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Today was another full day in Jérémie. We returned to the Community Hope Center to continue work on the church roof, with several of the guys heading out early to beat the heat.
Shawn spent the morning with 10 Haitian pastors, discussing the challenges they face in their churches and providing some pastoral training. It was encouraging to see how engaged they were. Afterwards, four pastors each received a motorcycle. A group of 12 Christian business leaders also joined us for an interactive training and discussion led by members of our team.
Meanwhile, the Hope Center was buzzing with activity as several hundred children returned to school and filled the classrooms.
The afternoon brought a much more sobering experience as a small group of us visited the local prison. The conditions were almost impossible to comprehend. A prison built for 50 people is now housing around 500, with as many as 70 people crowded into cells designed for seven. There is little ventilation, no fans or air conditioning, and the heat is unbearable. People have even died from heat stroke.
The justice system is badly broken, leaving some people in these conditions for years while waiting for their cases to be dealt with, sometimes for very minor thefts. They are housed alongside people accused of much more serious crimes.
Mark has developed a relationship with the prison director through his food program and other support for the prison. We were even able to give the director a motorcycle, which he gratefully received. While these efforts help, the needs are overwhelming.
One verse came to mind as we walked through the prison:
“Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body.” — Hebrews 13:3
It was a sobering reminder of our calling to remember those who suffer, and of how much we need the Lord’s mercy.
After some rest, we heard from Amrey, Mark’s daughter, who shared her testimony and her dream of building a hospital in Jérémie. Through the Haiti’s Heroes Hospital Ministry she founded, her team regularly cares for sick children at the local hospital. Having seen their work firsthand, we were inspired by their dedication. Sadly, we also learned that one of the twin babies we saw at the hospital yesterday had passed away. A heartbreaking reminder of just how fragile life can be here.
We ended the day under a clear, cooler evening sky, grateful for the opportunities we had today and preparing for a busy day of riding and projects tomorrow.
Oh ya - and Happy Birthday Shawn!
