ST. MATTHIAS Stands Strong

It is hard to miss the news coming out of Haiti. We’re always looking for better news; maybe a glimpse of hope, but we are regularly disappointed. We are disappointed because we care for our partners in Deslandes. News of a Haiti’s failed government and rampant gang violence strikes at our heart. We know there must be a better way forward, but that path fails to materialize. Perhaps in the coming month we will see a more stable environment as international peacekeepers arrive and the formation of a government is started.

We pray and we hope for Haiti. But somehow, against great odds, St Matthias School stands strong as a shining light in the mountains of central Haiti. It has been a long year marked by inflation and drought. And travel throughout the country is a dangerous proposition. Still, the campus at St. Matthias is a safe-space for the community.

With all the violence, inflation, and drought, Pr. Michaud, the priest-in-charge at St. Mathias said people in Haiti see little hope. At the same time, he is quick to offer a contrast in his little town of Deslandes. With the campus being in a remote and rural setting, St. Matthias is somewhat isolated from the greater malaise in the country. In Pr. Michaud’s own words, “in Delandes, we stand firm. Activities are going well. The school operates normally.”

Of course, “normally” is very far from normal as we would understand it. For the children of St. Mattias, “normally” means Deslandes is a place to turn to amid the greater turmoil. St. Matthias is a special place. The community is an oasis. Education is delivered in a safe environment, as the families are united in providing a better future for their children. They do this under the umbrella of their Christian faith and in partnership with St. John’s. They have each other, and they have our caring relationship.

In the past 12 months we have sent $18,000 to St. Matthias. They are quite appreciative. It is a portion of their budget and additional funding is needed. There remains significant infrastructure and upkeep work that needs to be completed on the campus.

The relationship between St. Matthias and St. John's remains strong. Travel to the country is, sadly, unimaginable as safety concerns are paramount. Memories from our travel are that much more precious. The children are so special. They continue to pray for St. John’s, as we continue to pray for St. Matthias. Our relationship is a support mechanism that goes beyond financial. They rely on our spiritual support. The leaders of St. Matthias are consistently expressing how grateful they and the children are for the support that St. John's has been able to provide.

Our Fete this year took place on March 3rd, with a theme of Family. We shared an evening worship service led by Gideon, updated our friends with news from St. Matthias, and then shared a festive family-style Haitian feast in Bleecker Hall. We are thankful for the generosity and support from the congregation. It has been a long, tough road for St. Matthias. This is precisely the basis for our relationship. Our mission goes well beyond virtue. Our support is existential for our partners. Again, thank you for your support and please keep St. Matthias in your prayers.