New York City Church of Christ - Haiti Leaders Escape Death

Haiti Leaders Escape Death

Monday, October 23, 2006

"...In his law the islands will put their hope" Isaiah 42:4

My name is Stanley Dumornay and along with my wonderful wife, Marie, I lead the Metro New Jersey Region of The New York City Church of Christ. I led the church in Haiti from February of 1995 through June of 2000. Last week the elders in NY approved for my wife and I to go to Haiti. Contrary to the scripture above there is not a lot of hope offered to you if you live on the island of Haiti.

The country has seen distress caused by political instability, violence, inflation and poverty for decades now and there seems to be no end in sight for this era of gloom. The disciples in Haiti know what it means to struggle; most, like everyone else in Haiti, cannot find steady work and are not able to provide for themselves and their families. Medical care is lacking in so many areas-not enough hospital, doctors and medicine for the population. However, the church is trying hard to make a difference in meeting the physical needs of those around and in giving people real hope. Last week the leaders of the church, Reggie and Martine Lambert were attacked in front of their house by a gang of robbers. Reggie was shot and miraculously escaped with is life. His friend and fellow disciple, Max, came to his rescue and almost lost his life as many shots were fired at him as well. Thank God Max was not hit but fled breaking his leg in the process. The robbers had intended to kidnap Reggie's wife, Martine but unexpectedly changed their minds and let her go. Reggie, Martine and Max escaped within an inch of their lives only by the grace of God. Both brothers are now safe and on their way to a complete recovery. God intervened at the right time and saved a situation that could have ended with the deaths of three brave and faithful disciples. I praise and honor his name for that.

It is needless to say that the church was pretty shaken by these events. It was so good to be with the disciples there; it is obvious to us that God was working in sending us there to encourage the saints. Our entire time in Haiti was very refreshing though there was much that caused our hearts to be sad. The church, though traumatized by these events, is faithful and encouraged that God protected his children in the midst of danger. There is much for concern, the violence is increasing and poverty pervades the country, yet, the leaders in the church have not given up and the church is holding on to God; they have not allowed the difficulties to deter them from doing God's work. The church in Port-au-Prince used to be around 500 disciples they are now around 350. There is much rebuilding to do. The disciples in Port-au-Prince are now meeting in the property that was purchased last year. Everyone is excited to have a place they can call "home". The church in Cap Haitian has 180 disciples. Reggie has given the church a tremendous vision for the mission. This past year they have started 3 new plantings and sent trained leaders to strengthen an existing congregation-these four mission efforts total 40 disciples.

The disciples in Haiti are very grateful for the prayers and the love the New York City Church of Christ, the South Florida Church and others have expressed over the years. My wife and I have the very same sentiments. We were so grateful to go and encourage our brothers and sisters. We believe God accomplished that and much more as we ourselves were greatly refreshed in our faith. Once again we thank you.

Love,
Stanley and Marie Dumornay

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