Hope Force International (HFI) has been serving in Haiti since the 2010 earthquake devastated the island nation. Over the years, we’ve hosted multiple teams from across the USA and beyond — many who return year after year. Repeat visits have a particularly meaningful impact on Sous Savanne — the rural community we serve which was at the epicenter of the earthquake, and where 90% of homes were lost.  Many children in the village have grown up welcoming visiting teams, and they look forward each summer to the VBS that has become a part of their tradition.

This year, there are many disappointed people in Sous Savanne — especially the children. Due to heightened political unrest, virtually all of our 2019 teams had to cancel their trips. The U.S. State Department placed Haiti on the highest possible alert, and told all U.S. citizens that they should not come to the country. In fact, in these situations, emergency travel and evacuation insurance policies are null and void; not a good place to be when outside your native country.

The loss of teams has been felt strongly by the people of Sous Savanne, and has negatively impacted the financial stability of HFI’s ministry in Haiti. Rene & Marianne Lako, HFI Haiti Directors, continue to serve through carrying out the commitments of our Child Sponsorship Program — ensuring completion of our HFI Houses of Hope and many other programmatic efforts. However, our pressing felt need is to compensate for the loss of funds generated by visiting teams.

Attached to this communication are two, one-page proposals, outlining our financial needs and an appeal for your help. As you prayerfully consider this opportunity, please think about forwarding this communication to others that you think may be interested.

Thank you to all who have partnered with us over the years to bring help and hope to the people of Sous Savanne and surrounding communities. We are truly grateful for you!