My Heart Breaks for Haiti

January 1st, 1804; a day that will forever mark history. Haitian slaves stood as the first black nation in the western hemisphere to declare their independence; a declaration that seemed impossible. How could this little commonwealth gain their independence from a French super power? Well, they did. Myself and all those of Haitian descent should be proud. This was not only a victory for Haiti but a victory for black people everywhere. This victory brought hope to many other black nations. Haiti, in that moment in history, was a light to all.

We are now 215 years later and Haiti still stands as a free country. However, some would argue that they are not. Let’s take a look at some historical facts. Upon Haiti’s independence in 1804, many nations in the world were upset. We won’t get into details but the idea of a black free nation just didn’t sit right with some. As a result of that anger, an embargo was placed on Haiti and all the super powers of that time did not recognize Haiti as a free nation (random fact the Vatican was one of the few nations to recognize Haiti as an independent nation). They therefore refused to trade with Haiti, which completely killed Haiti’s economy before it could even get started. Before Haiti got a chance to trade some of the best coffee, sugar, and other crops with the rest of the world, Haiti found itself borrowing money and being in debt; a debt that is still being paid today. Haiti was set up to fail.

My heart breaks today as I look at this nation that I love so much. This nation that I gave part of my life to. This nation that I, as a Haitian American, chose to raise my kids in for years, move my Portuguese/Irish-American wife to, to start our family. This nation which is so beautiful and has so much hope yet is being seemingly destroyed by greed, corruption, and hardened hearts. As I pray and fast for Haiti during this time of turmoil and civil unrest, the Lord placed a few things on my heart:

God is a God of promises and for over a decade the Lord has been placing on the hearts of many Christians that Haiti will be a “light to the nations.”  As Haiti stood in 1804 and shined as bright as a star it will once again stand as an example to the world. The difference this time is that Haiti needs to ensure that the source of that light is the Light himself, Jesus Christ. My prayer for Haiti is a transformation of hearts; one that leads the people to no longer sit in complacency but one that pushes them to live a life that reflects the life of Christ and a life transformed by the Gospel. It is time for a Gospel revolution in the nation of Haiti.

Please, don't give up on Haiti yet. In a new way, with increased zeal, I want to invite you to pray for Haiti. We have about a week left in Black History Month. Let us take this last week and pray hard for Haiti, fast for Haiti, ask the Lord to begin this Gospel revolution. In this last week of Black History Month, let us ask the Lord to once again turn his face to the first free black nation and to bring about true deliverance in Haiti. In the words of Pope John Paul II during his trip to Haiti in 1983, "Il faut que quelque chose change ici!" (“Something must change”). That change is only possible with the Gospel of Jesus. Haiti will be a light to all nations.

I am hopeful for this nation and I am hopeful for its people. I join my prayers with the millions of Christians praying for Haiti, petitioning our God and asking him that not in 3 days, nor a year from now, nor 5 years from now, but that today in his merciful love, that Haiti would become that light.         

 - Paul A.

Haitians protesting:
Photo Le Nouvelliste Haiti