How Is COVID-19 Affecting Haiti?
As we all pray, watch and wait during this Covid-19 pandemic, Haiti now has 40 confirmed cases and 3 deaths nationwide. Due to the lack of testing available in the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, we realize these numbers may be much higher, but this is what’s available. However, we continue to pray for God’s mercy to be upon Haiti during this crisis and spare this under-developed country lacking medical and basic infrastructure the horrible effects of this virus.
We are in close contact with our CIDM staff and they’ve reported that two of the three corona virus cases that were in Jacmel, have now returned home from the hospital and are recovering. Praise the Lord for this! Along with closing all schools, borders, most factories, mandated curfews and 6 ft social distancing, the Haitian government recently issued a stay-at-home order to prevent the virus from spreading.
There’s now an uncomfortable hush throughout Jacmel as streets are no longer lined with vendors selling bread, pate or sugar cane under make-shift umbrellas. The usual honking of vehicle horns while navigating the chaotic traffic jams are nearly silenced. Large overcrowded tap taps are no longer on the roads delivering essential goods from Port A Prince to keep Jacmel’s food and essential items stocked for selling and consumption.
WHAT HUGE PROBLEM IS THE “PREVENTION” CAUSING?
Non-essential stores are closed including the most crowded place in town, the marketplace (“mache” in Creole). The familiar bargaining chatter and shoulder to shoulder “inchways” at the marketplace are now non-existent.
Having the marketplace closed has brought about a huge problem because the typical Haitian sells, barters, trades and/or purchases their wares and daily portion of food for the day. Without it, they cannot obtain the meager food to feed their families. There’s a few grocery stores open, but the prices are very expensive, making it impossible for them to shop there.
Due to this, starvation is a stark reality within the hundreds of youth and families whom CIDM touch on a weekly basis.
HOW IS CIDM MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN THIS
CRISIS?
Two weeks ago we sent $2,000 to purchase food for the needy in our reach and we made the need known to you.
Due to your overwhelming response, we were able to purchase another $2,000 in food. Our staff have now done two food distributions to the most needy in our ministry.
READ THIS WOMAN’S STORY OF GOD’S FAITHFULNESS – ONE CUP OF CORN
“In the night I had a cup of corn. I cooked it and shared it with my family. In my bed I was thinking about what am I going to give the kids. Fortunately in the morning I received a message from CIDM to come by and get some food. Thank you, Jesus for providing food for us.”
We can’t thank you enough for being with us in this – we are all struggling and yet you still chose to give. You still chose to be a part of a bigger story. You chose to think of your neighbor, your brother and sister in Christ who are only 415 miles south of Florida. It’s because of you that many now have hope, showing them the love of Jesus practically in their desperate needs.
If you’d like to be a partner in helping provide food in the weeks ahead for these needy people, please click here. Any size of donation is much appreciated. We know the food each person receives will make a great impact in their lives, pointing them to Christ Jesus and His care and love for them.Give generously to the poor, not grudgingly, for the Lord your God will bless you in everything you do. Deuteronomy 15:10