A 2008 Peaceful Holiday Season in Haiti
The Haitian people were craving for a peaceful holiday season. It finally happened last December. No gunshots were heard during the month. The UN and police forces invaded the streets, thus keeping their promises of helping the people to enjoy a peaceful Christmas and First of the year. According to Henry Brousseau, HCM administrator and the pastor of the Primitive Church, “the streets were calm. The people feasted without incident. They ate food together, sang to the Lord and prayed together.” Jonas Dorlus linked with a sigh of joy and great satisfaction in telling the story of that peaceful Christmas. For the church in Florida, it was a total nightmare of people gathered to worship both for Christmas and New Year.
Knowing what went on for the last four years since 2003, the people had all the reasons in the world to enjoy this past Christmas season. The prayers of the saints work. The Haitian people are thankful for the unselfish prayers of loyal friends abroad. The services lasted until midnight in some churches and in others until one o’clock in the morning. What a joy! Not only had they prayed, but they also ate to their fill as churches and friends sent money in wishing them a season of peace. That reminds me of the year when IDES gave a grant and we fed over 2000 people in just one church. One of the ladies named Leslie came and said: “I never thought I would eat a meal for Christmas. Now I am full and happy. I thank you, Pastor Prophete, and IDES.” That was the last time we were able to have a feast-meal until last December. The thugs invaded the streets but freedom rang again last December. Thank you, Jesus.
Christmas is one of the holidays in Haiti coupled with Voodoo. So the Christians went to church and the Voodoo people went to their badji (shanties for idol worship). Years ago only the Voodoo people celebrated as they also played a role in kidnapping, torturing and killing. Last December, everybody had the chance to participate. We give glory to God and send thanks to all our supporters who prayed and sent money for the people to have the break.
New Year Day is another holiday observed in Haiti. The Christians pray till midnight, sing to the Lord and wish each other ‘Happy New Year’ afterward. Then they go home and eat pumpkin soup. First of the year is the Independence Day for Haiti. So it is another day of celebration. It is also a period when the witch doctors threaten to kill their followers if they do not pay their dues. Some of them allow until January 6th called Magi Day to pay. Other than that, they will pull the plug and death would be the result. This is a way to keep the people under fear. Christ came to deliver us from servitude (Heb.2:15). So when someone becomes a Christian, he feels free from the snares of the witch doctors. He is happy. What a privilege to be a Christian! We praise God on your behalf for helping us preach the gospel in Haiti. It means freedom to many Haitians.
With the KINGDOM in mind, the best is yet to come.
Etienne Prophete
HCM Executive Director
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