At Connect 2 Ministries, our mission is to support international churches and pastors by fostering a sound biblical foundation in ministry. Our ministry to restavek children flows from that goal. As our pastors came to know Christ personally and understand His heart for the lost more deeply, they also became convicted of the need to stand against the restavek system in Haiti. The goal has never been to end slavery or to fully right the wrongs of a fallen world. Jesus will do that when He comes again. But as Christians, we believe it is our responsibility to do good where we see a need, and to show love to the lost in the same way Christ did for us.

To that end, it was an encouragement to see so many people come together for our Simi Valley Walk for Restaveks last Saturday. More than 102 volunteers, friends, and community members (representing more than eleven churches) gathered to pray for and support the ministry in Haiti. Thanks to you—our sponsors, participants, and volunteers—we were able to raise $5,970, 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…

• Stability in Haiti’s government; specifically for the Brigade for Protection of Minors to resume rescuing children, especially those who have been displaced or picked up by gangs.
• Revival for God’s Kingdom in Haiti and for emboldened indigenous church leaders.
• Expansion for our ministry; we pray for the opportunity to build more Children’s Homes and rescue more restaveks.
• Healing, both physical and spiritual, for the restaveks in our homes. We pray they will grasp the gospel and mature in their faith.

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.