HAITIAN KIDNAPPINGS SHIFT TO CHILDREN

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti: Officials with the United Nations peacekeeping mission in Haiti have voiced alarm at the continuing spate of kidnappings of children in the impoverished country, days after abductors killed a boy apparently because his family could not pay the ransom.

The body of the 12-year-old boy was found in Grande Ravine on Saturday, four days after he had been kidnapped, the mission (known as MINUSTAH) reported. He was the third child kidnapping victim to be killed this year.

MINUSTAH child protection adviser Massimo Toschi told the UN News Centre last week that around half of all kidnapping victims are now under age.

The latest statistics indicate that 69 children have been kidnapped this year, with over three months remaining, compared to 80 for all of 2007. Around half of all victims are now children, Mr. Toschi added.

The gangs have become more vicious and depraved in their attacks, with child victims often tortured, and some killed despite their family paying all or part of the demanded ransom. Girls who have been abducted are frequently raped or sexually abused.

Mr. Toschi said the gangs tend to abduct children on their way to and from school, choosing victims from both poor and affluent families with the expectation that even families with little money will be able to draw on the Haitian Diaspora (relatives with money in the U.S., Canada and Europe) to help pay the ransom, which can be as much as $25,000.

We are taking special security measures to protect our children, especially going to and from school.  But please pray that the children in Haiti, especially those at the orphanage and our missionary children have God's full protection. Also, contributions to help with additional security measures are appreciated. You can contribute online at http://maisondelumiere.org/donations.htm.

Food costs continue to escalate in Haiti and the people of Haiti are again taking to the streets.  The last series of food riots caused much damage, injury and even death.  The riots resulted in the ousting of the Prime Minister and short-lived food price reductions. Unfortunately, food costs continue to skyrocket and riots are returning.

Apparently, hundreds of people in coastal Les Cayes recently ignored government warnings to seek shelter during the onslaught of hurricane Gustav, instead throwing rocks to protest the high cost of living in the Western Hemisphere's poorest country. Witnesses said U.N. peacekeepers used tear gas to disperse the crowd. The hurricane stopped the riots.

Word on the street has it that once the storms cease, riots will pick up again.  In the meantime, two more tropical storms are headed for Haiti.

Please pray again for the protection of the children and missionaries in Haiti and that the riots will cease and relief come forth for the people of Haiti.

NEIGHBORHOOD CHILDREN MAY NOT GET SCHOOL

Rising education costs and weak summer giving have negatively impacted the special assistance we have been able to provide local school children.  Nearly 30 children may not be able to attend school if funding is not provided.

Poor and destitute children in the neighborhood of the Maison de Lumiere orphanage have been blessed for the last three years as we have been able to send them to school where they receive not only an education but a warm meal each day.

Education is not free in Haiti.  Children who wish to attend school either need assistance through organizations like World Vision or Compassion International or are sponsored by individuals.  We have been blessed, first, by our used cell phone business, and then later by generous summer donations from supporters to take care of the education for the children.  The cell phone business no longer generates the funds needed due to strong competition and summer donations are significantly down.

Costs to attend school (which include one meal daily, a uniform, shoes, books and school fees) ranges from $250-300 per year per child.  Please pray that the Lord would provide the resources for the children to attend school.  And if you can help in any way we would greatly appreciate any amount you can contribute.  You can contribute online at http://maisondelumiere.org/donations.htm.  God bless you and thank you.