On March 31, Haitian gangs attacked the peaceful mountain town of Mirebalais. The town had been previously attacked, but it was clear early on that this attack was different. The gangs weren’t merely trying to make a statement, as they had in the past. They were there to take over.
In a devastating move, the gangs have taken over the University Hospital of Mirebalais. This hospital was one of the last operational hospitals in the country. It wasn’t merely operational; it remained state of the art as it had been since it was built in 2013. It offered cancer treatment to women and children, as well as dialysis treatment. In fact, it was the only place patients in central and northern Haiti could get dialysis without venturing into gang infested Port au Prince. It was a beacon of hope.
Now, gangs have decimated it. They have stolen equipment and burned buildings on the property. It is presumed they have moved into the building and made it their headquarters for operations in the mountains of Haiti. No hospital staff have been able to return. No patients are receiving treatment. This has been a horrific blow not just to the mountainous community, but the entire country. And to Chanje as well. Our director, Dr. L, interned at the hospital and had several friends still working there. The fall of the hospital, and of Mirebalais, represents so much loss over the past 5 years.
Mirebalais’s Impact on Chanje Movement
Mirebalais has played an important part in the Chanje story. From 2021 to 2024, Chanje Lakay, the children’s shelter, was located there. It was a peaceful mountain refuge from the violence and chaos of Croix de Bouquet, where the shelter had originally opened. Many Haitians were moving from the capital to Mirebalais, and some of the kids’ families were in the community as well. But late in 2023, there were many signs that Mirebalais was no longer safe. The Haitian leadership team began formulating emergency evacuation plans as well as a plan to move Chanje Lakay out of Mirebalais permanently. It was a difficult decision as many of the staff and children had families in central Haiti that would not be making the move up north. But it was the right decision.
Heavy Hearts. Thankful Hearts.
Our hearts are heavy. There are a few in the Chanje community who still live in the Mirebalais area. Children that were reunited with families. Former staff who chose to stay. We don’t know what has happened to them or what their future holds.
In the midst of intense grief, our hearts are also thankful. Thankful for God’s guidance and the leadership’s team wisdom to make the difficult move up north. Thankful for God’s protection and provision. Thankful for donors that made it possible for us to move the kids away from violence. Thankful that other ministries were able to make the move as well. And thankful that this community in northern Haiti has been so welcoming and that the kids are thriving.
Please pray for Mirebalais. Please pray that we can get updates on those in our community who are still there and pray that they can remain safe. Also be praying for wisdom in how we can best serve the community’s medical needs now that an important hospital has shut down.
And thank you for your continued support through financial gifts, encouragement and prayer. Your donations have saved the lives of the kids at Chanje Lakay by providing the necessary funding for them to move, continue to receive an education and be raised in God’s love. We are forever grateful.
