Haiti (MNN) — Haiti's elections have been delayed yet again amidst efforts to reform the country's constitution. While things have been relatively peaceful for some time, there are concerns that this might kick up instability.
Unrest in the past has been of some concern, but it is unlikely to affect the annual For Haiti with Love Christmas party. For Haiti's Roseline DeHart explains, "We usually have about 500 people there, and we feed them rice and beans and chicken, and then we give them a brand new toy–for the kids. All the people in town have been planning for this party since January."
What makes this special, says Eva DeHart, is that "they'll all get something brand new for Christmas that is something that they would like, instead of something that they need for survival."
The Christmas party began 1988. Ministry founder Don DeHart felt it would be nice to invite the sponsored families and families of helpers and watchmen to the ministry campus, serve them something to drink, give them a bit to eat and present them with their gifts.
That was all it took. Every Christmas since, For Haiti With Love has hosted a Christmas party for poverty-stricken children and their parents in Northern Haiti.
After a year of planning, preparations are finally ready. On Christmas Day, hundreds arrive at the party site in their best clothes.
DeHart says this event is the highlight of the year for many. That's even more true as the attendees hear the Gospel, some for the first time. "Before they eat, they sing and pray, and we tell them the story (of the birth of Christ) to show the people God's love and celebrate Jesus' birthday. Pray that it all goes smoothly."
