Haiti has changed a lot since we moved here in 2010. Some for the better and some for the worse. On May 4th, 2021, Senator Lambert reluctantly recommended that an armed foreign military intervention is now necessary to restore security in Haiti. This recommendation does not come lightly and is not what Haiti wants, but unfortunately may be what Haiti needs. In April 2021 it was reported by the Center for Analysis and Research in Human Rights (CARDH) that there were 91 kidnappings in the country. And these are only the ones reported, the actual number is likely much higher. The fear and insecurity generated by these heinous acts has caused the US State department to keep Haiti at the highest security level #4, which recommends “Do Not Travel.” Large numbers of expats, missionaries, and wealthy Haitians have left Haiti permanently. In addition, many diaspora trips and mission teams have stopped coming which has caused the tourism sector to really struggle.
The cause and solution are unbelievably complex, how can Haiti or any third world country move forward from such a seemingly hopeless situation. Politics, greed, and corruption obviously all play a significant role in the current failed state. I would sum up the challenges that Haitians face to desperation. When any person is put in the desperate situation that Haitians face daily their mentality turns to survival at any cost, as opposed to civic prosperity.
Haitians are constantly seeking opportunities OUT of Haiti. Why? Most are seeking a better, safer life. A life where they can get a JOB.
This week it was reported that there were 6 flights from Haiti to Suriname where more than 600 Haitians sought asylum. The Suriname government reacted by suspending all flights into the country from Haiti until they can figure out why this suddenly happened. Last week a boat carrying 29 Haitians washed ashore on Delray Beach, FL. Everyone was arrested and the Haitians will be repatriated (sent back to Haiti). This is the 4th boat full of Haitians migrants that the US coast guard has intercepted near Florida this year. The Dominican Republic is patrolling the DR/Haiti boarder with drones, helicopters, motorcycles and ATVs. This is only a small example of the desperation of Haitians to flee Haiti.
Despite the insurmountable challenges Haiti is not a terrible place. The vast majority of the security issues are centered in the capital Port au Prince. In most of the outlying, rural areas, life is the same as it has been for years. New Roots Haiti is committed to improving the life of families. Our main tool for this is sustainable, economic, development. We BELIVE that by bringing in strategic investments we can help LIFT Haiti up, giving it a hand up instead of a hand out. When people experience success in life they no longer feel the need to do things like join gangs, riot, or take overloaded boats to Florida.
We cannot change all of Haiti, but we can and ARE changing a village known as Chiron. We will be part of a new generation where more effort is put towards creating value with what God has blessed us with. We want the youth in our community to have parents that are a part of their lives. Parents that have NOT needed to legally or illegally immigrate to foreign countries. Parents who are hard workers, are providers, are part of building a healthy community.
In Luke we read the parable of the Good Samaritan:
The Parable of the Good Samaritan
25 And behold, a lawyer stood up to put him to the test, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” 26 He said to him, “What is written in the Law? How do you read it?” 27 And he answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.” 28 And he said to him, “You have answered correctly; do this, and you will live.”
29 But he, desiring to justify himself, said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” 30 Jesus replied, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who stripped him and beat him and departed, leaving him half dead. 31 Now by chance a priest was going down that road, and when he saw him he passed by on the other side. 32 So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33 But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was, and when he saw him, he had compassion. 34 He went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he set him on his own animal and brought him to an inn and took care of him. 35 And the next day he took out two denariic] and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, ‘Take care of him, and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back.’ 36 Which of these three, do you think, proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?” 37 He said, “The one who showed him mercy.” And Jesus said to him, “You go, and do likewise.”
Nikki and I don’t live in Haiti to grow chickens or to teach kids soccer. 
We live here to pour out our best compassion on a country that the World ignores. We are not satisfied to give part of ourselves, but we are compelled to pour every bit of our blessings onto our neighbors. We pray that every one of our neighbors someday can enjoy the blessing of going to bed every night with a full stomach, every child has the opportunity to go to school, every parent has the blessing of knowing that they are meeting the needs of their children and that ever person knows that there is eternal life. Each day, with your help, we are one day closer to this goal. Thank you for allowing us to be here doing this work.