Haiti has been politically and legally free since 1804. Haiti is the first free black nation in the Western Hemisphere. Haiti is the home to a very proud, very tenacious people. However, Haiti has suffered during its’ history, revolution after violent revolution, tragedy after disturbing tragedy, coup after bloody coup, disaster after unimaginable disaster. So I have asked the Lord (just as I know many are asking) why can’t Haiti (and the rest of the black world) seem to overcome? I just needed to voice the question that is piercing my heart at this time.
Haitians have been in control of their own nation for over 200 years. I know there are many complex political realities in Haiti. There is corruption in government and interference from other more powerful nations. But what plagues Haiti seems to be far deeper and more complex. Of course the earthquake that has shaken Haiti is not something that we can control, rationalize or explain.
Some have suggested this recent disaster is a case of sinners in the hands of an angry God. They suggest because Haiti is all wrapped up in occult practices, God is punishing Haiti. I suggest these people delve a little deeper into Haitian history before they pass rash judgments and make claims about the intentions of God. Besides, if we take a look around, we’ll see there is plenty all over the world and right in our own backyards for God to be angry about. Haiti is just the lesson in point for today. God is pointing our eyes toward Haiti right now for a reason. We need to be studying and asking why.
Haiti has been shaking for a long time. My prayer is that the shaking has intensified to the point where we will take notice. That we will take action. That it doesn’t have to get stronger than a magnitude 7.0 earthquake.
Haiti suffers because of the corruption and greed of its’ leaders. Although they have resources, only a small elite class benefits from them. The rest of the people suffer in poverty. Poverty leads to more corruption, criminal and immoral behavior, poor education, and hopelessness. A cycle of poverty perpetuates itself as the rich keep their wealth and do everything they can to keep the poor from getting their wealth. Although I don’t live in Haiti nor have I ever been there, I can identify with these conditions. I have seen these conditions in my own neighborhood. I saw it when Hurricane Katrina battered New Orleans.
God is trying to make us look. Look at what we are doing. He’s trying to make us change our actions. He’s trying to make us see that He is in control.
Man has caused confusion and turmoil, oppression and distress with weapons and political games. The way we are acting is causing violence, turmoil, corruption, immorality and instability all over the world (not just in Haiti). Wealthier nations feel secure as long as we have power and wealth. But God has the power to tear down anything we have the power to build. We must acknowledge this fact. Acknowledgement of this fact will lead Haiti and the rest of us to act in a way that will bring peace, equality and prosperity.
The former senator of Haiti Dr. Louis-Gerard Gilles has said, "The hospitals cannot handle all these victims. Haiti needs to pray. We all need to pray together.".
If Haiti does indeed look to God, there will be great and lasting change. If Haiti experiences this kind of change, it will be such a powerful example for the rest of us. Haiti’s history is no accident. Its’ position as one of the poorest countries just miles away from the richest country on the planet is also no accident. I pray for Haiti to rise out of this stronger. With God, they can. Let’s pray they will.
Haitians have been in control of their own nation for over 200 years. I know there are many complex political realities in Haiti. There is corruption in government and interference from other more powerful nations. But what plagues Haiti seems to be far deeper and more complex. Of course the earthquake that has shaken Haiti is not something that we can control, rationalize or explain.
Some have suggested this recent disaster is a case of sinners in the hands of an angry God. They suggest because Haiti is all wrapped up in occult practices, God is punishing Haiti. I suggest these people delve a little deeper into Haitian history before they pass rash judgments and make claims about the intentions of God. Besides, if we take a look around, we’ll see there is plenty all over the world and right in our own backyards for God to be angry about. Haiti is just the lesson in point for today. God is pointing our eyes toward Haiti right now for a reason. We need to be studying and asking why.
Haiti has been shaking for a long time. My prayer is that the shaking has intensified to the point where we will take notice. That we will take action. That it doesn’t have to get stronger than a magnitude 7.0 earthquake.
Haiti suffers because of the corruption and greed of its’ leaders. Although they have resources, only a small elite class benefits from them. The rest of the people suffer in poverty. Poverty leads to more corruption, criminal and immoral behavior, poor education, and hopelessness. A cycle of poverty perpetuates itself as the rich keep their wealth and do everything they can to keep the poor from getting their wealth. Although I don’t live in Haiti nor have I ever been there, I can identify with these conditions. I have seen these conditions in my own neighborhood. I saw it when Hurricane Katrina battered New Orleans.
God is trying to make us look. Look at what we are doing. He’s trying to make us change our actions. He’s trying to make us see that He is in control.
Man has caused confusion and turmoil, oppression and distress with weapons and political games. The way we are acting is causing violence, turmoil, corruption, immorality and instability all over the world (not just in Haiti). Wealthier nations feel secure as long as we have power and wealth. But God has the power to tear down anything we have the power to build. We must acknowledge this fact. Acknowledgement of this fact will lead Haiti and the rest of us to act in a way that will bring peace, equality and prosperity.
The former senator of Haiti Dr. Louis-Gerard Gilles has said, "The hospitals cannot handle all these victims. Haiti needs to pray. We all need to pray together.".
If Haiti does indeed look to God, there will be great and lasting change. If Haiti experiences this kind of change, it will be such a powerful example for the rest of us. Haiti’s history is no accident. Its’ position as one of the poorest countries just miles away from the richest country on the planet is also no accident. I pray for Haiti to rise out of this stronger. With God, they can. Let’s pray they will.
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