PORT-AU-PRINCE—Haiti has been terribly tossed about during the past two or three months by a majority, namely the industrial and commercial sectors and the universities and public schools, which didn’t want any more of President Jean-Bertrand Aristide.
By violently demonstrating every day in the streets, it ended up with the president’s resignation on Feb. 29.
Believe it or not, that was not the end, but the beginning of the crisis. From Sunday morning, Feb. 29, when the news came that the president was out of his office, to the moment I am writing this note (March 11), the wealth that has been looted, destroyed or burned down, is estimated at $350 million, according to one reporter.
That was the reaction of the Aristide supporters to whom he had distributed heavy weapons. Many people are reported to have been killed during a street demonstration today. But also today, a new prime minister has been named, and a new government is to take over this weekend.
This situation has affected church attendance because in some areas it is not safe to leave home for long because some groups demonstrate with violence every once in a while. I stay in touch with most of the members living around the capital and no damage is recorded so far. But schools and universities are closed all over the country.
Members stay confident in God, and we are grateful for your prayers and support. With much gratitude I want to especially mention some financial assistance from our sister churches in Indiana pastored by David Perry and those from brothers and sisters in California.
May God continue to bless you all.
Copyright © Worldwide Church of God, 2004