By Guesly Dessieux, PLH Founder & Executive Director
I want to thank you for your continued prayers for what has been going on at the Project Living Hope campus and in the surrounding area. The areas near the campus have experienced increasing difficulty over the last several months due to gang activity. Fighting between opposition forces and gangs has continued daily.
As I explained in my last update, just over a week ago, seven gang members came to town because they believed a funeral was happening that was connected to a resistance force. Since that incident, the gang members have left and have not returned. Thankfully, things have remained somewhat quiet. Families who had fled have begun to return, and many businesses have reopened.
We ask that you continue to pray, as the situation in the area and throughout the country remains critical. Please continue to pray for Project Living Hope—that all of our staff and the campus will remain safe and protected. Some of our staff members have returned to work, and we ask for prayer for their safety and wisdom as they remain cautious. We have encouraged staff to take time off and be less visible during a time like this as they are more at risk working for a nonprofit organization. We do not plan to reopen our programs until the new year, at which time we will reassess the situation and determine if it is safe to reopen programs.
This past Friday, our operations manager met with town leaders and local pastors regarding the community gathering that was originally planned using the funds raised on Giving Tuesday. Together, they agreed that instead of holding one large gathering—which could present security challenges—each church will host a smaller gathering for their congregation and invite members of the surrounding community. These gatherings will provide men, women, and children with a hot meal and encouragement during these difficult times.
Thank you again for your continued prayers and support.