The day finally came. The day we hoped would never happen but knew was coming…Our family, kids and staff had to evacuate Charrier. Almost everyone in our town had to leave everything behind and run.
I had a hard time getting myself to write this email. I think that’s because writing it out and sharing it with more people makes it all the more real.
About two weeks ago we got the call that the gangs moved into LaChapelle, a town about 15 minutes from our compound in Haiti. We knew right away that we had to evacuate everyone. We arranged with Zacharie’s brother to have everyone go stay in his compound in Mountrious. The men stayed on the property and began preparations to depart. The women and children went to stay at someone’s house off the main road until daylight. They buried items underground that couldn’t be taken along but did not want to be stolen. They packed up the necessities and left at sunrise for Mountrious (a 2 hour drive). Praise the Lord, they made it safely there by midday the next day.
But what they left behind…We’ve shed a lot of tears for what they left behind. I’m trying to remind myself that belongings and buildings are just material things but you can imagine how hard it is to accept.
Soon after they left the gangs ripped through the neighborhood. Destroying some homes and occupying others. We were told that the children’s home and our personal home havent been bothered because they are far enough off the main road that gangs have not bothered with them, but they continue to be very vulnerable. Zacharie has a personal business however that is a big compound and is being used at the gang’s “hub.” It is also being used as a jail for their prisoners. The town down the road from us where we would go to market and the kids attended school has a police force and a group of locals committed to fighting against the gangs. They have been coming into Charrier day and night to fight for the area but the gangs are pushing back with vengeance. Many people have died. We’ve been told that they are throwing items from peoples homes into the street and burning it just out of spite. It’s devastating.
Here are our specific prayer requests right now:
1. For continued safety in Mountrious – the town is currently safe but this can change very quickly.
2. For protection over our property! That nothing would be stolen, broken or burned.
3. For our dogs that we had to leave behind – for their safety and for nourishment
4. For the hearts of the gangs to be transformed
5. For a Leader to be brought up in Haiti that has a heart for God, the people & the nation
6. For peace and provision over the entire country of Haiti
7. For guidance on how to proceed with our different ministries.
So what does this mean for New Life Mission? We had a board meeting last week and spent a lot of time crying, praying, and trying to answer that question…but this is what we decided: The Children’s Home is wherever the children are and the mission is for the people of Haiti therefore we are going to take one day at a time and wait on God’s leading on how to proceed. We do not know when we will be able to return home to Charrier but we know that our mission statement has not changed. Our goal to serve the people of Haiti can happen anywhere in the country.
We will soon be sending out letters about how we will be proceeding with our school sponsorship program. If you are a sponsor, please feel free to reach out with questions after you’ve received your letter.
If you feel led to give financially toward New Life Mission – Haiti, Inc. please click HERE.
We covet your prayers and are asking you to stand with us in faith!
Blessings to you all,
Zacharie & Stevie Estime
New Life Mission - Haiti, Inc. 