Please join us in praying for our friends in the rural communities of Haiti. These communities are bracing for the impact of the protests and strikes taking place in Port-au-Prince.
On Monday, February 1, the Miami Herald reported a nationwide strike. Reportedly, this was the first day of a two-day transportation strike. Businesses, schools and banks were closed, paralyzing much of Haiti’s infrastructure.
Protestors are demanding the resignation of President Jovenel Moise. The former President left office in 2016 leaving the office vacant. A provisional president was appointed in 2016 until Moise assumed power. As he took office, he held less than 10% of the popular vote and allegations of corruption surrounded him. The opposition argues that the provisional president used the first year of Moise’s 5 year term that will end on Monday, February 7 of this year. Moise says that his term will not end until February of 2022. The situation has sparked a nationwide strike which is causing a huge ripple effect for the communities outside of the capital city.
In December, VOA News spoke to one young man who was protesting who said “Our living conditions are worse than animals!…we don’t even have enough food to eat!” Opposition leaders are urging the current president to step down on February 7, but the president has insisted that his term does not end until February 2022.
Due to the strikes and protests in Port-au-Prince, gasoline trucks can’t get through to replenish empty gas stations in rural areas. Countless numbers of supply trucks are unable to bring essential supplies to these communities.
Our local liaison, Enel Thomas, told us that the gas stations near Mirebalais are empty. There are a few men selling gas on the sidewalks demanding outrageous prices per gallon ($160 Haitian dollars; the normal cost is $40), and there are very few cars on the streets.
Local markets are running low on essential supplies like rice, beans, oil and charcoal. The private markets near the town of Mirebalais have closed, but one public market has opened to help serve the community.
“Jesus knew all about uncertain times, government corruption, and crowds of people who could influence outcomes. After all the crowds demanded for Pilate to give them Barabbas, and sent Jesus to a bloody cross – all based on lies (see Matthew 27:11-16). The same Jesus who suffered on the cross for the sins of all mankind, also said in John 14:27, ‘Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.'”
Please join us in praying for “peace” in Haiti. Peace in the hearts of Christians who are loving their neighbors, during difficult time. Please join us in praying for the peace that only Jesus can bring.
