HAITI Glimmers of Hope in

by: Rev. Leah Quarles

“Surge in gun trafficking fuels spike in gang violence.” “UN calls for foreign intervention in Haiti as violence surges.” “Haiti’s Rule of Lawlessness.” These are some of the recent headlines that appear when you run a simple search on Haiti. Whenever I hear talk of Haiti, usually words like poor, starving, violent and desperate are thrown around. In May 2022, The New York Times released a 36-page special report on the history of Haiti detailing its rich, yet long history of turmoil and challenges.

If you only read the articles or listen to news, you could be led to believe there is no hope for Haiti. However, talk to Haitians and those working in ministries in Haiti, you might be surprised. You’ll hear stories of the first modern nation born of a slave revolt. Stories of the rich soil found in the mountains and the even richer culture of hospitality. One of the most beautiful things you’ll discover is the Haitian people’s resilience–that no matter how many difficulties they face, they will not give up.

Having volunteered in Haitian mission trips for five years, witnessing the incredible challenges Haitians face, I would have expected the 2010 earthquake, which devastated communities in much of Haiti’s capital and surrounding areas, would have been the final straw for

Haitians. Yet, what I witnessed in the field hospitals and tent cities in the days following, was nothing of the sort. Each morning patients broke the silence with songs of praise and trust in God. Within a few weeks, we witnessed communities rallying together to clear the rubble and start anew. There was much work to be done, but they confidently stepped forward.

There is a Haitian proverb, “Bondye pa bay pitit Li penn san sekou.” It means, “God never gives his children a problem without giving them a solution.” There’s no denying it. The problems Haiti is facing currently are severe and complex. Yet, if we scratch the surface, there are glimmers of hope. There are young Haitians passionate about changing their country’s long history of corrupt politics. There are ministries working hard on the ground offering quality education, building and rebuilding safe places to learn and worship, and addressing public health concerns. And there are also others supporting Haitians who have migrated here to America. Some of this good work is happening because of people in your midst at Pinnacle. In this edition of Vistas, you’ll hear from a few people who are answering God’s call to be one part of God’s solution.

Any Hope for Haiti?

by: David Bowen

“The situation is catastrophic….one of the most severe crises that Haiti has ever confronted”, Robert Fatton, a Haitian-born political scientist at the University of Virginia.

Yet, hope for Haiti can be found in the still ongoing work of Pastor Luc and Harmony Ministries, in partnership with Pinnacle Presbyterian Church (PPC) since 2008. Guided by Pastor Luc’s strong faith, vision, and endless energy, Harmony Ministries, with support from PPC, has led the building of churches and schools in Haiti; fed multitudes; and provided treatment and medicine in Harmony clinics.

Pinnacle has sent numerous mission teams to Haiti over the years, most recently in 2017 and 2019. We have helped paint new concrete block Harmony buildings, taught lessons in schools both in PAP and in the villages, helped run medical clinics in the villages, distributed personal hygiene kits to female congregants— and been blessed by the peoples’ truly overwhelming displays of gratitude and affection. We have paused, not stopped, sending mission teams there.

(sadly, those numbers have dropped with the gangs, violence, and cholera outbreak). There are 18 teachers and 500 students in the PAP Harmony school; 13 teachers and 300 students in the outlying village schools in Thoman, LaSalle, and Leogone. Now, with other public schools closed due to turmoil, parents are sending their children to the PAP Harmony school which is very highly regarded.

Keeping Hope Alive: There are compelling needs for more food, teachers and teachers’ pay, and meds. “Food Insecurity” is a polite term for the poor people who are always hungry; also, many clinics and hospitals have closed in this intense, catastrophic situation. Pastor Luc can procure meds if he has the funds. Also, completion of the new church in the village of Leogane requires final funding, though construction is presently stalled given conditions.

Benediction: “Dear Lord, we are blessed to have Pastor Luc and Harmony Ministries as our Partner. Help us to help them in caring for the people of Haiti.”

Fruits of the Spirit: Pastor Luc’s own hope is grounded in conviction that the heart of mission is to bring people to Christ and for them to know God’s love and to be filled with the Holy Spirit. His PAP church typically has 900-1,200 on Sunday!

To learn more about Harmony Ministries and how you can help, contact David Bowen at haiti@ pinnaclepres.org.

Cadet Family’s Story

by: Anne Foley

As the Haitian land shook violently in 2010 causing large bricks to fall on four-year-old Mike Cadet and send him to a medical tent, no one could have predicted that such a tragic event would save the young boy's life. Mike had a yet undetected form of leukemia, and social workers from Catholic Charities quickly put plans in place to fly Mike and his father Gustave to the United States for cancer treatment.

When the doctors at Phoenix Children’s Hospital took over treatments, they were able to bring Mike into long-term remission. It was some of those same doctors’ connection to Pinnacle Presbyterian Church that allowed the entire Cadet family to reunite in Phoenix and begin making a home here allowing our congregation to meet the Cadet family during the Christmas adopt-afamily program.

What a gift it has been to know this family. Life has not been easy for the Cadets, but no one in the family expected it to be. Their unwavering faith taught them that ease is promised to no one, and the storms in life allow God’s light to penetrate through the darkness.

In 2016, 44-year Gustave was named the employee of the year at the Arizona Biltmore Resort in Phoenix, because of his incredible work ethic and positive outlook as a laundry room attendant. He and his wife Michelette were raising their four children in a two-bedroom apartment and working hard to make sure the kids were safe, nourished, educated, and loved. They regularly attended Pinnacle until things changed in March of 2020.

Having overcome the hardships of being furloughed during COVID, Gustave was elated to return to work in 2021 despite increasing back and stomach pains. When the pain became so intense that he collapsed, he went to the doctor. The diagnosis was stage four cancer, and three weeks later, Gustave passed away at the age of 48.

Although the Cadets now attend a church closer to their current home in Tolleson, they remain a grateful part of the Pinnacle family. They continue to march through all storms with faith and gratitude.

Mike is now a healthy, polite high school junior. Education has been so important to the Cadet family and all the kids do well in school, but it is a generational shift that will occur in December of 2023 when twentytwo-year-old Djenika graduates from college with a bachelor’s degree. The family continues to send supplies and aid back to family in Haiti as they are able.

If you are interested in helping the Cadet family, contact Anne Foley at phxfoley@gmail.com.