One of our partners in Haiti, Alongside Families, is currently experiencing increased unrest in the region. We are sharing their latest update and ask you to prayerfully consider how you can support them during this challenging time of uncertainty.
As you probably know from local news, the unrest in Haiti continues to deteriorate and there is really no clear path out of the spiral. Christianity Today recently published an article that is tough to read; "Haitians Are Ministering at the End of the World".
So, how are we doing? I feel like I need to compartmentalize my response.
I'll start with the families that we support. We have touched base with all of our families and they are all 'safe' and outside of gang controlled areas. All of our students are attending functioning schools. The majority of the chaos is in Port-au-Prince, communities surrounding Port-au-Prince, and larger cities scattered throughout the country. Suburbs and smaller communities are relatively calm but food & essentials are very expensive and becoming more scarce as very little is being transported.
The main concern being raised by our families is being able to afford food and fear of what will happen next.
The acting Prime Minister, Henry Ariel, has agreed to step down once a transitional government is in place. The international community (CARICOM) has put together a transitional council that would be responsible for eventually holding elections but they haven't been sworn in yet. The gangs (who have joined forces to oust Ariel) say they will not recognize the council and threatens that anyone appointed by the international community will be targeted. Our families echo this frustration with the meddling of the international community as those that have been named for the council include politicians that have proven over and over that they do not have Haiti's best interest in mind.
While we can't do anything to ease fear of what will happen politically we can help to ease their concerns about being able to purchase food for their families.
Here is a picture of hampers we have been giving out.
If you would like to help us provide food hampers for our families you can donate to our relief fund or sign up to become a regular "SOL supporter". SOL is the Kreyol word for foundation so by becoming a SOL supporter you are strengthening our foundation and allowing us to respond to urgent needs in Haiti effectively and immediately.
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