AG SUSPENDS TEAMS TO HAITI

With the recent eruption in violence in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, inspired by the disputed presidential elections in that country, AG World Missions has placed a temporary halt on teams entering the country, while all but one missionary family has chosen to leave the country for the time being.

According to the Dick Nicholson, AG World Missions regional director for Latin American/Caribbean, due to the recent U.S.Government-issued warnings about the current conditions in Haiti, especially in Port-au-Prince, missionaries have been given the option to leave the area, if they choose, until the violence settles. Also, all mission teams into the area have been suspended until at least February.

"In addition to the already abysmal situation in Haiti due to the earthquake and cholera outbreak, especially in Port-au-Prince, the disputed elections appears to be that last straw that has sparked the open violence," Nicholson says. "Given the circumstances and the warnings issued, we believe this is a prudent step to insure the safety of our missionaries and teams." Nicholson notes the missionary family that chose to stay in Haiti does not live in Port-au-Prince.

Nicholson says that the suspension of teams is due to the fact that teams are very visible, making them easy targets for criminals ‹ and the police are already pushed to their limits with the current escalation in violence. However, he feels by February, relative safety will resume as the elections are currently supposed to be concluded by January 16, with a buffer of two weeks added in case of any additional dispute.

In reflection, Nicholson adds that in the long run, AG missionaries departing Port-au-Prince for now, may prove beneficial to them.

"Compassion fatigue being what it is," Nicholson observes, "this short-term departure will give our missionaries time to take a break and regroup as well as avoid the potential danger."

For teams contemplating ignoring AG World Missions' suspension and traveling to Haiti on their own, it is strongly advised they first read the U.S. Government's warning at Travel.State.Gov concerning travel to Haiti at this time before taking that risk.

--Dan Van Veen