Haiti in the News

Beautiful shoreline near Jean Rabel in Haiti

Some of the wonderful Haitian people that we've served beside.

Dear Friends and Family,

Haiti has been in the news the last few days.  Yesterday was the eighth anniversary of Haiti's 2010 earthquake.  It feels very different to remember Douz Janvye (Haitian Kreyol for January 12, the unofficial name given by the Haitian people to the 2010 earthquake).  We remember the faces and personalities of cherished friends lost, but also the amazing way in which God protected and provided for our family and others.  Douz Janvye is an experience that has defined a generation and has redefined the life values for those who survived it.

Haiti was also in the news lately because of President Trump's comments regarding Haitian (and African) immigrants.  The President's injudicious characterization is nothing new--many have tended to focus on the material poverty and political dysfunction of Haiti.  However, there is much to appreciate about Haiti, especially the resilient, industrious and passionate Haitian people, some of whom have been among the hardest working immigrants in the United States and Canada, saving and sending hundreds of millions dollars of their hard-earned dollars back to family in Haiti.  We personally know Haitians in the US who work three jobs to build a life here and save for family in Haiti.  Our hope and prayer is that despite contentious politics, Christ-follows will encourage appreciation for God's image in all kinds of people, especially the beautiful people of Haiti.

Below is a statement from the Christian Reformed Church:

"The Christian Reformed Church is Haitian, Latin American, Asian, European, North American, and African.  The CRCNA believes that all people are image-bearers of God, full of dignity.  The CRCNA is against racism.  The CRCNA is pro-immigrant.  The CRCNA declares that our whole world belongs to God, and is worthy of respect.  We condemn actions and words that say otherwise."