Updates on Our Situation in Haiti

He is Alive – Easter in Haiti

During Holy Week, Pastor Brenus traveled to L’Estère Christian Church in Haiti to encourage believers and strengthen their faith during a difficult season. He led an Easter Bible Seminar on the final week of Jesus, drawing strong engagement and renewed understanding of God’s plan of salvation.

Although gunfire from gangs on Saturday delayed both the sunrise service and four scheduled baptisms, the congregation gathered faithfully on Easter morning for a powerful time of worship. The postponed baptisms took place the following Sunday, clear evidence that God’s work continues despite disruption. Even in hardship, His faithfulness is evident.

For more details on this trip, we encourage you to sign up for our Epistle newsletter.

A Gate Rebuilt, A Testimony Restored

The church doors that once symbolized safety and gathering had been marked by gang violence. Bullet holes were left in the walls and near the doorway of L’Estere Christian Church, a visible reminder of fear trying to take root. This wasn’t just damage to a building. It was an attempt to shake a community.

But the people of God did not leave it that way. Because the church is not just concrete and iron, it is people. Warm, faithful, steady people who refuse to let darkness define their story.

2 Timothy 1:7 says, “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” Fear would not rule, faith would. The people of God created a place where His people would return to worship.

Concrete was poured and shaped by hands that have known both hardship and hope. You can see the lines where new work meets old where restoration doesn’t hide the story but honors it. Iron rods stretched upward, a sign that what is being rebuilt is meant to last longer than what was torn down. The red iron stands now as both protection and proclamation.

It says: This place is not abandoned.
It says: We are still here.
It says: God’s people will not be moved.

What stands now is more than a repaired wall or a rebuilt gate is a testimony. A community that chose courage over fear. A church that will keep singing, keep praying, and keep gathering. A people whose warmth and faithfulness have become their strongest defense.

It’s not only a gate that has been rebuilt, but also the resolve of the people and their hope.

To see photos of the new gate-wall, please subscribe to our email list using the button to the right (“Sign up for DVCM’s Epistle).

December Visit Highlights Ongoing Challenges

Brenus returned to Haiti in December to support and encourage the L'Estere Christian Church and families facing renewed gang violence.

In spite of gang violence the week Brenus arrived, more than 50 people gathered for worship in L’Estère, demonstrating resilience amid instability. Leaders continue to monitor security after extended clashes between gangs and police forced some residents to flee again. Construction at the church is underway to strengthen the church’s front entrance for added protection.

Unable to safely enter L’Estère, Brenus met church members in a nearby town. He later traveled to another area, where he preached at the Christian church there for the first time since 2020. The service brought encouragement to both local members and displaced families. Following that was a physically demanding day of food distribution.

Leaders have tentatively planned another distribution for 2026, in hopes that more families will return after recent violence.  The Church worship attendance has increased to 75 on December 28th. Their faith in God is growing stronger daily.

Brenus expressed gratitude for ongoing prayer and support. Churches continue to request prayer for safety, wisdom, peace, and strength as ministry persists in the midst of unrest.

Worship services at L'Estere Christian Church have resumed!!

On November 9th, there were 80 adults and children in attendance!

This weekend, the Children's Ministry will start again.

The program was suspended since September 28th due to gang violence in the area. We are committed to once again provide nutritious meals and a safe environment for the children in the community.

Thank you for your continued prayers! Please thank God with us for these men, women, and children who are willing to return to worship the Lord together!

 We are aware of the gang activity that has been present in Haiti for quite some time. However, it has now hit home, HOME for Brenus Etienne.

We ask for your urgent and prayers for our brothers and sisters at L’Estere Christian Church in Haiti.

The church had planned a week-long Spiritual Revival with the theme “ARE YOU READY? / GET READY!” from Matthew 24:42–44. However, the revival—as well as regular church services on September 21 and 28—were cancelled due to violent gang attacks in the area.

On the night of September 20, gangs invaded L’Estere and the nearby village of Kapenyen, bringing devastation. Homes and the rice mill were burned, animals destroyed, and lives were lost. Many families from the church have now fled, some because their homes were destroyed, others out of fear for their safety.

After inspecting the church building and attached parsonage, it was discovered that both the gates and the structures had been struck by gunfire. Praise God, the buildings are still standing, but the damage is a sobering reminder of the danger faced by the congregation. Please continue to pray for the protection of the church and its leaders as they serve in such difficult circumstances.

We are asking you to please lift up this community before the Lord in prayer:

• Pray for safety and protection for those who remain.

• Pray for comfort and provision for displaced families.

• Pray for faith and strength for the church as they endure hardship.

• Pray for Brenus and Double Vision Christian Ministries as we determine how to best respond and meet the needs of the families of L'Estere Christian Church.