Christian Mission South Haiti
                     760 Washington Avenue
                          Alton, IL 62002


          Current Update as of November 5, 2023

 

Dear Beloved Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We pray that this message finds you well and surrounded by His peace. As always, we are deeply grateful for your continued prayers, support, and love.

However, we write to you today with heavy hearts, burdened by the escalating crisis in Haiti. Armed gangs have now taken complete control of our capital, Port-au-Prince, and their influence is rapidly spreading, gaining ground in the northern regions and making their way south. The violence has escalated to unspeakable levels, with innocent lives lost, families displaced, and entire communities living in fear. The situation grows more dire with each passing day, as the gangs continue to tighten their grip on our country.

In the midst of this overwhelming chaos, our ministry continues to serve with faith and determination, but we cannot do this alone. Christian Mission South Haiti is in urgent need of your prayers and financial support now more than ever. Despite the hardships we face, we remain steadfast in our mission to serve those who are most vulnerable, especially our children, the elderly, and those who have lost everything in the ongoing violence.

We are still struggling with the financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the aftermath of the 2021 earthquake. Our resources remain severely limited, and we continue to face challenges that seem insurmountable. Our school teachers, who are vital to the education and future of the next generation, are still unable to receive regular pay. This has placed tremendous strain on their families and has hindered our ability to continue offering quality education to our students.

The need for transportation remains critical. For over two years, we have been praying and hoping for a pickup truck and motorcycle to aid in our ministry, particularly for the congregation in the more remote areas far from the city. These tools are essential for our pastors and leaders to reach those in need, to bring the Gospel to the far corners of the country, and to continue our outreach efforts despite the growing danger.

Additionally, we are facing mounting costs as we consider attending the International Conference of Missions in Oklahoma this year. We would need to cover expenses for travel, accommodation, and securing a booth for our ministry to connect with potential supporters. We do this with the hope that more hearts will be moved to stand with us in this challenging season, but we are aware that these funds may not be easily available.

We humbly ask for your help in three specific areas:

1. Prayers: Please continue to lift us up in prayer, especially for those suffering from violence and displacement. Pray for our pastors, teachers, and church leaders, who are on the front lines of this spiritual battle, ministering to the brokenhearted, the poor, and the oppressed. Pray for the safety of our families and for an end to the gang violence that is tearing apart our nation.

2. Financial Support: Our ministry is in urgent need of funds to cover the costs of paying our teachers, supporting our clinics, and continuing essential repairs to our churches and buildings. We ask you to consider making a sacrificial gift, no matter how large or small, to ensure that we can continue serving our people and bringing hope in a time of great despair.

3. Partnership: If God is leading you, we also ask for your help in spreading the word about our ministry. Please share this letter with others in your church, community, or network who may feel called to join us in this work. Together, we can make a difference for the Kingdom of God in Haiti.
    

If you are led to support our ministry financially, please send your donations to:

Christian Mission South Haiti
760 Washington Avenue
Alton, Illinois 62002

Every gift, no matter the size, is a blessing and will directly help us continue this vital work. We cannot express enough how much your partnership in prayer and support means to us. We are grateful for your love and your willingness to stand with us as we continue to spread the Gospel of Christ in the midst of a storm.

Finally, we ask that you remember the specific needs of individuals and churches in our care. Pray for:

• Jean A. Lusma and his family, who continue to face immense pressure and emotional strain.

• Alex Lusma, my second eldest son, who remains active in ministry despite the growing dangers.

• Saurel Augustin, who is mourning the loss of his mother.

• Renaudin Church, which is grieving the loss of a beloved deacon.

• Ceide Church, as they continue their construction efforts under challenging circumstances.

• Chalette Church, for stability in this turbulent time.

• Bergeaud Church of Christ, which has many families in need of prayer.

• All those still living in tents since the earthquake of 2021.

We cannot express enough how much your partnership in prayer and support means to us. We are grateful for your love and your willingness to stand with us as we continue to bring hope and the Gospel to those in desperate need. We trust that God will provide what we need through His people, and we remain hopeful in His promises, knowing that He sees and knows our needs even before we ask.

In His service,
Jean Alix Lusma
Field Director, Christian Mission South Haiti