CAP HAITIEN, Haiti(BP)—Four weeks after they became trapped in Port-au-Prince, two staff members of Louisiana Reach Haiti arrived safely at the ministry’s Children’s Village in Cap Haitien.
Darrin Badon, president of Louisiana Reach Haiti, said the women left on a bus from the capital city early March 26 and took the eight-hour bus ride for a long-awaited reunion with the children and staff at the Children’s Village.
They had been living in a relative’s home since March 4, when gang activity forced them to remain inside the house.
Badon expressed gratitude for the many prayers on behalf of the women and the children and other staff of Louisiana Reach Haiti, a partnership between the Louisiana Baptist Convention, Haiti Baptist Convention, Louisiana Baptist churches and the Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home & Family Ministries.
“God protected them while they were there with family,” Badon said. “By his grace, we got them out of there today. The kids and staff were elated to see them. Lots of hugs were exchanged and we are so grateful they were brought back.
“I can’t help to think a year ago Antonio was kidnapped, and God released him on Good Friday,” continued Badon, referencing the safe return of Children’s Village Director Antonio Auguste in March 2023 after he was kidnapped by gang members in Port-Au-Prince three weeks earlier. “My prayer was on Good Friday they would be home and spend Good Friday at the church in Cap Haitien.”
Since Feb. 29, gangs in Haiti have burned police stations, attacked the country’s main airport and raided two of the nation’s largest prisons, releasing more than 4,000 inmates, the Associated Press reported.
Additionally, more than 33,000 Haitians have left Port-au-Prince. And, more than 340 U.S. citizens have been evacuated out of the country since March 17.
Continuing the share Christ’s love
While the violence continues, Badon said, Louisiana Reach Haiti continues to share the love of Christ with the children. He asked for continued prayers as they press forward.
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“Thank you for your faithfulness in praying for our children and staff,” Badon said. “Most of all, we thank our Lord and Savior for his grace, mercy and refuge in a time of need. Those ladies and many in Haiti have been in a desperate time of need.
“We are looking to hear from the Lord on how to continue making a difference in Haiti in the lives of our children and staff. And we are eager for other ways to serve.
“Despite all the hardships in Haiti, we know God has a purpose for us. We still are working to be in his will and serve the people of Haiti who face one adversity after another.”
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