Gang violence, kidnappings and political instability have marred the entire country of Haiti, with an especially extreme situation in the capital city of Port-au-Prince.
Multiple news organizations are reporting that the United Nations (“UN”) has sounded the alarm regarding a fresh spate of violence and kidnapping by heavily armed gangs. The gangs are reported to be in control of the entire city of Port-au-Prince, and much of the country, not state security officials.
The Associated Press (“AP”) is reporting that violent gangs have grown more powerful since the July 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moïse. Prime Minister Ariel Henry signaled last week that he was seeking to mobilize Haiti’s military to help understaffed police department(s) fight the unrelenting gang violence, which has forced an increasing number of schools and businesses to shutter. The AP news report may be read HERE.
REUTERS is also reporting in this matter, citing the UN’s renewed call for countries to “urgently consider” deploying a specialized force to Haiti, a day after families fled a fresh surge of deadly violence in the Petion-Ville suburb of the capital. The REUTERS news report may be read HERE.
CBS News is reporting that more than 530 people have been killed so far this year in gang violence, with many killed by snipers shooting victims at random. The UN has expressed its concern that extreme violence has spiraled out of control in Haiti. The CBS News report may be read HERE.
My brothers and sisters, Haiti is a country with extreme poverty and political upheaval. That said, it’s full of beautiful people made in the image and likeness of Christ, who deserve to hear and respond to the gospel. God bless those missionaries and NGOs providing critical food and medical assistance.
Sadly, many (if not most) of the missionaries and NGOs have had to leave the country as a matter of wisdom or government order, given the extreme likelihood of death, injury, kidnapping or theft in this mostly lawless country.
If you are willing, let’s pray. Father, thank You for hearing our prayer, as we come before You in the name of Jesus – with all the power and glory in His name. We plead the blood of Jesus over the country of Haiti. We bind the spirit of violence and loose the love of Christ in this land and into the hearts of those perpetrating evil! Lord, we ask for Your supernatural protection upon those who have remained to minister or who may have left because of extreme risk or injury, whether physical, emotional or spiritual. Lord, we claim the people of Haiti for Your kingdom and speak peace over the land. Show us all the way, as we exalt the name of Jesus above all names, forevermore. Amen.
Psalm 111:10 (NKJV)
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom…”.
Matthew 11:12 (NLT)
“And from the time John the Baptist began preaching until now, the Kingdom of Heaven has been forcefully advancing, and violent people are attacking it.”
Matthew 18:18 (NKJV)
“Assuredly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”
Praise Jesus forevermore!
