June 25, 2020

The first case of Covid-19 in Haiti was recorded March 19, and by the next day the nation was in lockdown. Airports and schools closed, larger gatherings prohibited, a nighttime curfew, partial closing of markets and stores, and the wearing of masks in public were immediate measures taken. With schools closed, René Lako (our HFI Haiti Co-Director) has been in touch with some of the school directors in our adopted village area to encourage homework for the kids. Online education is not possible in Haiti as people lack the necessary resources.

The ministry of Hope Force International (HFI) Haiti continues in spite of the Covid-19 pandemic.  HFI Haiti Directors, René and Marianne Lako, are currently in the USA at HFI headquarters and unable to return to their home and the people they serve. Although not in Haiti, the Lakos have stayed connected with our families and local leaders in Sous Savanne. Our commitment to the Child Sponsorship Program (CSP) is being met with the help of our local staff person, Joseph. Both in April and May, we successfully managed to arrange for the food distribution through Joseph and others, and our children and families received their food and a face mask. Currently, we are making plans for this month's distribution. In their absence, progress continues on the “Houses of Hope” project where roofs have been completed, plus a latrine has been installed. 

From Rene & Marianne: “Although we want to return to Haiti as soon as possible, we trust God in this time of uncertainty. We know that He remains the same. This virus is not a surprise to Him…and we trust Him during this challenging time — confident in the fact that He is in control.”  Rene and Marianne are hoping to be able to return within the month.

Would you be willing to prayerfully consider a donation for the work and ministry of HFI in Haiti? As you can imagine, we have a number of children on our list awaiting a sponsor. During these difficult times, they are all the more vulnerable. We feel compelled to make an effort to provide temporary relief by including them in an upcoming food distribution.  Additionally, we are assessing overall health and hygiene, and want to assist the families in having a water connection installed onto their compounds.  We are seeking one-time donations to assist Hope Force International in this effort.  Long term, we would love to see more children sponsored in the Child Sponsorship Program (CSP). The commitment to become a sponsor is $34 per month.

 

In closing, we would like to ask you to join us in prayer for Haiti and the world as the battle against the Covid-19 pandemic continues.