Partner in Hope

Things are fragile in Haiti. The political and social climate, conditions for families, the economy, the wellbeing of mothers and their children and so much more. All things are fragile.

Back in late November and early December, Haiti began to calm down a bit. We suspect that some of that was simply due to the holiday season approaching. Christmas, New Years and of course, Haitian Independence Day (also occurring on January 1st) are all celebrated with ardent Haitian spirit and revelry. In our hearts, we hoped that the calm of December would set the mark for 2020. We hoped this year would leave behind the highly charged climate of 2018-2019 and would bring visitors back to Haiti to see friends and spend their dollars on Haitian goods and services. From beautiful art to finely crafted jewelry and so much more – Haitian Artisans are some of the best in the world.

Papillon Marketplace artisan with coffee mugs

As we approached Carnival season, you could sense the tension mounting. Many had hopes for a successful Carnival in Haiti as this serves as a time of celebration and often drives tourism dollars and much needed traffic into the country. Then, this past weekend, we were all saddened to see the news that tensions between the recently reinstated Haitian Army and Haitian National Police came to a head with gunshots traded downtown. The result was a call to cancel Carnival for the second year in a row due to unrest in the streets.

(AP Photo/Dieu Nalio Chery) Dieu Nalio Chery AP

We are heartbroken for a people and country we love so much. The unrest is relentless. The Haitian Spirit is passionate, graceful and in many ways, forever hopeful. Yes, many will claim that hope is gone, but Haitians rise each morning to the new day and press on. They press on with the hope that today will be a better day. A day where they will have the necessities to care for their children and a safe community to do so.

Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.
They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.

Lamentations 3:22-23

Heartline’s mission is to invest in Haitian families with the long-term goal of seeing Haitian families thrive. We pursue this mission regardless of the social and political climate. We have been through natural disasters, political upheaval and countless periods of unrest and trial. Your support, both financial and through prayer, are critical to our execution of this mission.

Along the way, we’ve had much to celebrate – over 1,000 babies at the Heartline Maternity Center, hundreds of graduates from the Heartline Education Center, the growth of our Savings Groups at the Education and Employment Campus and most recently, the arrival of Papillon Marketplace to our property with their shared vision of orphan prevention through job creation. You can read more about Papillon by checking out our February Photo of the Month Newsletter. God is working through this ministry in Haiti and you, the Heartline Family, are a critical part. Your loyal support allows us to be there for women, children and families. We will continue to press on with hope in 2020 and remain grateful that you are on this journey with us. You are a partner in hope. Thank you for hoping with us and the Haitian people.

For the needy shall not always be forgotten,and the hope of the poor shall not perish forever.

Psalm 9:18