Despite violence in Haiti, camps and VBS are still held.

Haiti (MNN) — Kidnappings, robberies, killings and other violence is plaguing Port Au Prince, Haiti. That has had a negative impact on short-term missions and daily outreach in that nation.

Greg Yoder with Christian World Outreach, works in Haiti. “Even though we had to cancel teams this summer, we were still able to, with the nationals there, hold Vacation Bible School as well as having the Great Discovery youth camp that we have every summer. At the Vacation Bible School 78 children made commitments to Christ. And, 69 young people at the Great Discovery gave their lives to Christ.”

While the violence appears to have curtailed the work, that may not be the case, says Yoder. “We feel bad we can’t be there, but they can do the work. We’re excited because the leaders we’ve been training for years have taken over and have done a great job of taking over the camps and Vacation Bible School.”

However, prayer is needed for believers in Port Au Prince. Yoder says violence is hurting church work. “People aren’t willing to go out at night for safety reasons. In some ways it restricts people from coming to church, or to meetings at church during the week. But, they are holding the services on Sunday mornings, but pretty much locking the doors in the afternoons and evenings.”

Yoder is asking people to help Christian World Outreach. General fund dollars are low, and without office support that work can’t continue. To help, go to their website by following the highlighted link above.