By Craig Waddell

The dire situation in Haiti is well known, with the collapse of government and the rise of gang rule there. It is currently impossible for us to visit and work in person together with our friends at the Source of Light Centre (SOLC); however, we are doing what we can to provide them with vital resources for all who are taking refuge in the Centre. Until recently, the Centre has been a safe place for the children, young adults, and staff who live there.

In the final days of February, though, the gang violence in Delmas 19 (the area of Port au Prince where the Centre is located) increased dramatically, with several homes and families in the neighborhood suffering attacks and arson. The Centre was also threatened, so those with relatives or friends outside the city departed to relatively safer places. Pastor Benford evacuated the remaining 25 minors to a nearby orphanage, where the directing pastor took them in. They sheltered in place there. The team also removed important assets to safety such as office equipment and the entire solar energy system.

As of March 7, Pastor Ronel had assessed that the situation was improved enough that the Centre could be re-inhabited. Over that weekend, the evacuated children were able to go back to the Centre with their caretakers. Remarkably, the school re-opened on Monday, March 10.  

Thank you for praying with us for the safety and mental health of our friends at the Centre. Thank you, as well, for your support: the children at the Source of Light Centre would not have food nor other necessities without your help. Since Haiti’s devastating earthquake in 2010, BGAV has worked with the Source of Light Centre. It includes a children’s home, school, vocational training center, church, and a deep water well for the neighborhood. The goal of the Centre is “to transform the neighborhood of Delmas 19 with hope, for the glory of God.” One of the ways they do that is by helping vulnerable children and young adults prepare to have a sustainable future. Please continue to pray.

Craig Waddell is BGAV’s Partnership Coordinator for the Impact Missions team.

‍