This is the update we dread writing. We would love to only share the good news.

But...

Our beloved Haiti is hurting. The people we love and serve are hurting.

They need you. We need you.

The difficulties that Haiti has faced over the last few years have risen to alarming levels. Every-time I feel like we have taken a collective gasp of fresh air, another crisis unfolds. Since the assassination of the president in July, Incidents of violence and kidnappings have continued to escalate and are impacting everyday life for all. Food and fuel prices are skyrocketing. Food is in short supply. Fuel is nearly impossible to find.

A group of 17 American & Canadian missionaries including men, women, and children was kidnapped and is being held for $17 million USD ransom. Unbelievably shocking and heartbreaking. We have no words for the depth of our horror and heartache about this situation.

Injustice reigns. Oppression is suffocating.

Everything feels broken and people are hurting so deeply. They are frustrated. Worried. Fearful. Angry. Grieving.

Yet... they are clinging to hope and demanding change.

People have taken to the streets and marched in peaceful protest to demand the release of the kidnapped missionaries. Tired of the injustice. Tired of the violence. They want their voices to be heard that they want peace and they want safety for themselves and for guests of their country.

Fuel truck & fuel station owners went on countrywide shutdown to demand security for their drivers, workers and stations. Tired of the insecurity and violence.... they aren't delivering fuel or opening their stations until they can be assured of their safety.

Taptap & moto drivers went on transportation strike. Tired of living in fear that they are next to be robbed or kidnapped. Unable or unwilling to pay $10/gallon for fuel. They are refusing to drive.

Worker's unions across the country have called for "femen peyi" (closed country) and are stopping work on Monday. Tired of fearing for their lives just trying to get to work. Tired of injustice, insecurity, violence. They will be going on workstops to demand an increase in security and put an end to the violence, kidnapping, robbery, etc.

It all feels overwhelming.

What can we do?

Galatians 6:2 says "Carry one another's burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ"

Matthew 11:28-30 says “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

We are encouraged by Scriptures to continue pressing ahead.

Hebrews 12:1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,

Galatians 6:9, NLT So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.

Philippians 3:13
Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead.

So we continue to....

• press forward into all that God has called us to.

• listen to the needs of the people and the direction of the Holy Spirit to pivot and serve as needed.

• partner with families to provide education, tutoring, kid's club.... education creates change and hope.

• work towards the future.

• seek God's face and remember His promises.

• pray and ask God to direct our steps

And in the midst of it all, we worship God and thank Him for His goodness, His provision, and His protection. And we press forward with hope.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.

Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.

We stand on and declare over our loved ones the promise found in:

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Psalm 23:1-4 "The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters, He restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me."

Most importantly, we look to God. We lean into His presence. And we pray. And we ask that you join us.

Pray for:

• Wisdom in decision-making for all those leading and serving in Haiti (us included).

• Safety and protection in travel and ministry for all.

• Pastors and those involved in church leadership.

• Our staff, friends, fellow missionaries and loved ones in Haiti.

• Repentance from those involved in the violence and kidnappings.

• Protection for the 17 currently being held

• Resolution and release of those kidnapped

• Peace to reign in the country and the hearts of everyone.

• Changed lives through Jesus.

Will you pray this with us? Will you help us stand in the gap and carry our beloved Haiti in this way?

Peace and love,

Dave and Elizabeth