Please Pray for Haiti

UN forces in Haiti (Credit: Catalyst Planet)

The crisis in Haiti continues.

This year, more than 5,000 people have been killed by gang violence. It’s estimated that those gangs control around 85% of Port-au-Prince (the capital city), and reports of terrible atrocities are emerging from those areas.

Despite the arrival of international security forces, there has been little relief for most Haitians. Methodist congregations are amongst those suffering. Downtown Port-au-Prince is now effectively out of bounds, which makes the Central Methodist Church inaccessible. Pupils at the large Methodist secondary school have been forced to move to another school in another part of the city.

Many people are struggling to provide food for their families. Even in a country known for its resilience in the face of disaster, this prolonged period of chaos is sapping the strength and hope of the Haitian people.

Port-au-Prince

In 2024, Irish Methodists have sent more than £25,000 (€30,300) to support our Haitian brothers and sisters. These funds are a fraction of what is needed, but we hope they have made a small contribution to helping our Methodist family.

Even more important than money is prayer. Please continue to pray for the situation in Haiti.

 Pray for:

·      Families who have been displaced, children whose schools have been moved to escape danger, and congregations that have had to find safer places to gather in worship.

·      A stable Government, with leaders of integrity who will guide the nation toward unity and renewal.

·      Police and security services, as they work to restore peace.

·      Gang leaders and members, that their hearts would be changed and their lives freed from the grip of criminality and violence.

·      The Methodist Church in Haiti, who are reaching out to others even whilst suffering themselves. Give them strength, bless their efforts and let their faith be an inspiration and a source of hope.

·      Rev Jean Lesly Dorcély (Bishop of the Methodist Church in Haiti), and all ministers and lay people who work alongside him.