November 18 Update If someone were to tell me last month that the situation in Haiti was going to get worse, I would say that I don’t see how it could get worse. Well, it has, and I am convinced that the worst is yet to come. In the last week update I mentioned how Haiti is always starting from scratch whenever a new government comes into power. This new presidential council has no real, lasting power but the damage they are inflicting on the country will be felt for years to come. Anyone can see that the primary issue to the gangs who are terrorizing the capital city of Port au Prince. Yet, they are into everything else, except that. In the meanwhile, the gangs are expanding their footprint, killing innocent civilians and burning down homes and businesses. There are areas of the city that have become overgrown bushed. I recently saw a picture of the hospital where Josiah was born. It was destroyed in the earthquake, rebuilt, now it has been ransacked by the gangs. --There are no flights in or out of Haiti Three of the major airlines that fly into Haiti were hit by bullets last week. As a result, the FAA has banned all flights in and out of Haiti for any airlines registered in the US for at least one month. Most of the airlines have announced that they will not be flying into Haiti for the next three months. --Shortages on everything The black market has already opened for fuel. Prices on all consumable goods have doubled, even tripled in the city. With both roads and air traffics closed, prices for goods coming from the city simply can’t be found. --Security We still feel safe in our part of the country, and we pray that this situation will continue. --The following is the security update published weekly for Haiti: Haiti remains high-risk country and Department of States (DOS) has issued a Do not Travel advisory and an Order Departure remains in effect. Security Situation •US Embassy Security Alert: The security situation in Haiti is unpredictable and dangerous. Travel within Haiti is conducted at your own risk. The US government cannot guarantee your safety travelling to airports, borders, or during any onward travel. You should consider your personal security situation before travelling anywhere in Haiti. Only attempt to depart Haiti or travel within Haiti if you believe it is safe for you to do so. •Delmas area, Village de Dieu, Cite Soleil, Carrefour Drouillard, Cazeau, Tabarre, Croix-des-Bouquets, Downtown, Bel-air, Fort-national, Nazon & Solino surrounding areas, Vivy Mchel (High risk areas)· •National Port Authority (APN) Limited operations, not changed despite the latest gang activities •Flights : 1. All flights are suspended until further notice at Toussaint Louverture International Airport; 2. The United States has halted all flights to Haiti for 30 days 3. The United Nations suspended its flights to Haiti 4. Sunrise Airways 2 x daily flights from Cap-Haitian to Providenciales (Turcs and Caicos) 5. Bahamas air suspends flights to Cap Haitian 6. Heavy rains and waves in South of Haiti have caused significant economic losses. In addition, many goods were blocked in the port of Anse-a-Pitre due to a strong swell preventing safe cabotage along Haitian coast. Products such as vegetables, tomatoes, cabbages, potatoes and others were lost on the quay due to weather conditions. Heavy rain and floods were also reported in Les Cayes and in the North Department. Political: In a decree published Monday, the CPT announced that Garry Conille would be replaced as prime minister by businessman Alix Didier Fils-Aime. The move plunged Haiti deeper into a constitutional crisis raisin fear that the heavily armed gangs would exploit the political chaos to sow even more mayhem. Key Takeaways Ips are reminded to (among others): - Assess required of supplies (fuel, water medication, food) - Assess your working environment, safety, posture and efficiency - Reviewing your security protocols and procedures (such as fire safety - Confirm readiness of your security protocols and procedures - Refresh your negotiations / hostage survival skill and behavior under fire (Where applicable) - Pay extra attention to your personal security / situational awareness - Avoid following same pattern / routine (time of travel, route used) - Exercise extreme caution and avoid unnecessary travel. - Always remain vigilant of your surroundings __________________________________________________________ Despite the obstacles, our ministry work is thriving: 1. Education for Over 1,500 Children: Our schools, including L’Exode and the Genesis Satellite schools, reopened last month. Over 1,000 children receive a hot meal daily—often their only meal. Your support ensures their educational and nutritional needs are met, empowering the next generation in Fond-des-Blancs. 2. Expanding Jubilee Farms: To promote self-sufficiency, we are expanding Jubilee Farms. A new repair shop will provide essential services for farm equipment and the growing number of community vehicles, bolstering local commerce and sustainability. 3. Economic Empowerment for Women: Recently, forty women received training and seed funds to launch small businesses. This program is transforming lives, giving women tools to support their families and the community. 4. Church Growth: The Church in Fond-des-Blancs continues to be a stronghold of faith and community, providing spiritual and social support amidst the crisis. An Urgent Call for Support As donations have significantly declined, we rely heavily on the generosity of a few faithful supporters to maintain our operations. Today, we ask for your help to continue our work: - Support Evangelistic Outreach: Help us continue sharing the message of hope.- Keep the School Doors Open: Ensure that children can continue learning and receive daily nourishment.- Expand Family Assistance Programs: Empower families to become self-sufficient through resources and training.- Realize Our Vision for Community Housing: Help us build housing for staff and community members to provide stability and growth. We understand the weight of our request, but we also know that with your help, we can achieve a brighter future for Fond-des-Blancs. In these turbulent times, your support is a lifeline for hundreds of families who look to the Haiti Christian Development Fund for hope and sustenance. How to Help --Please consider making a year-end donation to sustain and expand our programs. Your generosity directly impacts lives in Fond-des-Blancs, bringing hope where it is desperately needed. Any amount you can contribute will be appreciated, whether a one-time gift, or a monthly contribution. --Sponsor one of the children in the school. This will give you a direct link to life in the community and enrich the hope of that student. The annual sponsorship fee is $300.00.--Help a family through the training and small business program. The average size of the households who have been helped is 8, including children, parents, and other family members. The cost to help a family through this program is $3,000.00. Please visit our website and navigate to Donate to make a contribution (ww.hcdf.org) or you may mail your contribution to: Haiti Christian Development FundPost Office Box 934696 Margate, FL 33093 Thank you for standing with us, for praying with us, and for supporting Fond-des-Blancs as we navigate these unprecedented times. Together, we can continue to be a beacon of hope and resilience. Shalom, Jean L Thomas PresidentHaiti Christian Development Fund