“Whoso stoppeth his ears to the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard.” Proverbs 21:13

“There was a rich man, who was clothed in purple and fared sumptuously every day. And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores; And desiring to be fed with the crumbs, which fell from the rich man’s table: moreover, the dogs came and licked his sores.” Luke 16:19-21

We all know this story, but here in Haiti, we “see” this story every day. The rich man “fared sumptuously” every day. He didn’t just have “a nice meal” but he had “more than he could eat.” He sat there, in his robes of purple and watched “Lazarus” from his table… holding out his hand, full of sores, to try to get the “crumbs” that fell from the rich man’s table. There was no ointment given to him, so the dogs licked his sores. Not only did the rich man “not give Lazarus any food,” but he didn’t even bandage up his sores. And it came to pass, that the beggar died and was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom. The rich man also died and was buried. And in hell, he lifted up his eyes and was in torment. Luke 16:19-23

Here in Haiti, we have the class of the “filthy rich.” They do not even see the poor. They send their children to the best schools and have vacation houses in Miami, France, New York, etc. They have “never been to see the children who live in the garbage dumps” who dig for food, alongside the pigs. They know these children exist, but they close their eyes and ears to the poor. These little children would only be happy if someone came along and gave them a piece of bread… But, the rich in Haiti “shut their eyes and close their eyes” to the poor.

Giving to the poor is the very heart of God. That’s why we have been called to Haiti, and that is why God has given us wonderful partners, like you, who feed the poor and bandage up their wounds. You indeed are blessed by God, and many more blessings await you!

Sherry