Pray for calm elections, response to God's Word in Haiti, says Bible League leader

CHICAGO—Elections officials in Haiti hope that gang violence and political strife will not increase during a second round of nationwide elections scheduled for April 21, a concern shared by Bible League staff.

"We are praying that calm will prevail," said Pierre Philippe, who oversees Bible League's ministry in Haiti. "Immediately after the presidential election, there was much confusion. In that first week, we had to close our office because of street protests. But since a winner was declared, things have calmed down."

Rene Preval, named president elect after the Feb. 7 election, cannot assume office until a government is formed following the legislative elections, according to news reports. Most of the 99 seats in Haiti's Chamber of Deputies and all 30 Senate seats will be decided on April 21. There is hope the new government will bring an end to more than two years of political unrest and uncertainty that began with the ouster of former president Jean-Bertrand Aristide in February 2004.

While violent protests, carjackings, kidnappings, and gang violence gripped Haiti last year, Bible League's ministry in the Western Hemisphere's poorest nation continued to grow, Philippe said. In 2005, the Bible League provided Bibles and New Testaments to more than 94,000 Haitians who completed Bible studies. Nearly 5,000 people joined local churches, and 47 new churches were established.

"These results are inexplicable to me," Philippe said. "For the first time in many years, people are sitting together in groups to discuss and study the Bible. This is a great blessing from God."

Philippe asked for prayers that Haitians will continue responding to God's Word, and that the elections will be held without violence.

“For the first time in many years, people are sitting together in groups to discuss and study the Bible. This is a great blessing from God.”

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