Tension is Mounting

Driving home from the airport last night in Port-au-Prince, I saw more police officers than I thought existed in Haiti. I saw all types of troops, even some in heavy black armor. They are all over the streets, anticipating something big.  Senatorial elections are this Sunday… and it’s not looking good.

A little over a month ago all 16 of the senatorial candidates from the Lavalas party were eliminated from the race.  The reasons for their exclusion are a bit confusing, and some claim that the reasons are sketchy and invalid.  I don’t know enough to choose a party, but even as a non-supporter I would say that was a horrible move to exclude Lavalas from the race.  It was a horrible move even if there was reason for them to be excluded.  First, they are the most popular party.  Second, some say they are the most forceful and most prone to violence.  Five years later, they are still vying for the return of their exiled leader, former President Jean-Bertrand Aristide, and there were times during these years that our government was fearful of them.  To go further and “exile” all of their Senatorial candidates is a political slap in the face.  Some suspect that someone actually wants to prod Lavalas and incite them to violence.  Some even suspect that someone wants to anger the Lavalas party and then do violence themselves while hiding behind their name.  Some even think that these are empty threats intended to rile up every criminal in the country and give them an excuse to take the streets.  Why?  No one could really tell you…  There are lots of dirty hands at play…

In Haiti, all of these things are possible.  There are many things going on behind the curtains, but all that we, the people, know is that someone has been anonymously distributing propaganda saying to anyone who goes out on Sunday, whether or not they are voting, their blood is on their own hands.  They have been threatening people with decapitation saying to write their names and phone numbers on their feet if they feel bold enough to go out, so that their families can identify them.  There have been many more threats and I sincerely believe that without divine intervention Sunday will be a very bloody day.  Please pray for Haiti.  It is more urgent than ever.

Please forward this blog to everyone who knows how to pray…  As for me, if something happens and I lose communication, do know that I have more than one safe place to go.  Furthermore… I’m supposed to be here… so I can’t die…. like my dad after all he’s been through in 39 years of ministry.  So don’t be anxious for me, just pray.