| God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1
We cling to these truths with deep gratitude. The situation in Haiti is deteriorating rapidly. The assassination of Haiti’s President Jovenel Moïse on July 7th followed by a 7.2 earthquake on August 14th and Tropical Storm Grace on August 16th were only the beginning. Demonstrations, rioting, roadblocks, kidnappings, growing food shortages, rising food costs, and exorbitant fuel prices – currently running at $25/gallon for diesel and $30/gallon for unleaded fuel – are the new “normal”. Gangs are growing in power and controlling the release and delivery of fuel from the ports; sections of the city have been overtaken, driving inhabitants to abandon their homes, businesses, and ministries; most recently a group of 18 was kidnapped by a known-to-be vicious and violent gang, including a Haitian driver, a Canadian citizen, and 16 American citizens – including 5 children – one who is only 8 months old. Our Ministry partners, Maranatha Children’s Ministries,Updates Our Haitian staff is currently safe, although understandably unsettled. Two of our employees live in the vicinity of the above-mentioned kidnapping. Our American staff: Sue is in Haiti staying at the children’s home and helping to oversee the details of the school. Byron, Shelley, Dom, and Belle are in Idaho helping to care for Shelley’s father, Pete who is about to go meet with Jesus after a fight with brian counselors. Our school, Garden of Development, continues to serve children from ages 2 through grade 7. We have grieved as a number of our students have transferred to schools that are closer to their homes, but understand that the state of the country has driven these decisions. God has brought new children into our school, and we now have 165 students enrolled. Currently: Things are at a standstill in Port-au-Prince. The “G9” gang from Cite Soleil is not allowing any of the fuel trucks to leave the Port. There is no longer public transportation because there is not any fuel for sale. BY GOD’s GRACE we are receiving between 3 and 6 hours of EDH (city power) each evening. Between these hours of power, and the power generated by our solar panels, we have been able to keep our freezers and refrigerators running. We are no longer able to use the generators. Cell phone service and internet service have become very spotty and unreliable. Many of these companies rely on generators for their operations, and they are unable to obtain the fuel they need to run them. Prayer Requests: Continued safety for our staff and students. Continued favor with the gang in our own neighborhood. The school will be in session daily. We were unable to have classes for two days last week, and have not had class this week. God will continue to show us where and when to locate the necessary supplies, especially food supplies for the children’s home, school, and orphanages. God will stretch our resources. We will not be afraid or anxious. That God’s call on our lives will be freshly affirmed as we serve in Haiti. God goes before the Tluceks as they prepare for their return to Haiti. Our landlord has asked us to purchase the home which is rented for the Tlucek family and the school. Talk about timing. Pray for truth and justice in Haiti and in our world! Peace in the process and hope in Jesus! Update is written by Shelly Tlucek |