By Ben McEachenTuesday 28 May 2024Hope MorningsNewsReading Time: 4 minutes
Haiti is one of the most lawless, violent and unstable countries in the world.
Key points
- Around 100 gangs are believed to be fighting to control Haiti’s capital Port-au-Prince.
- “When we pray… ‘Give us today our daily bread’, for most Haitians… they mean it,” Abbel said.
- “The whole country suffers the ripple effect of the instability happening,” Abbel said.
- Compassion International works to bolsters children in the love of Jesus as “change agents for the future”.
- Hear the full conversation in the listener above.
While our news feeds are regularly filled with Russia/Ukraine warfare or Israel and Gaza conflict, other parts of the planet are also dangerous and deadly.
About 100 gangs are believed to be fighting to control Haiti’s capital Port-au-Prince, after a power vacuum was left by Prime Minister Ariel Henry being forced out in March.
This attack upon authority is fuel for a destructive fire following years of natural, social and economic disasters which have plagued the Carribean nation.
Violence is rife, inflation is near 50 per cent and unemployment has ballooned.
Tuesday, May 28, is World Hunger Day.
Around 100 gangs are believed to be fighting to control Haiti’s capital Port-au-Prince.
What this international day of combatting food shortage means in Haiti is the same as every other day.
Almost half the population doesn’t have enough food to eat.
In gang-controlled areas, many households eat just one meal per day.
Abbel Joseph is Senior Manager of Program Support for Compassion International, based in Haiti.
He told Hope Mornings about the disturbing situation for the most vulnerable, including children, what has caused Haiti’s woes and what the future could hold – with Australia’s help.
Children
“We have thousands of people here, particularly children, affected by the situation,” Abbel said.
“When we pray The Lord’s Prayer and we say, ‘Give us today our daily bread’, for most Haitians… they mean it.”
Working with local churches to support the most vulnerable, Compassion distributes everything from food packs to financial assistance, hygiene kits, housing, healthcare and mental/emotional support.
Despite the dangers, such assistance is provided to offset or counter the damage done by daily life in Haiti.
Abbel highlighted the plight of children growing up amid gang violence and economic woe.
“When we pray… ‘Give us today our daily bread’, for most Haitians… they mean it,” Abbel said.
“Children are at high risk of insecurity because there is shooting in many areas in Port-au-Prince.”
“Sometimes they need to flee their community so they can shelter [elsewhere].
Along with their schooling being smashed, the “lawless” environment steadily poses the “risk of all kinds of abuse…”
Causes
Abbel was able to quickly summarise the years of “instability” experienced within Haiti.
“In 2010, we had a devastating earthquake.”
The 7.0 magnitude earthquake killed more than 200,000 people. Hundreds of thousands were left homeless.
A subsequent cholera outbreak killed about 10,000 people.
Out of the rubble and ruin, violent gangs became active.
“The whole country suffers the ripple effect of the instability happening,” Abbel said.
Sounding matter-of-fact, Abbel told Hope Mornings that in 2016, Hurricane Matthew smashed Haiti.
The cholera outbreak worsened and crops were destroyed.
About 200,000 lost their homes.
When the COVID pandemic increased food insecurity and income loss, President Jovenel Moïse was assassinated in 2021.
“This year, we had an increased in violence where gangs are controlling a major part of the capital city, Port-au-Prince, and some areas outside as well,” Abbel said.
“Port-au-Prince is located in the centre of the country.
“Everything that goes in and out of Port-au-Prince is affected.
“The whole country suffers the ripple effect of the instability happening.”
Hope
When asked what he thought the future held for Haiti, Abel said God provides the strength and reason to be hopeful.
He quoted Psalm 46:1-2 like a mantra for Haitians: “God is our refuge and strength and ever-present help in trouble.”
“Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains full into the heart of the sea.”
Abbel was pleased to let us know that even amid such violence and suffering, “the church remains stable in the communities”.
Part of Compassion International’s focus upon children is to bolster them in the love of Jesus as “change agents for the future”.
Abbel knows this. As a child, he was sponsored through Compassion and is grateful to continue to serve his community through its humanitarian programs.
Compassion International works to bolsters children in the love of Jesus as “change agents for the future”.
When it comes to providing assistance from the other side of the world, prayer is the first thing Abbel asked Australians to do for Haiti.
“Please pray for protection of children, youth, families, volunteers and staff effected by the violence
“Pray for courage and safety for churches, pastors, church leaders, and volunteers.
“Pray for a solution to the crisis and an end to the violence.
“Pray for leadership to stand up and provide direction and stability for Haiti.”
Abbel also encouraged us to financially support Compassion International and its effort to care for the most vulnerable in Haiti.
Listen to the full interview with Abbel Joseph in the player above.
Feature image: Photo by CanvaPro