Amid The Growing Gang Violence, Gods Love Shines.

How the Church in Désarmes Is Responding to a Growing Crisis

For months now, Haiti has been facing a deepening crisis. Violent gangs have taken control of key parts of the country—especially in Port-au-Prince and other major cities. Roads are blocked, schools are shut down, and kidnappings, extortion, and violence have become daily realities for many. The national government has struggled to respond, and the people are caught in the middle.

Families fleeing consider making the dangerous crossing (sorry for the poor quality of the photo)

As the violence spreads beyond the capital, smaller towns and villages are also being affected. One of those areas is Petite Rivière de l’Artibonite. In recent weeks, families there have been forced to flee their homes as gangs moved into their communities. Many have risked everything—some even swimming across the Artibonite River—to escape.

They are arriving in Désarmes looking for safety. And they’re being welcomed.

Families on the move.

Christians in Désarmes—many of whom don’t have much themselves—are doing everything they can to respond. Some are taking people into their homes. Others are sleeping at the Nazarene church or on nearby porches. The response is personal and sacrificial.

“My wife and I are hosting two people,” one church leader shared. “My father-in-law has two more. My brother has taken in others. Families in the church are sharing what little they have. We just feel like Jesus is telling us, ‘They don’t need to go away—feed them.’”

A Pastor Among the Displaced

Among those who fled is Pastor Jean Charles, a Nazarene pastor from Petite Rivière and a long-time friend of the LCH. He and his wife were forced to leave their home with nothing. They are now staying with family in Désarmes, and even in this time of personal loss, Pastor Jean Charles is stepping up to help the church care for others who have fled.

He shared this message:

Pastor Jean Charles and his wife had to flee their home because of gang violence.

“The situation in Petite Rivière is getting worse. Many of us had to leave our homes with nothing—some houses were burned, and we didn’t even have time to save our documents. The police are too weak to stop the gangs. Seven officers from the CIMO special police unit have already been killed, and over a hundred civilians were massacred in Pont Sondé in one night.

My wife and I are now staying with my father-in-law. Others are scattered in the neighborhood or sleeping at the Nazarene church, though they must leave early each morning so school can begin. Even though accommodations are difficult, the people of Désarmes and the church members are sharing what little they have with us.

It is a painful experience, but we feel God’s presence. He is helping us endure. He is still good—always.”

In the midst of fear and displacement, their testimony echoes Psalm 46:1:

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”

Just some of the 100’s families feeing the violence of the gangs for the safety of Desarmes.

A Call to Respond

The needs are basic: a safe place to sleep, food to eat, soap to wash with. The church hopes to distribute kits with rice, beans, spaghetti, flour, oil, and soap—but resources are running thin.

Still, the people in Désarmes are holding onto faith. They are moved by the story in Matthew 14, where Jesus tells His disciples, “They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.” With only five loaves and two fish, Jesus fed a crowd of thousands. Now, this community is trusting that God will do the same with what little they have.

As Galatians 6:9 reminds us:

“Let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.”

This is a moment to be the church. To stand with those who are suffering. To show up with what we can—and trust God to multiply it.

How can you help?

• Pray: Prayer is not a last resort—it’s our first response. Please pray for safety, provision, and healing for the families displaced, and for strength and wisdom for those hosting and serving them.

• Give: If you’re able, consider giving to help provide food, shelter, and essentials. Even a small gift can go a long way when placed in God’s hands.

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”

—Psalm 34:18

Haitians fleeing the violence of the gangs, many have risked everything—some even swimming across the Artibonite River—to escape.