Haiti, a tiny tropical island sitting in the Caribbean between Cuba and Puerto Rico, is a mere 90 minute plane ride from Florida. From afar it appears as any other island one might encounter sailing the turquoise waters of the Caribbean. Yet as we draw closer we notice a difference. There are no tourist resorts dotting the coast, no high rise hotels with sand volleyball courts and marimba bands. This is Haiti…This is different.

If the land could speak it would tell of tragedy and violence, of abuse and bloodshed rooted in power and greed. The ultimate causes of Haiti’s misery are human. Mostly by a minority inside and outside Haiti who have the wealth and power to control. And they have continuously assured the destruction of Haiti’s colonial wealth and the creation and continuance of her misery.

Haiti, once called the pearl of the Antilles is the poorest nation in the Western Hemisphere and one of the poorest in the world.

• 82% of the 7.66 million Haitians live below the poverty line.
• 1 in every 5 children dies of malnutrition; dehydration and diarrhea, 27% die before their 5th birthday.
• Most eat only 1 adequate meal ever 3 days.
• 52.9% of her people are illiterate.
• Life expectancy is 51.7 years.
• 280,000 people, (5.6% of the population) are HIV positive.
• The annual income is $400.00.
• The masses do not have access to potable water so death and disease related to water is critical. 80% of all disease in Haiti is water borne.
• Only a small percent has some electricity.

Her history has brought her to where she is, but there is hope.
Luke 18:27 tells us, “Jesus replied what is impossible with man is possible with God.”