Following the assassination of Haiti’s president in 2021, violent gangs forcibly took control. Today, gangs continue to wreak havoc on innocent people, burning police stations, taking over seaports, the airport, banks, and neighborhoods, shooting at planes, destroying businesses and homes, and murdering many innocent people. In 2023, 8,400 people were killed, injured, or kidnapped. In 2024, the number of innocent lives taken continues to rise.

On August 6, one of our Haitian teammates was brutally murdered by gangs in Haiti as ongoing unrest continues to escalate. We mourn the loss of our brother and friend—a man completely dedicated to the mission of bringing joy and purpose to orphaned and vulnerable children, and families. His impact on our team and the countless lives he touched will never be forgotten.

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”—Psalm 34:18

In response to this devastating news, many of you are asking, “What can I do to help?” Maybe you feel a sense of restlessness and are beginning to wonder, “What can someone miles away possibly do to make a difference in such a hopeless situation?” 

God has a plan to destroy evil once and for all, but until Jesus returns, He calls us to care for those in need: orphans, widows, the poor, prisoners, and those who are sick. Right now, Haiti is in need. Her people need your care and, more than anything, the hope of the Gospel.

Here are three things you can do to help: 

1. Will You Pray Boldly for an End to Gang Violence? 

The safety and well-being of the children and communities we serve remain our highest priority. We are closely monitoring the situation and are taking all necessary precautions to ensure the security of those we’re committed to protect. But we also need your prayers! 

• Pray for an end to gang violence in Haiti. 
• Pray for the protection of the orphaned and vulnerable children we serve and the staff who serve them. 
• Pray for wisdom and guidance for those making decisions about evacuations and other security measures. 
• Pray for comfort for all those grieving the loss of loved ones. 
• Above all, pray that more people in Haiti will receive the hope of the Gospel in these devastating times. 

Take these things to the Lord in your quiet time, pray for them around the dinner table, bring them to your small groups, and pray for them with your church. God hears our prayers and is working through them. 

2. Will You Start a Conversation with Friends and Family? 

Since Haiti is no longer at the forefront of the news in the U.S., many people have forgotten the severity of the ongoing unrest. When we neglect to remember that thousands of innocent lives are being taken, it’s easy to look away and focus on other problems. 

But by retelling the stories of the children we serve and our courageous Haitian staff, you can remind friends and family that Haiti is still worth saving. 

Try having a conversation with friends or family. Ask them what they know about Haiti. Share some of the things you are learning. Let it be an opportunity to contemplate what life might look like if you and your family lived in Haiti today. 

3. Will You Prayerfully Consider Giving to Support Crisis Relief in Haiti? 

Money never guarantees security; only God protects. But what your gift can do is provide the means to purchase resources and supplies that will aid in more advanced, longer-lasting protection from gangs. Our teams in Haiti have ongoing needs of food, fuel, medical supplies, and other basic needs, all of which your gift can help provide. Amidst horrific violence and unrest, these supplies make a huge difference. 

Thank you for caring and for doing everything you can to help. You are an encouragement to us, the children we serve, and our entire team.