It has been two years since we opened the doors of our Gambade Medical Clinic to patients.
There have been hard times. Almost one year has passed since our hearts were broken by the death of Mr. Valéry Célestin the clinic administrator.
More recently, there has been a shortage of fortified food supplements on which our feeding program for malnourished children depended. Sadly, our nutrition support program for children under five is temporarily suspended.
Nevertheless, the staff at the clinic remain determined to run their race with eyes fixed on the high calling of representing Jesus at Gambade on the shores of the Grande-Rivière-du-Nord.
In the capital city, our partners are living and working with limited and dwindling resources in the epicentre of gang violence. They pray for hours daily, trusting God for safety and the energy and courage to serve everyone they can. Miraculously, this small community of faith has been kept safe. They continue to be a source of hope for those around them. They offer Sunday services when it is safe, and they provide schooling, nutrition, and refuge from the gangs.
Haitians are fighting a war in which the enemy gives no quarter. The casualties of misguided aid programs are many, and so are the faith-based charities that have given up on Haiti.
I have limited knowledge of the historical context in which the current political issues play out, but I saw during my visit years ago, how the traditional beliefs and practices call for unrelenting spiritual warfare. Jesus did tell us that some spiritual battles will not be easy.
One thing is clear to me: the Haitians that EMAS Canada is privileged to work with are not giving up.
They have chosen to represent Christ among their own through healthcare, education, feeding the hungry, and providing church.
They have chosen to engage in the worthwhile fight of the faith, keeping a tight grip on the promised eternal life from Jesus. They boldly proclaim their loyalty to Him by living and serving in one of the most dangerous countries in the world.
Peter Agwa is the Executive Director of EMAS Canada. A physician and surgeon in his native Kenya, Peter has a passion for Christ-centred healthcare and has a wealth of experience both hosting and sending short-term mission teams. Subscribe to Executive Director's Blog
This blog is influenced by 1Timothy 6:12
References are taken from the New International Version (NIV)
Feature image: Photo by Heather Suggitt on Unsplash