Haiti (MNN) — New leaders take the helm in Haiti, marking an important transition step in retaking the Caribbean nation from gang control.
Haiti’s transitionary council appointed a new Cabinet last week to replace the one dissolved a few months ago after the Prime Minister’s resignation.
For Haiti With Love’s Makenson Saint Fleur says the new cabinet’s formation does little to change hardship on the ground. Gangs control at least 80 percent of the Haitian capital, Port-au-Prince.
“The ministry (administration) in Haiti hasn’t done anything yet regarding Haiti’s security situation,” Saint Fleur says.
“Everything is still bad; nothing is okay yet.”
More than 2,500 people have been killed or injured in gang violence so far this year, including two American missionaries murdered by gang members last month. Hope rests on the UN-backed deployment of a police force from Kenya, which is expected to arrive in the coming weeks.
In northern Cap Haitien, For Haiti With Love relies on local authorities to help it distribute food.
Food distributions
(Photo courtesy of For Haiti With Love)
“If we need security, we ask the government, and we go to each place to give food to the population,” Saint Fleur says.
“For Haiti With Love stopped the food program for six months because of political problems in downtown Cap Haitien, but now everything is almost okay in Cap Haitien. For Haiti With Love [restarted] the food program because we observed that what is happening in Haiti now is a humanitarian catastrophe.”
Pray that Haitians will experience the love of Christ as they see it displayed by Gospel workers. Pray they’ll ask questions about the God who cares for them.
“The Gospel intersects with crises in Haiti by inspiring and motivating Christians to respond with compassion, justice, and reconciliation,” Saint Fleur says.
Consider donating to support For Haiti With Love’s ongoing relief efforts.
Header image courtesy of For Haiti With Love.
