Ephesians 6:12 “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” 

Over the past week, we asked prayer warriors across the country to intercede for Many Hands for Haiti in a difficult situation in Haiti. We have felt those prayers and in the darkest hours over this past week, we were lifted up and protected by God through your prayers. We praise God for this protection. We also praise God for fully revealing the hearts of men and making decisions extremely clear.

It is with much sadness we inform you that Ezequias Nicholas (Zeke) is no longer an employee of Many Hands for Haiti. Zeke has made poor choices over an extended period of time, making it clear we cannot continue to work together at this time. Zeke has also by force and threats claimed the campus in Savanette and the programs as his own personal property. Zeke has misled and lied to the community about his involvement in the creation and sustainability of the programs. It grieves us to no end, as great work was being done in Savanette and we were seeing tangible breakthroughs happening at multiple levels. The gospel was being shared, kids were gaining height and weight through feeding programs, homes were being rebuilt, and life-giving gardens were going in all over the community. This is being stopped by evil acts, driven by a blind lust for power, wealth, and fame.

At the core of our being, we believe God is molding and shaping us through a refining fire of trials and persecution. We choose to trust in who God is, not the immediate circumstances in front of us, for God is faithful. He is a God who loves us and does all things for the good of His people. He is a God who keeps His promises. He is good, He is just, and He is light. God makes beautiful things from the ashes and broken pieces of clay in the world.

As we’ve prayed, God has led us to Exodus 14:13-14, when the Israelites are in a seemingly impossible situation. In front of them is the Red Sea and behind them is Pharaoh’s army. The people cry out to Moses, wanting to turn back and serve the Egyptians. Moses answers, 13 “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. 14 The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.  (NIV, emphasis mine)

Right now, we need to be still and let the Lord fight our battle. We are fully committed to continue the work that God has planned for us in Haiti. The Gabharts are committed to going back and serving in Haiti when God reveals the right time. We also have a wonderful team of Haitian nationals who are faithfully standing for Christ. God has shown us what He can do through an organization and people fully yielded to Him. If we still ourselves, He will fight our battles and show us the next steps.

To our Pella Christian school sponsors and 180 for Haiti sponsors, this does not affect those kids and their ability to go to school. This will not stop. To our mission teams, we do not plan to cancel the trips that are in December or later, as we are evaluating the different options for us in the Central Plateau of Haiti.

I ask each of you to pray for MH4H. I ask you to pray specifically for our leaders in Haiti – Ebens, Appolon, Woody, Claudin, and Burns. They have been deeply affected by Zeke’s choices and need our prayers. I ask you to pray for Zeke, as he has chosen a dark path and he will live with this decision for the rest of his life. I ask you to pray for the country of Haiti, as it is continually oppressed and tormented by spiritual warfare. I ask you to pray for the millions around the world who are oppressed today, as they need the light of Jesus to break through the darkness. I ask you to pray for us to be still in God and wait upon His instructions for our next steps.

May God be glorified and may we bring healing to a broken world.

Tim Brand
Executive Leader for Many Hands for Haiti