Dear Haiti Friends,
One last message for today. This note came from Wendel Dorsainvil, asking us all to remember the first anniversary of the attack on the town of Mirebalais.
Many of you know Wendel as a faithful acolyte at St. Pierre Mirebalais. You may also know him through his father who started a school Bon Samaritan, for students who lived in extreme poverty in Mirebalais. Wendel taught in the school. He is also the organizer of St. Pierre’s very fine men’s singing group, Melodie Celeste. For the Episcopal Church’s General Convention several years ago, the liturgical organizers asked whether a music group from Haiti could be identified to participate via video in one of the many services planned. Melodie Celeste was the obvious answer. Funds were sent for them to make a music video in Mirebalais, and this was the very fine result: Lafwa mwen konviksyon mwen. Groupe Melodie Celeste de la Paroisse St Pierre de Mirebalais.
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Then Covid happened, the General Convention was shortened, half of the services were cancelled and the others shortened, and Melodie Celeste’s video could not be used.
Wendel, meanwhile, was attending the Episcopal seminary in Port-au-Prince. When the gang violence began to ramp up, he returned full-time to Mirebalais. He was able to take a few courses in Gonaives but those soon ended as well. He still dreams of completing seminary.
Then a year ago, the gangs invaded Mirebalais. With no notice, he and his family and the 200,000+ people living in Mirebalais and surrounding communities were suddenly fleeing on the roads and trails leading into the mountains and out of town.
He writes the letter below to ask us to remember them.
Yours,
Serena Evans Beeks
Canon Serena Evans Beeks, D.Min.
US Coordinator, Haiti Episcopal School Partnerships
National Association of Episcopal Schools
Dear Friends in God,
Today marks one year since the invasion of Mirebalais on March 31, 2025, a day that forever changed our lives.
What happened that day was not simply an invasion. It was displacement, trauma, and heartbreak. Families were scattered, homes were burned, and lives were lost. A town of more than 150,000 people was thrown into chaos. Even now many remain displaced, uncertain of when—or if—they will ever return.
And yet, even in the midst of such deep grief, we hold on to hope. Scripture reminds us, “Those who go out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with them.” (Psalm 126:6)
We trust that the same God who carried us through this past year will continue to restore, rebuild, and renew. We believe that one day, songs of joy will rise again from Mirebalais. We believe that what has been sown in tears will indeed be reaped in joy.
As we mark this solemn anniversary, we ask for your continued partnership. Please pray for Haiti—for peace, for protection, and for the restoration of communities like Mirebalais. Pray for the children and families who remain displaced. Pray for strength and wisdom as we continue this ministry. We also invite you to give, if you are able, to support ongoing care, education, and relocation efforts for those we serve.
Together, we stand in the space between grief and hope. Together, we continue to sow seeds, even through tears. Together, we trust God for the harvest.
Thank you for walking this journey with us.
Today marks one year since the invasion of Mirebalais on March 31, 2025, a day that forever changed our lives.
What happened that day was not simply an invasion. It was displacement, trauma, and heartbreak. Families were scattered, homes were burned, and lives were lost. A town of more than 150,000 people was thrown into chaos. Even now many remain displaced, uncertain of when—or if—they will ever return.
And yet, even in the midst of such deep grief, we hold on to hope. Scripture reminds us, “Those who go out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with them.” (Psalm 126:6)
We trust that the same God who carried us through this past year will continue to restore, rebuild, and renew. We believe that one day, songs of joy will rise again from Mirebalais. We believe that what has been sown in tears will indeed be reaped in joy.
As we mark this solemn anniversary, we ask for your continued partnership. Please pray for Haiti—for peace, for protection, and for the restoration of communities like Mirebalais. Pray for the children and families who remain displaced. Pray for strength and wisdom as we continue this ministry. We also invite you to give, if you are able, to support ongoing care, education, and relocation efforts for those we serve.
Together, we stand in the space between grief and hope. Together, we continue to sow seeds, even through tears. Together, we trust God for the harvest.
Thank you for walking this journey with us.
Wendel Dorsainvil
Haiti 