Good afternoon, Friends!
When we founded Haiti Awake in 2014, we had a number of guiding principles that went into our mission statement including: “No American will ever know Haiti as well as Haitians know Haiti.”
Perhaps today it would be even better to say, “No outsider will ever know our community of Tabarre 14 as well as the people who live there” as Steeve and Vorb are leading on the ground through the greatest crisis we’ve yet faced as a ministry.
Last Monday we shared this update:
For the last week, the community we love and have invested in for nearly 10 years has continued to be under attack in a war between rival gangs. The conflict that has been at a distance from us for years has now come to our very doorstep.
When we have more concrete information to share, we will, but for now please understand the situation is ongoing, it is volatile, and the absolute best thing you can do is pray and encourage. If you are someone who has a personal relationship with someone at Haiti Awake, a short note of encouragement would mean a great deal.
Why are we in Tabarre 14? Why not flee as so many have done? Because this has been Steeve’s home, Vorb’s home, Hudson’s home, Dieussait’s home, Manoucheka’s home, Big’s home for many years.
Because this is the place God has called us.
We do not believe God’s calling changes based on current events. God’s calling is sure, and He is faithful. We desire to remain faithful, as well.
How can you help, right now? We would ask that you please stay faithful. Our staff has served faithfully for so many years. Now is the time we can come alongside them through prayer, with understanding, in solidarity. Please understand that even though we may not be able to show you photos or specifics (for everyone's safety), impactful work is happening daily. We are trying to be wise as serpents and gentle as doves, as we navigate this incredibly complex time.
Should you desire to read news on Haiti from a reputable news source, please follow Jacqueline Charles at the Miami Herald. We have been in communication with her, and she is the journalist we most respect who reports regularly on Haiti.
Today we ask you to pray this simple prayer with us as we stand together for Haiti in our respective locations:
Lord, to be rooted in place takes commitment to land, to people, to friends and family, to transients in our community, and to the plight of our neighborhoods. Being rooted is no easy task, but you demonstrated such rootedness in your incarnation. Give us courage to take up the hard task of knowing you while standing in place. Amen.