A state of emergency was declared in Port-au-Prince earlier this week and is effect until April 3. This is in response to a dramatic increase in gang violence and attacks to key institutions, including the airport and seaport. All flights in and out of Haiti are currently suspended.
Our Haitian staff are all safe. The Terre Noire, Cité Soleil, and Barye Fe schools are currently closed. The vocational school is also closed. The Repatriote primary school has been able to operate normally since most students & teachers live very close by. A few of our medical clinic staff have been able to come in and have been receiving patients.
Staff report that there is no food available in the stores and public markets in the areas we serve. The clinic staff has been able to distribute emergency food to vulnerable households. Our clean water distribution systems are open and working. The water is being rationed in order to ensure it can last as long as possible for those in need.
The three churches were able to hold Thursday services for the communities. At Terre Noire, about 400 individuals attended the Thursday service. The churches currently plan to hold worship services on Sunday.
The faith of our Haitian team remains strong. Jacky Dorleans shared, “Our God is compassionate and rich in goodness. It is because of his love, his faithfulness, and his constant presence that we can stand firm.”
Please continue to pray for Haiti.