“My family and I have faced very difficult times during the long crisis.”

Magalie, a mother of five, had just received a food parcel to help stave off the hunger that was growing in her home, after her crops and animals were lost in a flood—just one of many difficulties her family has faced in recent years. Though she was describing her own experience, Magalie’s words could have easily been uttered by many of her neighbors in this Haitian community.

For years, Haiti has endured a cycle of economic, political, and social instability. Rival gangs control much of the island nation’s capital, Port-au-Prince, while access to food, clean water, fuel, and other essential supplies is frequently limited or nonexistent. Disruptions to school and work are commonplace, and at least 700,000 people are living displaced from their homes.

Despite also experiencing impact from these realities, Nazarene pastors and church members across Haiti consistently demonstrate compassion toward their neighbors. They work to meet immediate needs while also offering spiritual support and encouragement.

“Though it does not solve all my problems, the food kit will allow me to feed my family for several days,” said Magalie.

Haitian Nazarene leaders understand that a food distribution won’t solve the deeper systemic issues that plague their nation. But they have also learned that, in times of protracted crisis, churches can provide solidarity and practical help. These acts of care remind people in need that they are seen, valued, and not forgotten.

“I thank God, my church pastor, and those who provided for the food,” Magalie said.

In 2023, after widespread flooding impacted five Nazarene districts, 136 churches coordinated to provide food packs and seeds to 2,166 families, including Magalie and her children. Some of those families found faith and a new community after the distributions, choosing to join the churches that supported them.

“One of those families did not have a home to stay,” shared Pastor David Eliassaint, the Superintendent of the South district. “In addition to the food kits they received, we shared with them a family tent that Nazarene Compassionate Ministries recently provided.”

Pastor Manacé, from Charpentier Church of the Nazarene, distributed food to both church members and neighbors.

“Having the opportunity to feed my church people makes me happy,” he said. “The food distribution is having a great impact in the church [and] also in the community. It is proof that we are not alone.”

As 2024 comes to an end, the devastating effects of rising violence and instability have left no person or church community untouched. Some churches have closed in certain areas. Recently, members of seven congregations fled their homes as gang activity threatened their safety. The Haitian Nazarene Theological seminary in the capital has periodically opened their doors to provide refuge to displaced people. In January of 2024, when a group of church members sought temporary safety at the seminary, Nazarene Compassionate Ministries leaders made sure each person was outfitted with essential hygiene items, and each child with school supplies. Knowing they would return to homes left literally bare after looting, leaders also shared potential income-generating options to help give each family a better chance to afford the costs of rebuilding their lives.

Nazarene pastors, superintendents, and compassionate ministries staff request earnest prayer for the nation and people of Haiti—for all who are displaced, for those struggling to survive, and for the peace and hope of Christ to reign in the hearts of all.