Help Us Get Soap to Families in Haiti

Last week we updated you on the latest news of COVID-19 in Haiti. Sadly, since that time there have been multiple confirmed cases, and at least 2 deaths. As you know, the first line of defense against the spread of coronavirus is hand washing but in Haiti soap is nearly impossible to find or to afford. Fortunately, Jatrofa Projenou (JP) has been producing soap for years using the glycerin byproduct of Jatrofa oil production. They have supplied soaps for hospitals, schools, and hotels but now they are increasing production to meet the demands in the fight against COVID-19, most recently having delivered several thousand bars of soap to an orphanage and a hospital in the town of Milot.

To support the efforts of Jatrofa Projenou, we are kicking off Clean Hands - A Campaign to Keep Haitians Healthy in the Midst of COVID-19.

Partner with us in the fight against COVID-19 by donating soap from Jatrofa Projenou to Haitian families for just $0.90 a bar. Consider adding a donation in any amount to support outreach efforts in rural communities throughout northeast Haiti. Opportunities to educate families about the dangers of COVID-19 and the protection provided by proper hand washing increase the chances of success for this campaign.

Fighting COVID-19 has become a global effort that relies on each of us to do our part. In the time it takes to wash your hands, you can donate a bar of soap to a family in Haiti. Click on the link below to give the life-saving gift of Clean Hands. Thank you and stay well!

Support Clean Hands

Making bars of soap at Jatrofa Projenou

Responding to COVID-19

Greetings to all of you from Terrier Rouge. With the Lord's grace we are all in good health. We are full of energy to do His work. 

Two weeks ago the government decided to close the schools, reduce some activities, confine people in their homes, impose a curfew from 8PM to 5 AM. They do not allow gatherings of more than 10 people. Those measures are more or less what every country is taken to control the spread of the COVID-19.  But in Haiti those measures, although very important, put more burden on the poor people whose activities are on the streets in search for their daily bread. Some of our open public markets are not allowed to function. Today the biggest open market which serves almost the whole North will be closed. 

The prices of goods are reaching the sky and some of the products are becoming delicacies. But anyway we are surviving with God's help.

At Saint Barthélémy, we concentrate on helping our brothers and sisters in needs. We do not stop working. We are using the individual approach, we go from door to door to deliver the food to the people. Our volunteers work hard to do so. In two days we gave food to 300 households. Today we are going to Phaeton and Paulette. Tomorrow will be Grand basin's turn along with our neighborhood and other places in Terrier Rouge. Families in Patrico received already 130 bags of rice, pasta and oil. 

We also add to our distribution soap for the people to wash their hands as one of the measures of  prevention. Some of our volunteers take that opportunity to talk about the danger of the corona virus and the way to prevent it.

For the time been we are in good shape. The Lord is taking good care of us. We keep you in our daily prayers as you have to deal also with the corona virus epidemic.

In His name,

JMB+

Kanaval

Carnival, Kanaval in Haitian Creole, is Haiti's biggest celebration that shows off the vibrance, diversity, and sense of community among Haitians. People of all ages with painted faces and brightly colored costumes fill the streets to dance or join a parade. Festivities start around the beginning of February and last until Fat Tuesday.

(Left) St. Barthélémy students

This tradition began in Port au Prince in 1804 as a way for Haitians to celebrate their independence, and now the nation hosts one of the largest Mardi Gras Carnivals in the Caribbean and North America. 216 years later, Carnival continues to be a symbol of resilience and determination in the face of struggle.

Bethlehem Ministry wants to bring a taste of Haiti to you, so we're planning our very own Carnival in 2021! We'll have live music, games, costumes, dancing, Haitian cuisine, and more. Stay tuned for more information.

Interested in attending or volunteering for this event?

Contact KristenPace@BethlehemMinistry.org

Carnival in Cap-Haïtien 2020

(Pictures by Antonio Bruno)