HAFF’s school yard and classroom buildings should be full of students. They sit empty since teachers don’t have access to fuel to get to school and parents are struggling to get food for their families let alone tuition, supplies, books, and uniforms for school. In many places in Haiti, because of gang activity, it is not safe for students to be on the road going to and from school.
While it might seem that sending in troops to quell the gang violence is the obvious answer, past interventions have not accomplished long term change in Haiti. And many in Haiti don’t think it would do so now, either. And they are protesting both the Haitian government and the Haitian government request for UN intervention.
Haitian leaders need prayers for wisdom. International leaders need prayers for wisdom regarding Haiti. Per an October 13th Reuters article, the UN is responding to Ariel’s request by considering sanctions or an intervention in response to Haiti’s chaos. An October 14th article on ForeignPolicy.com enumerates how past interventions have not accomplished their stated aims. The Foreign Policy article refers to “Haiti’s unelected prime minister” but fails to recognize that all Haitian prime ministers are appointed by the elected president, which is true of Prime Minister Henry.
On the north Central Plateau, in the area surrounding HAFF, things are quiet. The only recent protest or roadblock was near Hinche, south of HAFF and it was about a local issue. Sentiment about a possible UN intervention is different from what is reported of the protesters in the coastal cities. One community leader noted, “When your country is this crazy, you need help from your neighbors.” Many others have stated it is about time for outside help.
Haitian leaders need prayers for wisdom. International leaders need prayers for wisdom regarding Haiti. HAFF needs prayer to know how to respond to the ever-changing situation in the country. And HAFF needs your support to be able meet the needs of ministry in the climate of rapidly increasing prices.
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