Haiti (MNN) — With Haiti’s capital under complete control, armed gangs are now expanding their territory. Gang members stormed Mirebalais in central Haiti earlier this week, releasing more than 500 prisoners.
“No matter where you are in Haiti, you are affected, whether you are Christian or not,” says Dierf*, a Haitian man serving with Every Man A Warrior, a partner of Trans World Radio.
Gangs have taken over or destroyed schools, orphanages, courts, media outlets, and hospitals. Over 7,200 people were killed between July and February, the United Nations reports.
(Photo courtesy of TWR)
With every reason to run, believers are committed to staying put. “We want to be with these people and teach them how to handle the situation,” Dierf says.
“We are called to be right in the middle of catastrophic times and to bring light and hope for people around us.”
Dierf disciples Haitian couples using Every Man A Warrior curriculum. More about that here. “We teach them also to be the light in their community, to go out and spread the news,” Dierf says.
However, standing for Jesus puts Christian men in the crosshairs. “Anytime you want to try to influence the gang to become like God or to leave the gang and come to Christ, this will upset them,” Dierf says.
“Our men sometimes feel like they are going to be killed.”
Pray for courage and boldness for Haitian Christian men. “Pray that men would be willing to go to the field and bring that (Gospel) message to the gang,” Dierf requests.
Pray also for believers traveling throughout Haiti to do ministry. Ask the Lord to protect them from gang violence.
*Name withheld for security purposes.
In the header image, a group of men gather and sit together in prayer during an Every Man A Warrior meeting. (Photo, caption courtesy of TWR)
