Haiti (MNN) — The armed conflict in Haiti continues to wreak havoc, displacing thousands of families. Even so, gospel workers are determined to continue their ministry.
Julia Boharski with World Concern reports that while there are a limited number of aid workers willing to remain in Haiti, World Concern has not lost hope. “I think the resilience of people in Haiti is unmatched,” she says. “It is such a religious nation. I really think that the root of all their perseverance is a belief in God.”
(Photo courtesy of World Concern)
When Haiti won their independence from France in 1804, they became the first country to abolish slavery. Despite this legacy, it has struggled under the crushing weight of natural disasters, economic distress and political instability. The last few months have been marked by an upsurge in violence leaving 80% of Port-au-Prince controlled by gangs and over 578,000 people internally displaced.
Boharski says there is a “brain drain” occurring in Haiti, where the educated, privileged and powerful have fled the country. This leaves the most vulnerable members of society with few resources to defend themselves. World Concern staff have been risking their lives to provide Haitians with food items, shelter and medical help as well as psychosocial support.
“We’ve had staff whose houses have been overtaken,” Boharski says. “We’ve had staff who’ve lost family members and loved ones within this conflict. They still carry on as the frontlines of God’s army, there to serve the people in the greatest need, while they themselves are in need.”
Boharski encourages listeners to educate themselves on Haiti’s history of resilience as well as intercede on behalf of those remaining in the country. She says, “We have to do the best we can to be there for Haiti.”
Header photo courtesy of World Concern.
