Good afternoon, Joan,
It’s a blessing to connect with you again. I hope this message finds you well. As you may know, the situation here in Haiti has become increasingly dire, and I feel the weight of it deeply every day. I had the privilege of being in Haiti from August to September, and I returned to the U.S. on October 1st. Despite the challenges, our ministry continues to make a positive impact in the community, and I wanted to share some key updates as I work on our monthly newsletter.
Contributions to Education
Our commitment to building and supporting schools has been unwavering. Here’s a snapshot of the progress we’ve made:
- 4 new school buildings were constructed, each with 3 classrooms, providing space for over 215 students.
- A dedicated building was built to house our traveling teachers, helping us extend educational support across the region.
- We are currently covering the salaries of 13 teachers at a rate of $1,577 per month, which totals $18,924 annually.
- We continue to provide essential resources for our students, including school supplies, books, uniforms, benches, tables, and more.
- In total, we have 15 staff members working to keep the school running smoothly.
Contributions to Healthcare
Our hospital has also been a beacon of hope, even as we navigate an increasingly hostile environment:
- As of November 23, 2024, we’ve cared for 3,849 patients since the hospital’s dedication on June 15, 1982.
- We offer a range of medical services including Laboratory testing, Sonography, EKG, Prenatal care, and more.
- Our medical team consists of 19 dedicated employees who work tirelessly to serve our community.
Dialysis Clinic Impact
The dialysis clinic remains one of the most critical services we offer, with the number of patients steadily increasing each year:
- 2021: 52 dialysis sessions (October – December)
- 2022: 1,398 sessions
- 2023: 2,267 sessions
- 2024: 2,657 sessions (as of October)
The clinic currently supports 150 patients, with 15 staff members working to provide this life-saving treatment. We continue to face major logistical challenges, but we are committed to meeting the needs of our patients as best we can.
The Situation in Haiti
While our ministry continues to flourish, the situation on the ground in Haiti is another story entirely. It’s hard to put into words the devastation I see daily. The violence is unbearable—people are being beheaded, burned alive, or dying from hunger. The government is unable to maintain control, and gangs have seized 90% of Port-au-Prince, with their reach now extending dangerously close to our dialysis clinic.
The violence and instability have led to the closure of over 50 hospitals and clinics, including the recent shutdown of Médecins Sans Frontières just last week. Major foreign institutions like Citibank have fled, and there are no US dollars in circulation. Imports are halted, and both our international and domestic airports are shut down. The challenges seem endless.
The dialysis clinic is overwhelmed with patients, but we are critically short on medical supplies. I am trying to source supplies through the Dominican Republic, but the costs are astronomical, and it takes a considerable amount of time to get them here. Right now, I’m out of dialysis solution, but I find comfort in knowing that Christ is never out of supply.
A Silver Lining
Despite the chaos in Port-au-Prince, I am grateful that the hospital and school in the countryside remain unaffected. Operations continue as usual, and the impact we are making in those areas is significant and ongoing.
A Call for Prayer and Support
In these trying times, I ask for your continued prayers. The people of Haiti, especially in the capital, are suffering like never before. Our work is more important than ever, but the road ahead remains uncertain. We must continue to trust in God’s provision, even as the challenges mount.
May the Great Lord have mercy on us all, and may His peace and comfort sustain us in the coming days.
Wishing you a blessed and peaceful Christmas,
Dn. Joe Domond