An Update on the Unrest
Probably more than any other question that I get concerning Haiti right now, especially from those of you who are familiar with and keep up with All Things New, is “How is Haiti?” I know this question is in regards to the recent unrest that I have been writing about, and that you are really concerned about our welfare and the welfare of all of the ATN children and employees. I want to take some time to just update you on what I know and perceive about the current situation. Here are some bullet points to get us started, and just read on for more detailed information:
- Haiti is still on a level 4 travel advisory and I am not sure that it will lessen any time soon.
- There is still no officially ratified Prime Minister as the opposition party continues to cause issues that delay the process.
- We will not be scheduling teams for the foreseeable future.
- There have been far less manifestations recently than there were before, but far more instances of gang violence, kidnapping, and theft.
- Gas shortages continue to periodically popup every couple of weeks as the country is not able to pay their debts or afford new shipments.
- The gourde continues to devalue at an alarming rate, to the point that we only exchange money as needed now because as soon as you make the exchange the currency drops in value again.
- I have no idea when or how things are going to change.
I am not writing these things to scare anyone or to speak poorly of Haiti in general, these things are just true of that nation right now. I fully believe and trust in GOD that things will change and the Haiti that we know will show herself again, but that is not the case right now.
For all of the teams that were ready to come over the past few months or that were hoping to come this summer, I wish the news was better. But we will continue to hold off on new trips for your safety and because it is the right thing to do right now. At the same time, please look for a future communication that will give you the chance to help us recoup some of our losses from the teams that we had to cancel.
Please continue to pray for Haiti and for All Things New specifically as we try to ensure the safety and welfare of our children, employees, and missionaries but at the same time we make sure that we are progressing and moving forward in our ministry. This can be a difficult balance to strike because it is human nature to move into “protection” mode when things are difficult. At the same time, our kids are getting older and it is up to us to make sure we are helping them prepare for and think about their future.
Please feel free to contact us with any questions that you have about our ministry and how things are progressing in Haiti for ATN. I know that the longer this unrest lasts, the more discouraged you (our supporters, prayer warriors, and partners) have the potential to become. Please do not let this taint how you feel about Haiti or ATN and let’s work together to ensure we are doing all that we can to take care of OUR KIDS!
If you are looking for ways to get involved during this time, here are some ideas:
- Sponsor a Child!
- Give the cost of your trip (even if you cannot come down physically, you can still have a positive impact on All Things New)
- Invite your friends to like our Facebook Page
- Purchase supplies from our School Supply Registry
- Invite us to speak at your church, Sunday School Class, small group, civic club, summer camp, etc.
- Join our upcoming 100 for 100 drive…Details will be in your inbox soon! This drive will be specifically to help us recover the losses we have experience due to the unrest.