Fasting and Prayer

'If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.' (2 Chronicles 7:14).

In this nation, the lead-up to lent is usually marked by a period of Carnival. The partying at this time is raucous, with lots of alcohol consumed. There is a great deal of immorality, and the festivities are often marked by violence.

This year, the Haitian people are fore-going Carnival. Instead, Haitian Christians have committed to three days of fasting and prayer.


I do not believe for a moment, that the Haitians are suffering as a consequence of any sin they have committed, but I do believe that God is present, and that he is moving in this place, and that he is willing and able to raise Haiti and her suffering children from the ashes, if he is invited in.

I also believe that the Haitian people are fulfilling the requisites to God's promise, as they are set out in 2 Chronicles 7:14.

Please know that despite what some members of the International press are reporting, this is not a period of mourning. The fasting and prayer are for the living. Among the beautiful, rising and falling acapella harmonies that rang throughout our orphanage and the surrounding community yesterday, there were lyrics such as these;

'We have survived....'

'We need you always, when the sun shines and when the wind blows....'

Surely God hears his people. Surely he is pleased by their sacrifice. Surely he will give 'beauty for ashes.'