Haiti has many needs. Better infrastructure. A unified government. Education for all. Food security for impoverished families. More and better jobs. The list goes on. These needs are evident in the statistics we read about Haiti:
- 78% of Haitians are poor and live on less than $2 a day.
- 54% of Haitians live in extreme poverty (less than $1 a day)
- Half of children under the age of 5 are malnourished.
- Over 7% of children die at birth.
- Over two-thirds of the labor force do not have formal jobs.
- Half of children under 5 are malnourished.
- Over 7% of children die at birth.
- 50% of primary school age children are not enrolled in school.
- One-third of girls over six never go to school.
- 37.9% of the population is unable to read or write
I’m grateful to serve with an organization like Family Health Ministries who is helping to change these statistics. The medical services and educational opportunities we provide certainly are making a difference in the lives of the children and families we serve. 2015 will be another exciting year for us as we break ground on the Family Health Center in Leogane and finish construction on the birthing center in the mountains of Fondwa. Even more Haitians will have access to life-saving surgeries and have a safe place to deliver their babies.
Even with all of these great projects, I’m convinced that one of Haiti’s biggest needs is for prayer. Prayer that our big and sovereign God will protect this fragile nation and appoint leaders who will have the wisdom and vision to make positive and sustainable changes to improve Haiti now and for years to come. Prayer for Haiti’s vulnerable children and families who are struggling to hold onto hope that things will get better. Prayers that Haiti can finally begin to break free from the shackles of her past and into a future that is bright with opportunity and progress and peace.
Here’s a video and prayer that I love from Operation World. Will you join me in praying this for Haiti?