Please join us in praying for the church in Haiti. To support the ministry, you can make a donation at connect2ministries.org/support-us.