Prayer Vigil Against Violence in Haiti

Good evening. Good evening. I'll try it again. Good evening. I'll try it again. Good evening. I'll try it again. Good evening. It's good to be with you. We can give an It's good to be with you. We can give an It's good to be with you. We can give an applause. I think applause. I think applause. I think we're here for a good reason. we're here for a good reason. we're here for a good reason. [Applause] [Applause] [Applause] I am Reverend A.R. Bernard, pastor of I am Reverend A.R. Bernard, pastor of I am Reverend A.R. Bernard, pastor of founding pastor. I have to make a founding pastor. I have to make a founding pastor. I have to make a distinction now that my son is evicting distinction now that my son is evicting distinction now that my son is evicting me and uh taking on the lead pastoral me and uh taking on the lead pastoral me and uh taking on the lead pastoral role. So I'm now the founding pastor. role. So I'm now the founding pastor. role. So I'm now the founding pastor. The next step is emmeritus. I'm trying The next step is emmeritus. I'm trying The next step is emmeritus. I'm trying to uh delay that as long as I can. But to uh delay that as long as I can. But to uh delay that as long as I can. But tonight, we come together as people of tonight, we come together as people of tonight, we come together as people of faith who believe in the power of God faith who believe in the power of God faith who believe in the power of God and the power of prayer. and the power of prayer. and the power of prayer. We gather to lift up the nation of We gather to lift up the nation of We gather to lift up the nation of Haiti, Haiti, Haiti, a land rich in culture a land rich in culture a land rich in culture and resilience, and resilience, and resilience, [Applause] [Applause] [Applause] yet burdened by violence and suffering.

yet burdened by violence and suffering. yet burdened by violence and suffering. We gather to pray not only for divine We gather to pray not only for divine We gather to pray not only for divine intervention intervention intervention but for human intervention. The but for human intervention. The but for human intervention. The intervention of government, intervention of government, intervention of government, organizations of influence organizations of influence organizations of influence to take up the cause against the gang to take up the cause against the gang to take up the cause against the gang violence and gun trafficking currently violence and gun trafficking currently violence and gun trafficking currently inflicting pain and fear on the Haitian inflicting pain and fear on the Haitian inflicting pain and fear on the Haitian people. people. people. We understand what's going on in Israel. We understand what's going on in Israel. We understand what's going on in Israel. We understand what's happening in We understand what's happening in We understand what's happening in Ukraine, but we have issues close to Ukraine, but we have issues close to Ukraine, but we have issues close to home that need to be highlighted and home that need to be highlighted and home that need to be highlighted and attention brought to and addressed. To attention brought to and addressed. To attention brought to and addressed. To the clergy gathered, thank you for your the clergy gathered, thank you for your the clergy gathered, thank you for your presence. presence. presence. To all the elected officials here and on To all the elected officials here and on To all the elected officials here and on their way, thank you for your presence. their way, thank you for your presence. their way, thank you for your presence. and to the people, the prayer warriors and to the people, the prayer warriors and to the people, the prayer warriors on the ground. on the ground. on the ground. Welcome and thank you for your presence.

Welcome and thank you for your presence. Welcome and thank you for your presence. I'd like to invite up. I'd like to invite up. I'd like to invite up. But first, let's all stand as we not hear but experience two as we not hear but experience two national anthems national anthems national anthems in celebration of this nation. in celebration of this nation. in celebration of this nation. and the celebration and the celebration and the celebration of the nation of Haiti. [Music] [Music] Bless [Music]

[Music] foreign Not Not pass pass pass [Music] [Music] [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Music] bullet. Pull it up.

Pull it up. Pull it up. Pull it up. Pull it up. Pull it up. [Applause] [Applause] [Music] [Music] [Music] My My My son Lord pay Lord pay [Applause] [Applause] [Applause] the to to [Music] [Music] [Music] the the the apostil.

pull it up for more. pull it up for more. [Music] Oh, say Oh, say can you see by by the dawn early the dawn early the dawn early light? What so proudly What so proudly we hear at the twilight at the twilight last gleaming whose broad stripes whose broad stripes and bright stars through the peril through the peril the last fight.

the last fight. the last fight. Oh, the ramp Oh, the ramp Oh, the ramp parts we watched parts we watched parts we watched were so gallantly were so gallantly were so gallantly [Music] [Music] [Music] streaming and the rockets and the rockets r r r [Applause] [Applause] [Applause] the bombs bursting the bombs bursting the bombs bursting in air gave gave proof proof proof through the night through the night through the night that our flag that our flag that our flag was was was still [Applause] [Applause] Say does that star Say does that star Say does that star spangled spangled spangled by Pray.

Pray. [Applause] [Applause] [Applause] [Music] Oh, the land Oh, the land of the of the of the free. [Applause] [Applause] The whole [Music] [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Music] [Applause] Let us remain standing for a moment. You Let us remain standing for a moment. You know, it's it's interesting where know, it's it's interesting where know, it's it's interesting where there's a language difference, but you there's a language difference, but you there's a language difference, but you can feel the words. And that Haitian can feel the words. And that Haitian can feel the words. And that Haitian national anthem was delivered with national anthem was delivered with national anthem was delivered with feeling.

feeling. feeling. And uh it was an experience for me. So And uh it was an experience for me. So And uh it was an experience for me. So now I've got to go find out the words. now I've got to go find out the words. now I've got to go find out the words. But that's the beauty of music, the But that's the beauty of music, the But that's the beauty of music, the universal language. We're going to while universal language. We're going to while universal language. We're going to while we remain standing have Reverend Sam we remain standing have Reverend Sam we remain standing have Reverend Sam Nicholas come and do a special Nicholas come and do a special Nicholas come and do a special introduction. [Applause] [Applause] the pres. Let us put our hands together to receive Let us put our hands together to receive the prime minister of Haiti, Dr. Gary the prime minister of Haiti, Dr. Gary the prime minister of Haiti, Dr. Gary Con.

What an inspiring ceremony. Thank you so What an inspiring ceremony. Thank you so much for your solidarity with Haiti. much for your solidarity with Haiti. much for your solidarity with Haiti. Thank you so much. Let us remain Thank you so much. Let us remain Thank you so much. Let us remain standing for standing for standing for my name is Gary and I'm currently my name is Gary and I'm currently my name is Gary and I'm currently interesting where there's a language interesting where there's a language interesting where there's a language difference in difference in difference in how necessary how important how necessary how important how necessary how important relevant nationality relevant nationality relevant nationality is going to be is going to be is going to be and uh as most of you may know and uh as most of you may know and uh as most of you may know I've got to go find out the words I've got to go find out the words I've got to go find out the words actually actually actually but that's the beauty of music the but that's the beauty of music the but that's the beauty of music the universal language we're going to while universal language we're going to while universal language we're going to while we remain standing by very gangs come we remain standing by very gangs come we remain standing by very gangs come almost the population almost the population almost the population million people are food insecure nearly million people are food insecure nearly million people are food insecure nearly 300,000 are displaced we're looking at a 300,000 are displaced we're looking at a 300,000 are displaced we're looking at a collera problem up north but it's not collera problem up north but it's not collera problem up north but it's not just that the problem is grave and just that the problem is grave and just that the problem is grave and serious serious serious capacity to respond to it is also capacity to respond to it is also capacity to respond to it is also seriously diminished seriously diminished seriously diminished and this is something that I've rarely and this is something that I've rarely and this is something that I've rarely seen seen seen that's more intense in certain ways than that's more intense in certain ways than that's more intense in certain ways than what you saw what you saw what you saw because of the number of people.

Our apologies for technical Our apologies for technical difficulties. We don't know what side difficulties. We don't know what side difficulties. We don't know what side it's on, but they're going to remedy it's on, but they're going to remedy it's on, but they're going to remedy that and we're going to do exactly what that and we're going to do exactly what that and we're going to do exactly what we do as professionals. Keep going. we do as professionals. Keep going. we do as professionals. Keep going. You may be seated. You may be seated. You may be seated. And once that is rectified, we will And once that is rectified, we will And once that is rectified, we will again have the prime minister come and again have the prime minister come and again have the prime minister come and address you and you will act surprised address you and you will act surprised address you and you will act surprised the way you did the first time. Amen. the way you did the first time. Amen. the way you did the first time. Amen. Praise the Lord. You know, it was when Praise the Lord. You know, it was when Praise the Lord. You know, it was when Reverend Al Sharpton reached out to me Reverend Al Sharpton reached out to me Reverend Al Sharpton reached out to me about a press conference at city hall to about a press conference at city hall to about a press conference at city hall to stand in solidarity with the Haitian stand in solidarity with the Haitian stand in solidarity with the Haitian community that without hesitation, I community that without hesitation, I community that without hesitation, I said, "Rev, just give me the date, the said, "Rev, just give me the date, the said, "Rev, just give me the date, the time, and I will be there." And as time, and I will be there." And as time, and I will be there." And as followup, he called and he said, "We followup, he called and he said, "We followup, he called and he said, "We we'd like to do a prayer vigil, and we'd we'd like to do a prayer vigil, and we'd we'd like to do a prayer vigil, and we'd like to do it at Christian Cultural like to do it at Christian Cultural like to do it at Christian Cultural Center." I said we would be honored to Center." I said we would be honored to Center." I said we would be honored to host that and show respect, honor, and host that and show respect, honor, and host that and show respect, honor, and dignity for the Haitian people and their dignity for the Haitian people and their dignity for the Haitian people and their plight at this time.

plight at this time. plight at this time. He and I have known each other for over He and I have known each other for over He and I have known each other for over three decades and have worked together three decades and have worked together three decades and have worked together from time to time and working more often from time to time and working more often from time to time and working more often now. Let us welcome a voice that has now. Let us welcome a voice that has now. Let us welcome a voice that has been a voice of continuity and growth been a voice of continuity and growth been a voice of continuity and growth and development and development and development that we've needed in our communities. that we've needed in our communities. that we've needed in our communities. Let us welcome the Reverend Al Sharpton. [Music] [Music] I think you may be seated. I think you may be seated. I think you may be seated. Thank you to Pastor Bernard Thank you to Pastor Bernard Thank you to Pastor Bernard and to Pastor Jamal and to Pastor Jamal and to Pastor Jamal Bernard and all of you that have come.

Bernard and all of you that have come. Bernard and all of you that have come. Let me acknowledge first the Let me acknowledge first the Let me acknowledge first the several of our elected officials already several of our elected officials already several of our elected officials already here. Councilwoman Rita Joseph, here. Councilwoman Rita Joseph, here. Councilwoman Rita Joseph, [Applause] [Applause] [Applause] Council Member Farra Lewis, and of course our New York City and of course our New York City controller, great friend of ours, controller, great friend of ours, controller, great friend of ours, Controller Brad Lander. I met with I met with Pastor Sam Nichols and others because Pastor Sam Nichols and others because Pastor Sam Nichols and others because as the world has rightfully showed as the world has rightfully showed as the world has rightfully showed concern concern concern about what's going on in Gaza and Israel about what's going on in Gaza and Israel about what's going on in Gaza and Israel and what's going on in Ukraine, and what's going on in Ukraine, and what's going on in Ukraine, it seemed to many of us that you cannot, it seemed to many of us that you cannot, it seemed to many of us that you cannot, should not, and we will not ignore what should not, and we will not ignore what should not, and we will not ignore what is going on in Haiti.

And if the faith leaders cannot convene And if the faith leaders cannot convene us and cannot together pray us and cannot together pray us and cannot together pray across denominational lines across denominational lines across denominational lines about what is going on in terms of the about what is going on in terms of the about what is going on in terms of the violence and the senseless killings of violence and the senseless killings of violence and the senseless killings of our people right in Haiti, then I don't our people right in Haiti, then I don't our people right in Haiti, then I don't know who know who know who should and could do it. And in my mind, should and could do it. And in my mind, should and could do it. And in my mind, there was only one place to come and there was only one place to come and there was only one place to come and convene us, and that was to the convene us, and that was to the convene us, and that was to the Christian Cultural Center. This pastor who has become a preeminent voice of who has become a preeminent voice of faith in the country, immediately open faith in the country, immediately open faith in the country, immediately open the doors of this center. And we ought the doors of this center. And we ought the doors of this center. And we ought to give Pastor AR Bernard a huge hand. It seems fitting in one sense that we It seems fitting in one sense that we are doing this on the evening of the are doing this on the evening of the are doing this on the evening of the federal holiday around Junth day.

[Applause] [Applause] There are parallels There are parallels There are parallels with the story of Junth and what we seek with the story of Junth and what we seek with the story of Junth and what we seek to see done in Haiti. Let us never to see done in Haiti. Let us never to see done in Haiti. Let us never forget in the late 1700s, forget in the late 1700s, forget in the late 1700s, it was Haiti that was able to stand up it was Haiti that was able to stand up it was Haiti that was able to stand up as an independent country of African as an independent country of African as an independent country of African descent. descent. descent. [Applause] [Applause] [Applause] And just like And just like And just like we fought against slavery in the United we fought against slavery in the United we fought against slavery in the United States, States, States, it was the Haitian army through Santler it was the Haitian army through Santler it was the Haitian army through Santler Overture and others that were able to Overture and others that were able to Overture and others that were able to get the French Republican army out of get the French Republican army out of get the French Republican army out of Haiti and established the first nation Haiti and established the first nation Haiti and established the first nation in the Western Hemisphere. to understand to understand what Junth is about. In what Junth is about. In what Junth is about. In January of 1863, January of 1863, January of 1863, Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation promising that on January Proclamation promising that on January Proclamation promising that on January 1st, 1863, 1st, 1863, 1st, 1863, slavery would come to an end. It was a slavery would come to an end. It was a slavery would come to an end. It was a brutal civil war that cost more lives brutal civil war that cost more lives brutal civil war that cost more lives than any war in American history.

than any war in American history. than any war in American history. But because the word did not go around But because the word did not go around But because the word did not go around all of the Confederate states, the all of the Confederate states, the all of the Confederate states, the slaves in Texas never knew they were slaves in Texas never knew they were slaves in Texas never knew they were free. And it took 2 and 1/2 years of free. And it took 2 and 1/2 years of free. And it took 2 and 1/2 years of them continuing to engage in slave labor them continuing to engage in slave labor them continuing to engage in slave labor before the Union Army came in and told before the Union Army came in and told before the Union Army came in and told them that in fact they had been free. them that in fact they had been free. them that in fact they had been free. Two and a half years they worked because Two and a half years they worked because Two and a half years they worked because they didn't have the right message. they didn't have the right message. they didn't have the right message. Well, it is our job to give the nation Well, it is our job to give the nation Well, it is our job to give the nation of Haiti the same message that you are of Haiti the same message that you are of Haiti the same message that you are free. Not not free to be gang bangers, not free to not free to be gang bangers, not free to do violence against your own, not free do violence against your own, not free do violence against your own, not free to have turf wars, but free to build the to have turf wars, but free to build the to have turf wars, but free to build the nation that Tusant la overure and many nation that Tusant la overure and many nation that Tusant la overure and many others fought to have.

And let me say that we must be against And let me say that we must be against this in all forms. We're against the this in all forms. We're against the this in all forms. We're against the brutality that we see in the Ukraine. brutality that we see in the Ukraine. brutality that we see in the Ukraine. We're against the brutality that we saw We're against the brutality that we saw We're against the brutality that we saw inflicted October 7th in Israel. We're inflicted October 7th in Israel. We're inflicted October 7th in Israel. We're against children being killed innocent against children being killed innocent against children being killed innocent in Gaza. We're against folks that will in Gaza. We're against folks that will in Gaza. We're against folks that will get on subways here and threaten people get on subways here and threaten people get on subways here and threaten people because of their faith, saying, "If because of their faith, saying, "If because of their faith, saying, "If you're a Zionist, get off the train." We you're a Zionist, get off the train." We you're a Zionist, get off the train." We must not have morality based on who is must not have morality based on who is must not have morality based on who is the victim. We must stand against all the victim. We must stand against all the victim. We must stand against all victims and say violence is wrong no victims and say violence is wrong no victims and say violence is wrong no matter who it is targeted. matter who it is targeted. matter who it is targeted. So as we pray tonight, let us pray for So as we pray tonight, let us pray for So as we pray tonight, let us pray for everyone, but particularly for Haiti. everyone, but particularly for Haiti. everyone, but particularly for Haiti. When I was growing up here in Brooklyn, When I was growing up here in Brooklyn, When I was growing up here in Brooklyn, a boy preacher under Bishop FD a boy preacher under Bishop FD a boy preacher under Bishop FD Washington. Washington. Washington. When I was 10 years old, he took a When I was 10 years old, he took a When I was 10 years old, he took a delegation to the Caribbean to do delegation to the Caribbean to do delegation to the Caribbean to do several islands. And the first time I several islands. And the first time I several islands. And the first time I preached with an interpreter was in preached with an interpreter was in preached with an interpreter was in Porter Prince, Haiti.

I've been going to Haiti ever since, I've been going to Haiti ever since, proud to see a nation of people that proud to see a nation of people that proud to see a nation of people that look like me and that came from our same look like me and that came from our same look like me and that came from our same roots. And that pride should not be roots. And that pride should not be roots. And that pride should not be disturbed by those that interpret their disturbed by those that interpret their disturbed by those that interpret their dignity dignity dignity and their standing up as a way of and their standing up as a way of and their standing up as a way of becoming less than the humane people becoming less than the humane people becoming less than the humane people that we should be. Let us be very clear that we should be. Let us be very clear that we should be. Let us be very clear that this kind of thug mentality that that this kind of thug mentality that that this kind of thug mentality that not only happens in Haiti but in our own not only happens in Haiti but in our own not only happens in Haiti but in our own community must be met with those people community must be met with those people community must be met with those people of faith that will ask God to give us of faith that will ask God to give us of faith that will ask God to give us the strength to break the cycle of pain the strength to break the cycle of pain the strength to break the cycle of pain that we endure on one another. Too many that we endure on one another. Too many that we endure on one another. Too many of us have acted like the normalizing of of us have acted like the normalizing of of us have acted like the normalizing of violence is permittable. Too many of us violence is permittable. Too many of us violence is permittable. Too many of us take sides rather than raise us to a take sides rather than raise us to a take sides rather than raise us to a higher ground. And that's what we're higher ground. And that's what we're higher ground. And that's what we're here for tonight. Not to fingerpoint, here for tonight. Not to fingerpoint, here for tonight. Not to fingerpoint, but to embrace each other and pray for but to embrace each other and pray for but to embrace each other and pray for there to be a return to civility, there to be a return to civility, there to be a return to civility, dignity, and the majesty of what Haiti dignity, and the majesty of what Haiti dignity, and the majesty of what Haiti has meant to this community and to this has meant to this community and to this has meant to this community and to this world.

Pastor Nichols Pastor Nichols and others that have worked with this. I and others that have worked with this. I and others that have worked with this. I first met Pastor Nichols when his cousin first met Pastor Nichols when his cousin first met Pastor Nichols when his cousin was a victim of brutality here, Abnner was a victim of brutality here, Abnner was a victim of brutality here, Abnner Lewima. And we came together by tens of Lewima. And we came together by tens of Lewima. And we came together by tens of thousands and stood up for Abnner. We thousands and stood up for Abnner. We thousands and stood up for Abnner. We must come together with the same fervor must come together with the same fervor must come together with the same fervor and ask for the world to help stop the and ask for the world to help stop the and ask for the world to help stop the madness that's going on in Haiti. madness that's going on in Haiti. madness that's going on in Haiti. [Applause] [Applause] [Applause] I cannot think. I could not even imagine I cannot think. I could not even imagine I cannot think. I could not even imagine if if it was another nation, another if if it was another nation, another if if it was another nation, another place with a different color that we place with a different color that we place with a different color that we would have tolerated this this long. We would have tolerated this this long. We would have tolerated this this long. We should not as Americans should not as Americans should not as Americans stand by and allow this carnage to stand by and allow this carnage to stand by and allow this carnage to continue. We must do whatever aid we can continue. We must do whatever aid we can continue. We must do whatever aid we can do to make sure the United States stand do to make sure the United States stand do to make sure the United States stand to help solve, not take over the to help solve, not take over the to help solve, not take over the problem, but solve the problem so that problem, but solve the problem so that problem, but solve the problem so that the democratically elected leadership in the democratically elected leadership in the democratically elected leadership in Haiti can lead Haiti to where it needs Haiti can lead Haiti to where it needs Haiti can lead Haiti to where it needs to go forward.

to go forward. to go forward. [Applause] [Applause] [Applause] So we come tonight in prayer and So we come tonight in prayer and So we come tonight in prayer and commitment and many of you scores of you commitment and many of you scores of you commitment and many of you scores of you that are here and more that are watching that are here and more that are watching that are here and more that are watching live. We must be committed to the nation live. We must be committed to the nation live. We must be committed to the nation of Haiti being the nation that it was of Haiti being the nation that it was of Haiti being the nation that it was fought to be and see this as something fought to be and see this as something fought to be and see this as something that we can unite. I don't know what that we can unite. I don't know what that we can unite. I don't know what political side you may be on in Haiti or political side you may be on in Haiti or political side you may be on in Haiti or in the United States, but nothing and in the United States, but nothing and in the United States, but nothing and nobody should try to justify the killing nobody should try to justify the killing nobody should try to justify the killing of innocent people and the ruling of of innocent people and the ruling of of innocent people and the ruling of anarchy in a land that God has given the anarchy in a land that God has given the anarchy in a land that God has given the people of Haiti. People say to me, people of Haiti. People say to me, people of Haiti. People say to me, "Reverend, "Reverend, "Reverend, I did not know you were Haitian." I did not know you were Haitian." I did not know you were Haitian." And I tell them all the time that all of And I tell them all the time that all of And I tell them all the time that all of us were brought here to this western us were brought here to this western us were brought here to this western hemisphere against our will. None of us hemisphere against our will. None of us hemisphere against our will. None of us made reservations to come here. Your made reservations to come here. Your made reservations to come here. Your forefathers did not make a luxury line forefathers did not make a luxury line forefathers did not make a luxury line of reservation. We were kidnapped. Some of reservation. We were kidnapped. Some of reservation. We were kidnapped. Some dropped in Haiti, some Trinidad, some dropped in Haiti, some Trinidad, some dropped in Haiti, some Trinidad, some the southern United States, some Panama, the southern United States, some Panama, the southern United States, some Panama, some the North. Don't act like we're some the North. Don't act like we're some the North. Don't act like we're here because we chose it, but we are here because we chose it, but we are here because we chose it, but we are chosen since we're here to build a chosen since we're here to build a chosen since we're here to build a humane society pleasing in the sight of humane society pleasing in the sight of humane society pleasing in the sight of God.

If I were to kidnap you and bring you to If I were to kidnap you and bring you to my house and put your mother in the my house and put your mother in the my house and put your mother in the bedroom and your children in the living bedroom and your children in the living bedroom and your children in the living room and you in the kitchen, you would room and you in the kitchen, you would room and you in the kitchen, you would look foolish coming out three weeks look foolish coming out three weeks look foolish coming out three weeks later saying, "I'm a bedroom black. I'm later saying, "I'm a bedroom black. I'm later saying, "I'm a bedroom black. I'm a kitchen black. I'm a living room a kitchen black. I'm a living room a kitchen black. I'm a living room black." No, we all are the same that got black." No, we all are the same that got black." No, we all are the same that got in this hemisphere the same way. But God in this hemisphere the same way. But God in this hemisphere the same way. But God had a plan to put us here to show had a plan to put us here to show had a plan to put us here to show humanity what we ought to be. And that humanity what we ought to be. And that humanity what we ought to be. And that is to stand up as the children of God is to stand up as the children of God is to stand up as the children of God and say that we can bind ourselves and say that we can bind ourselves and say that we can bind ourselves together with love and brotherhood. together with love and brotherhood. together with love and brotherhood. Violence against one another is Violence against one another is Violence against one another is inexcusable. And we're going to stand inexcusable. And we're going to stand inexcusable. And we're going to stand with Haiti until we can stop the with Haiti until we can stop the with Haiti until we can stop the violence and let those young people in violence and let those young people in violence and let those young people in these gangs understand they are our these gangs understand they are our these gangs understand they are our children. under our brothers. Lay down children. under our brothers. Lay down children. under our brothers. Lay down your weapons and let us build a nation your weapons and let us build a nation your weapons and let us build a nation that we can show the world the dignity that we can show the world the dignity that we can show the world the dignity and pride of a people that came from and pride of a people that came from and pride of a people that came from nothing and slavery and built its own nothing and slavery and built its own nothing and slavery and built its own country. We came in the United States country. We came in the United States country. We came in the United States from shadow slavery to where we elected from shadow slavery to where we elected from shadow slavery to where we elected a president and reelected a president of a president and reelected a president of a president and reelected a president of our own grace. We didn't even know his our own grace. We didn't even know his our own grace. We didn't even know his name well to pronounce for first few name well to pronounce for first few name well to pronounce for first few months. We were calling him Obami.

months. We were calling him Obami. months. We were calling him Obami. We went from slave mistresses to a black We went from slave mistresses to a black We went from slave mistresses to a black woman as vice president of the United woman as vice president of the United woman as vice president of the United States. States. States. Just like we rose there, we must rise in Just like we rose there, we must rise in Just like we rose there, we must rise in Haiti again and realize that God doesn't Haiti again and realize that God doesn't Haiti again and realize that God doesn't make a mistake. I was flying in last make a mistake. I was flying in last make a mistake. I was flying in last night from Florida and I love when I'm night from Florida and I love when I'm night from Florida and I love when I'm flying to look at the celestial skies. flying to look at the celestial skies. flying to look at the celestial skies. You notice the sun never bumped into the You notice the sun never bumped into the You notice the sun never bumped into the moon. moon. moon. Stars never collided with the earth. Stars never collided with the earth. Stars never collided with the earth. Tell you it's time. Tell you it's time. Tell you it's time. God made everything in perfect order. God made everything in perfect order. God made everything in perfect order. Why do you think he got to us and made Why do you think he got to us and made Why do you think he got to us and made his first mistake? We are not a mistake. his first mistake? We are not a mistake. his first mistake? We are not a mistake. We must flow together, stand together, We must flow together, stand together, We must flow together, stand together, lock arms together. We are the children lock arms together. We are the children lock arms together. We are the children of God and we need to behave and act of God and we need to behave and act of God and we need to behave and act like the children of God. Thank you and like the children of God. Thank you and like the children of God. Thank you and God bless you.

Now, we all know Now, we all know that in 1804 that in 1804 that in 1804 for a black nation to depart for a black nation to depart for a black nation to depart its independence in the Western its independence in the Western its independence in the Western Hemisphere Hemisphere Hemisphere was a problem. was a problem. was a problem. And it took 21 years before that And it took 21 years before that And it took 21 years before that independence was recognized because how independence was recognized because how independence was recognized because how can you have an independent black nation can you have an independent black nation can you have an independent black nation in a hemisphere where slavery of blacks in a hemisphere where slavery of blacks in a hemisphere where slavery of blacks was the status quo? So, we see the was the status quo? So, we see the was the status quo? So, we see the parallels parallels parallels and there's much work still to be done. and there's much work still to be done. and there's much work still to be done. It is my pleasure to once again bring to It is my pleasure to once again bring to It is my pleasure to once again bring to you the prime minister of Haiti. you the prime minister of Haiti. you the prime minister of Haiti. Stand by. What a what an inspiring introduction.

What a what an inspiring introduction. What inspiring words, Pastor Thomas, What inspiring words, Pastor Thomas, What inspiring words, Pastor Thomas, Reverend Reverend Nicholas, um uh Pastor Reverend Reverend Nicholas, um uh Pastor Reverend Reverend Nicholas, um uh Pastor Charton, uh everyone really, this has Charton, uh everyone really, this has Charton, uh everyone really, this has been an inspiring opening. Thank you so been an inspiring opening. Thank you so been an inspiring opening. Thank you so very much for your solidarity. Haiti very much for your solidarity. Haiti very much for your solidarity. Haiti needs it and deserves it. The reality is needs it and deserves it. The reality is needs it and deserves it. The reality is my name is Gary Conneal and I am my name is Gary Conneal and I am my name is Gary Conneal and I am currently the prime minister of Haiti currently the prime minister of Haiti currently the prime minister of Haiti for about a whole of two three weeks. As for about a whole of two three weeks. As for about a whole of two three weeks. As the basis of comparison, I just want you the basis of comparison, I just want you the basis of comparison, I just want you to know the crisis that we're facing now to know the crisis that we're facing now to know the crisis that we're facing now is in so many ways so much more is in so many ways so much more is in so many ways so much more complicated than the actual earthquake. complicated than the actual earthquake. complicated than the actual earthquake. About 2 million people are hostage uh in About 2 million people are hostage uh in About 2 million people are hostage uh in the metropolitan area where 80% of it is the metropolitan area where 80% of it is the metropolitan area where 80% of it is controlled by gangs. 300 people are controlled by gangs. 300 people are controlled by gangs. 300 people are 300,000 people are this displaced and 300,000 people are this displaced and 300,000 people are this displaced and about half the population 4.5 million about half the population 4.5 million about half the population 4.5 million people are food insecure. We're looking people are food insecure. We're looking people are food insecure. We're looking at a collera epidemic parts of the at a collera epidemic parts of the at a collera epidemic parts of the country and obviously we have a problem country and obviously we have a problem country and obviously we have a problem where 70% of our health infrastructure where 70% of our health infrastructure where 70% of our health infrastructure in the metropolitan area are currently in the metropolitan area are currently in the metropolitan area are currently closed. So it's not just that you have closed. So it's not just that you have closed. So it's not just that you have so many people in need, so many people so many people in need, so many people so many people in need, so many people are suffering, young girls being raped are suffering, young girls being raped are suffering, young girls being raped in front of their brothers and sisters in front of their brothers and sisters in front of their brothers and sisters and mothers. Uh it's not just the horror and mothers. Uh it's not just the horror and mothers. Uh it's not just the horror of the gang violence, but it's also the of the gang violence, but it's also the of the gang violence, but it's also the difficulty for the state to organize and difficulty for the state to organize and difficulty for the state to organize and provide the appropriate response.

provide the appropriate response. provide the appropriate response. In the past year or so, over 150,000 In the past year or so, over 150,000 In the past year or so, over 150,000 people, most of which teachers, doctors, people, most of which teachers, doctors, people, most of which teachers, doctors, uh police officers have left because of uh police officers have left because of uh police officers have left because of the circumstances. So now we've inhered the circumstances. So now we've inhered the circumstances. So now we've inhered a situation where even though we know a situation where even though we know a situation where even though we know what to do and we would like to do what to do and we would like to do what to do and we would like to do things, we just don't have the means to things, we just don't have the means to things, we just don't have the means to do so. On the international scene, I do so. On the international scene, I do so. On the international scene, I have to say there is this Haiti fatigue have to say there is this Haiti fatigue have to say there is this Haiti fatigue and the response we're seeing, the and the response we're seeing, the and the response we're seeing, the solidarity we're seeing from the solidarity we're seeing from the solidarity we're seeing from the bilaterals is nowhere near where we need bilaterals is nowhere near where we need bilaterals is nowhere near where we need to be. The humanitarian effort is funded to be. The humanitarian effort is funded to be. The humanitarian effort is funded right now as less than 30% when this right now as less than 30% when this right now as less than 30% when this assistance is badly needed. So, what assistance is badly needed. So, what assistance is badly needed. So, what we're going to try to do is are a few we're going to try to do is are a few we're going to try to do is are a few things in the next few weeks is first things in the next few weeks is first things in the next few weeks is first bring back hope to the Haitian people by bring back hope to the Haitian people by bring back hope to the Haitian people by providing them with government that they providing them with government that they providing them with government that they can trust. Please understand that over can trust. Please understand that over can trust. Please understand that over the past years, the Haitian people have the past years, the Haitian people have the past years, the Haitian people have not have had the government that not have had the government that not have had the government that reflects their generosity, their reflects their generosity, their reflects their generosity, their resilience, their desire to fight, and resilience, their desire to fight, and resilience, their desire to fight, and their willingness to help each other. So their willingness to help each other. So their willingness to help each other. So the first task for us in leadership is the first task for us in leadership is the first task for us in leadership is to make sure we can provide the Haitian to make sure we can provide the Haitian to make sure we can provide the Haitian people with a sense of unity, the sense people with a sense of unity, the sense people with a sense of unity, the sense of of of yes, we can do it. This sense of of of yes, we can do it. This sense of of of yes, we can do it. This sense of this is our country. we can trust of this is our country. we can trust of this is our country. we can trust each other and come together uh um under each other and come together uh um under each other and come together uh um under a leadership that actually has a vision a leadership that actually has a vision a leadership that actually has a vision and wants to succeed. This is important and wants to succeed. This is important and wants to succeed. This is important because over the past few years it's because over the past few years it's because over the past few years it's been more of a tactical approach around been more of a tactical approach around been more of a tactical approach around quick solutions that we feel have failed quick solutions that we feel have failed quick solutions that we feel have failed to to to capitalize on what had most to to to capitalize on what had most to to to capitalize on what had most valuable asset, the Haitian people. And

valuable asset, the Haitian people. And valuable asset, the Haitian people. And this is why this type of event of this is why this type of event of this is why this type of event of solidarity is so incred incredibly solidarity is so incred incredibly solidarity is so incred incredibly important. It tells the Haitians that important. It tells the Haitians that important. It tells the Haitians that others believe in you, believe in your others believe in you, believe in your others believe in you, believe in your history, believe believe in your history, believe believe in your history, believe believe in your heritage, and believe that you can come heritage, and believe that you can come heritage, and believe that you can come out of this stronger than you were out of this stronger than you were out of this stronger than you were before. Now, we still have a lot to do before. Now, we still have a lot to do before. Now, we still have a lot to do in the next few weeks and months are in the next few weeks and months are in the next few weeks and months are going to be extremely complex to do four going to be extremely complex to do four going to be extremely complex to do four things. To restore some sense of things. To restore some sense of things. To restore some sense of security so that people can go around security so that people can go around security so that people can go around their business and begin to relieve their business and begin to relieve their business and begin to relieve their lives in a normal setting. My their lives in a normal setting. My their lives in a normal setting. My first day here, I visited one of the first day here, I visited one of the first day here, I visited one of the camps, one of the refugee camps that had camps, one of the refugee camps that had camps, one of the refugee camps that had about 5,000 children, 5,000 people, about 5,000 children, 5,000 people, about 5,000 children, 5,000 people, families. Most of the children in the families. Most of the children in the families. Most of the children in the camps did not go to school. People ill camps did not go to school. People ill camps did not go to school. People ill could not get get access to health care could not get get access to health care could not get get access to health care because the hospitals had been closed. because the hospitals had been closed. because the hospitals had been closed. So our first task will be to restore So our first task will be to restore So our first task will be to restore some sense of security so that services some sense of security so that services some sense of security so that services can be provided. So people can go back can be provided. So people can go back can be provided. So people can go back to their homes, so people can go back to their homes, so people can go back to their homes, so people can go back and forth freely from in different and forth freely from in different and forth freely from in different destinations of the country. The second destinations of the country. The second destinations of the country. The second task of course is going to be to quickly task of course is going to be to quickly task of course is going to be to quickly address the humanitarian situation that address the humanitarian situation that address the humanitarian situation that is really really to a certain extent is really really to a certain extent is really really to a certain extent desperate. And the third task will be to desperate. And the third task will be to desperate. And the third task will be to start to help to have some sort of start to help to have some sort of start to help to have some sort of recovery. Over the past year and a half recovery. Over the past year and a half recovery. Over the past year and a half almost all small businesses have closed almost all small businesses have closed almost all small businesses have closed for good reason. Uh it's almost for good reason. Uh it's almost for good reason. Uh it's almost impossible for people to find livelihood impossible for people to find livelihood impossible for people to find livelihood which is creating further strains on the which is creating further strains on the which is creating further strains on the very limited resources we have. Now our very limited resources we have. Now our very limited resources we have. Now our goal is also to ensure that we can move goal is also to ensure that we can move goal is also to ensure that we can move quickly towards free and fair elections

quickly towards free and fair elections quickly towards free and fair elections within the next 20 months. This is the within the next 20 months. This is the within the next 20 months. This is the commitment that the transition commitment that the transition commitment that the transition government has done. Please remember government has done. Please remember government has done. Please remember that Haiti has not had an elected that Haiti has not had an elected that Haiti has not had an elected official for over for nearly two years. official for over for nearly two years. official for over for nearly two years. So it's extremely important urgent that So it's extremely important urgent that So it's extremely important urgent that we get back to some electoral process. we get back to some electoral process. we get back to some electoral process. But obviously this is highly dependent But obviously this is highly dependent But obviously this is highly dependent on us being able to resolve the security on us being able to resolve the security on us being able to resolve the security the highly vulnerable security the highly vulnerable security the highly vulnerable security situation. situation. situation. In the past year or so and a half and I In the past year or so and a half and I In the past year or so and a half and I think Reverend Al Chapton mentioned think Reverend Al Chapton mentioned think Reverend Al Chapton mentioned this, there are children that are this, there are children that are this, there are children that are joining gangs because there is joining gangs because there is joining gangs because there is desperate. I can tell you stories of desperate. I can tell you stories of desperate. I can tell you stories of university students leaving the university students leaving the university students leaving the university to actually join gangs mostly university to actually join gangs mostly university to actually join gangs mostly because of desperation. So the solution because of desperation. So the solution because of desperation. So the solution will have to be one that's will have to be one that's will have to be one that's comprehensive. It needs to ensure a comprehensive. It needs to ensure a comprehensive. It needs to ensure a police force that can actually do its police force that can actually do its police force that can actually do its job that can actually regain a certain job that can actually regain a certain job that can actually regain a certain control over the territories. But that control over the territories. But that control over the territories. But that will not be enough. It will require will not be enough. It will require will not be enough. It will require social programs. It will require social programs. It will require social programs. It will require disarmament programs. It will require disarmament programs. It will require disarmament programs. It will require reintegration programs. It has to be a reintegration programs. It has to be a reintegration programs. It has to be a complex, a complicated set of solutions complex, a complicated set of solutions complex, a complicated set of solutions that can help these us come out of this that can help these us come out of this that can help these us come out of this in an environment that makes us stronger in an environment that makes us stronger in an environment that makes us stronger than we were before. your help in making than we were before. your help in making than we were before. your help in making sure that we can get the word out, that sure that we can get the word out, that sure that we can get the word out, that we can help the world understand that we can help the world understand that we can help the world understand that Haiti needs solidarity, that this is no Haiti needs solidarity, that this is no Haiti needs solidarity, that this is no time for Haiti fatigue, that our issues, time for Haiti fatigue, that our issues, time for Haiti fatigue, that our issues, our problems, our difficulties are not our problems, our difficulties are not our problems, our difficulties are not less important than other parts of the less important than other parts of the less important than other parts of the world, I think is extremely extremely world, I think is extremely extremely world, I think is extremely extremely important. The other part of my personal important. The other part of my personal important. The other part of my personal goal is to try to see how I mobilize one

goal is to try to see how I mobilize one goal is to try to see how I mobilize one of Haiti's most incredible assets. It's of Haiti's most incredible assets. It's of Haiti's most incredible assets. It's Jaspora. This is the hundreds of Jaspora. This is the hundreds of Jaspora. This is the hundreds of thousands of Haitian men and women that thousands of Haitian men and women that thousands of Haitian men and women that are still very much attached to our are still very much attached to our are still very much attached to our country and that actually keep us alive country and that actually keep us alive country and that actually keep us alive and account for much of our GDP. and account for much of our GDP. and account for much of our GDP. Our goal will be to use common uh Our goal will be to use common uh Our goal will be to use common uh frameworks and common formats to make frameworks and common formats to make frameworks and common formats to make sure that that richness that TESPOR is sure that that richness that TESPOR is sure that that richness that TESPOR is able to provide the support, the able to provide the support, the able to provide the support, the guidance, the expertise, the experience, guidance, the expertise, the experience, guidance, the expertise, the experience, the knowledge that it has from all over the knowledge that it has from all over the knowledge that it has from all over the world. We need to build the bridge the world. We need to build the bridge the world. We need to build the bridge between what I like to call Haiti and between what I like to call Haiti and between what I like to call Haiti and its actual middle class and that's the its actual middle class and that's the its actual middle class and that's the Haitians living in the diaspora. That's Haitians living in the diaspora. That's Haitians living in the diaspora. That's some of the goals that we've given some of the goals that we've given some of the goals that we've given across. Now the good news is the across. Now the good news is the across. Now the good news is the situation is far from desperate. I came situation is far from desperate. I came situation is far from desperate. I came back to Haiti after my tenure with back to Haiti after my tenure with back to Haiti after my tenure with UNICEF to find a people that still has a UNICEF to find a people that still has a UNICEF to find a people that still has a lot of fight, a lot of hope, and a lot lot of fight, a lot of hope, and a lot lot of fight, a lot of hope, and a lot of courage. And I think with the team of courage. And I think with the team of courage. And I think with the team we've put together, we're going to be we've put together, we're going to be we've put together, we're going to be able to build on that. But building that able to build on that. But building that able to build on that. But building that bridge with the Haitian diaspora is bridge with the Haitian diaspora is bridge with the Haitian diaspora is going to be essential. It's going to be going to be essential. It's going to be going to be essential. It's going to be important and it's going to be critical important and it's going to be critical important and it's going to be critical and we're welcoming on ideas on how to and we're welcoming on ideas on how to and we're welcoming on ideas on how to do that in the most effective way do that in the most effective way do that in the most effective way possible. I don't want to be too long. I possible. I don't want to be too long. I possible. I don't want to be too long. I on behalf of the Haitian people, on on behalf of the Haitian people, on on behalf of the Haitian people, on behalf of the Haitian government, I just behalf of the Haitian government, I just behalf of the Haitian government, I just want to express my gratitude to all the want to express my gratitude to all the want to express my gratitude to all the organizers of this event, all the people organizers of this event, all the people organizers of this event, all the people that took time to listen and pray with that took time to listen and pray with that took time to listen and pray with Haiti. I invite them to keep the flame Haiti. I invite them to keep the flame Haiti. I invite them to keep the flame alive. I invite all of you to keep the alive. I invite all of you to keep the alive. I invite all of you to keep the word to keep Haiti on people's lips and word to keep Haiti on people's lips and word to keep Haiti on people's lips and to tell them that we're going to get to tell them that we're going to get to tell them that we're going to get through this. We're going to be

through this. We're going to be through this. We're going to be successful. We have the courage. This successful. We have the courage. This successful. We have the courage. This will not be this is not our first will not be this is not our first will not be this is not our first challenge and I'm quite confident that challenge and I'm quite confident that challenge and I'm quite confident that we will come out of this victor we will come out of this victor we will come out of this victor victorious. Thank you so much everybody victorious. Thank you so much everybody victorious. Thank you so much everybody for this wonderful wonderful for this wonderful wonderful for this wonderful wonderful opportunity. You know, I heard a statement uh last You know, I heard a statement uh last week week week and the statement has its roots in and the statement has its roots in and the statement has its roots in social analysis that goes back a hundred social analysis that goes back a hundred social analysis that goes back a hundred years. years. years. It has been contemporized and it simply It has been contemporized and it simply It has been contemporized and it simply says people on the bottom compete with says people on the bottom compete with says people on the bottom compete with each other while people on the top each other while people on the top each other while people on the top collaborate. God said he'll make us the head God said he'll make us the head and not the tail.

and not the tail. and not the tail. And when you are the head, you need to And when you are the head, you need to And when you are the head, you need to act like the head and not like act like the head and not like act like the head and not like the tail. the tail. the tail. Soarity comes through collaboration. Soarity comes through collaboration. Soarity comes through collaboration. It us coming together to work together It us coming together to work together It us coming together to work together towards a common goal. And I hope that's towards a common goal. And I hope that's towards a common goal. And I hope that's part of what we experience here this part of what we experience here this part of what we experience here this evening with all of our different evening with all of our different evening with all of our different spheres of influence, spheres of influence, spheres of influence, platforms, and voices that we can bring platforms, and voices that we can bring platforms, and voices that we can bring it collectively together to make a it collectively together to make a it collectively together to make a difference. difference. difference. Now, I'd like to invite Now, I'd like to invite Now, I'd like to invite Reverend Sam Reverend Sam Reverend Sam Nicholas. He also goes by the name of Nicholas. He also goes by the name of Nicholas. He also goes by the name of Nicholls. whenever Al Sharpton is Nicholls. whenever Al Sharpton is Nicholls. whenever Al Sharpton is talking about him. But I'd like to talking about him. But I'd like to talking about him. But I'd like to invite to the stage Reverend Sam invite to the stage Reverend Sam invite to the stage Reverend Sam Nicholas who will be leading us through Nicholas who will be leading us through Nicholas who will be leading us through a series of prayers and voices who will a series of prayers and voices who will a series of prayers and voices who will be engaging in prayer. Reverend be engaging in prayer. Reverend be engaging in prayer. Reverend Nicholas, thank you.

Nicholas, thank you. Nicholas, thank you. [Applause] [Applause] [Applause] [Music] Before Before [Music] [Music] [Music] we bring the first prayer on, we just we bring the first prayer on, we just we bring the first prayer on, we just like to take this opportunity this like to take this opportunity this like to take this opportunity this opportunity to thank Reverend A Bonard. opportunity to thank Reverend A Bonard. opportunity to thank Reverend A Bonard. Please put your hands together for A Please put your hands together for A Please put your hands together for A Bonad. Reverend Ael Bernard, the CCC family that's here today, the CCC family that's here today, the team, Reverend Jamal Bernard. Put the team, Reverend Jamal Bernard. Put the team, Reverend Jamal Bernard. Put your hands together for Reverend Jamal your hands together for Reverend Jamal your hands together for Reverend Jamal Bernard, and put your hands together for and put your hands together for yourself, the most beautiful yourself, the most beautiful yourself, the most beautiful congregation that is here today. congregation that is here today. congregation that is here today. So, as I have been tasked to MCE this So, as I have been tasked to MCE this So, as I have been tasked to MCE this event this evening, we're going to bring event this evening, we're going to bring event this evening, we're going to bring and I will continue to give shoutouts as and I will continue to give shoutouts as and I will continue to give shoutouts as we continue. We're going to ask Reverend we continue. We're going to ask Reverend we continue. We're going to ask Reverend Dr. Charles Galbri uh to come forward.

Dr. Charles Galbri uh to come forward. Dr. Charles Galbri uh to come forward. He'll be praying for safety and security He'll be praying for safety and security He'll be praying for safety and security followed by the public advocate Jamani followed by the public advocate Jamani followed by the public advocate Jamani Williams. And right after the public Williams. And right after the public Williams. And right after the public advocate, we'll have a musical selection advocate, we'll have a musical selection advocate, we'll have a musical selection by the Baraka Baptist Church choir. And by the Baraka Baptist Church choir. And by the Baraka Baptist Church choir. And then we'll come back and introduce then we'll come back and introduce then we'll come back and introduce Pastor Mul Jean Pierre who'll be praying Pastor Mul Jean Pierre who'll be praying Pastor Mul Jean Pierre who'll be praying for the religious community in Haiti. for the religious community in Haiti. for the religious community in Haiti. Put your hands together. We receive Put your hands together. We receive Put your hands together. We receive Reverend Dr. Charles. Reverend Dr. Charles. Reverend Dr. Charles. [Applause] [Applause] [Applause] [Music] [Music] [Music] [Applause] [Applause] [Applause] Thank you, Pastor. We believe in the Thank you, Pastor. We believe in the Thank you, Pastor. We believe in the power of prayer. And if you are able to, power of prayer. And if you are able to, power of prayer. And if you are able to, would you stand with me in this space would you stand with me in this space would you stand with me in this space as we go before heaven as we go before heaven as we go before heaven and ask for God's help? Won't you pray with me even in this Won't you pray with me even in this moment? God of our weary years and God moment? God of our weary years and God moment? God of our weary years and God of our silent tears. of our silent tears. of our silent tears. God who has brought us thus far along God who has brought us thus far along God who has brought us thus far along the way. God who is guiding us and the way. God who is guiding us and the way. God who is guiding us and directing us. We cry out to you tonight, directing us. We cry out to you tonight, directing us. We cry out to you tonight, God. We recognize that our prayers are God. We recognize that our prayers are God. We recognize that our prayers are not passive, but God, we recognize our not passive, but God, we recognize our not passive, but God, we recognize our prayers have power. We join together, oh prayers have power. We join together, oh prayers have power. We join together, oh God, asking that you would move God, asking that you would move God, asking that you would move concerning the need that is present concerning the need that is present concerning the need that is present before us. That God, you would show up before us. That God, you would show up before us. That God, you would show up as the God of safety and security. God, as the God of safety and security. God, as the God of safety and security. God, we cry out to you on tonight knowing we cry out to you on tonight knowing we cry out to you on tonight knowing that as we cry out to you tonight that that as we cry out to you tonight that that as we cry out to you tonight that as we are lifting up our prayers, power

as we are lifting up our prayers, power as we are lifting up our prayers, power is coming down tonight. We pray on is coming down tonight. We pray on is coming down tonight. We pray on tonight we that have power to push tonight we that have power to push tonight we that have power to push policy. Tonight we pray that we would policy. Tonight we pray that we would policy. Tonight we pray that we would have power to propel proper funding. have power to propel proper funding. have power to propel proper funding. Tonight we pray that we would have power Tonight we pray that we would have power Tonight we pray that we would have power to push back uh the strongholds of the to push back uh the strongholds of the to push back uh the strongholds of the kingdom of darkness. that God would kingdom of darkness. that God would kingdom of darkness. that God would arise and every enemy would be arise and every enemy would be arise and every enemy would be scattered. God, we pray as we heard from scattered. God, we pray as we heard from scattered. God, we pray as we heard from our prime minister, the needs, the hurt, our prime minister, the needs, the hurt, our prime minister, the needs, the hurt, and the concern. God, would you show up and the concern. God, would you show up and the concern. God, would you show up and empower us to also show up? Would and empower us to also show up? Would and empower us to also show up? Would you by your power and through your might you by your power and through your might you by your power and through your might send your spirit? We thank you, God, on send your spirit? We thank you, God, on send your spirit? We thank you, God, on tonight that Haiti is not forgotten, but tonight that Haiti is not forgotten, but tonight that Haiti is not forgotten, but rather Haiti is holy ground. We thank rather Haiti is holy ground. We thank rather Haiti is holy ground. We thank you on tonight that there is hope for you on tonight that there is hope for you on tonight that there is hope for the Haitian people. We thank you tonight the Haitian people. We thank you tonight the Haitian people. We thank you tonight because we trust in your word and we because we trust in your word and we because we trust in your word and we hold on to your word, God. Despite what hold on to your word, God. Despite what hold on to your word, God. Despite what the statistics may say, despite what the the statistics may say, despite what the the statistics may say, despite what the pundits may say, despite what others may pundits may say, despite what others may pundits may say, despite what others may say, God, we hold on to your word in say, God, we hold on to your word in say, God, we hold on to your word in according to your word in Ephesians the according to your word in Ephesians the according to your word in Ephesians the third chapter that you're able to do third chapter that you're able to do third chapter that you're able to do exceedingly and abundantly above all we exceedingly and abundantly above all we exceedingly and abundantly above all we could ask, think, or imagine. So God, we could ask, think, or imagine. So God, we could ask, think, or imagine. So God, we ask that you would show up and bring ask that you would show up and bring ask that you would show up and bring your power, your presence, and your your power, your presence, and your your power, your presence, and your healing. God, we ask that you would stay healing. God, we ask that you would stay healing. God, we ask that you would stay the hand of those who would cause the hand of those who would cause the hand of those who would cause violence and harm and hurt because we violence and harm and hurt because we violence and harm and hurt because we hold to your word once again that no hold to your word once again that no hold to your word once again that no weapon formed against us shall prosper.

weapon formed against us shall prosper. weapon formed against us shall prosper. We trust you in this on tonight. We We trust you in this on tonight. We We trust you in this on tonight. We thank you, God, that there is thank you, God, that there is thank you, God, that there is proclamation and there is demonstration. proclamation and there is demonstration. proclamation and there is demonstration. And we're trusting you tonight And we're trusting you tonight And we're trusting you tonight that in the midst of this, your presence that in the midst of this, your presence that in the midst of this, your presence and your power would be made known. We and your power would be made known. We and your power would be made known. We lift this before you and honor you in lift this before you and honor you in lift this before you and honor you in the powerful and mighty name of Jesus. the powerful and mighty name of Jesus. the powerful and mighty name of Jesus. The people of God who believe and trust The people of God who believe and trust The people of God who believe and trust God said, "Amen." And amen. Williams. Williams. Peace and blessing, love and light to Peace and blessing, love and light to Peace and blessing, love and light to everyone. As I said, my name is Jamani everyone. As I said, my name is Jamani everyone. As I said, my name is Jamani Williams. I'm the public advocate of Williams. I'm the public advocate of Williams. I'm the public advocate of City of New York. So happy to be here. I City of New York. So happy to be here. I City of New York. So happy to be here. I know my colleagues in government are know my colleagues in government are know my colleagues in government are here as well. here as well. here as well. Comproller, Assembly Member um Waterman Comproller, Assembly Member um Waterman Comproller, Assembly Member um Waterman and Council Members Narcissis and and and Council Members Narcissis and and and Council Members Narcissis and and Council Member Lewis and uh CCC and uh Council Member Lewis and uh CCC and uh Council Member Lewis and uh CCC and uh the pastor here and pastor Nicholas. I I the pastor here and pastor Nicholas. I I the pastor here and pastor Nicholas. I I it's amazing that we did this on Junth.

it's amazing that we did this on Junth. it's amazing that we did this on Junth. What's also amazing is that it's not What's also amazing is that it's not What's also amazing is that it's not just Haitian leaders who are here and I just Haitian leaders who are here and I just Haitian leaders who are here and I want to make sure we point that out. We want to make sure we point that out. We want to make sure we point that out. We have the black leaders here and even have the black leaders here and even have the black leaders here and even non-black leaders here. And that's a non-black leaders here. And that's a non-black leaders here. And that's a celebratory moment to make sure that the celebratory moment to make sure that the celebratory moment to make sure that the Haitian people know they are not alone Haitian people know they are not alone Haitian people know they are not alone and we will stand with them with what's and we will stand with them with what's and we will stand with them with what's happening. I also always try to make happening. I also always try to make happening. I also always try to make sure I say as an American, thank Haiti sure I say as an American, thank Haiti sure I say as an American, thank Haiti for doubling the size of this country for doubling the size of this country for doubling the size of this country and as a black man, thank them for my and as a black man, thank them for my and as a black man, thank them for my freedom cuz without them I might not freedom cuz without them I might not freedom cuz without them I might not have been free. have been free. have been free. And I know there's a lot of stuff that's And I know there's a lot of stuff that's And I know there's a lot of stuff that's been going on in Haiti for a long time. been going on in Haiti for a long time. been going on in Haiti for a long time. And people talk about a lot of things And people talk about a lot of things And people talk about a lot of things that happened. Corruption. Yes, there is that happened. Corruption. Yes, there is that happened. Corruption. Yes, there is corruption. There's corruption in this corruption. There's corruption in this corruption. There's corruption in this country as well. There's corruption all country as well. There's corruption all country as well. There's corruption all over. That's not what the primary reason over. That's not what the primary reason over. That's not what the primary reason is. I want to go back to imagine you is. I want to go back to imagine you is. I want to go back to imagine you having to pay a price for your freedom. having to pay a price for your freedom. having to pay a price for your freedom. Not just to France, but to America and Not just to France, but to America and Not just to France, but to America and American companies too. Had to pay for American companies too. Had to pay for American companies too. Had to pay for your freedom. America's Haiti is one of your freedom. America's Haiti is one of your freedom. America's Haiti is one of the wealthiest countries in the Western the wealthiest countries in the Western the wealthiest countries in the Western Hemisphere, the jewel of the Caribbean.

Hemisphere, the jewel of the Caribbean. Hemisphere, the jewel of the Caribbean. Something happened and it happened on Something happened and it happened on Something happened and it happened on purpose. So, we have a debt that we're purpose. So, we have a debt that we're purpose. So, we have a debt that we're supposed to pay to Haiti. We're not here supposed to pay to Haiti. We're not here supposed to pay to Haiti. We're not here just cuz there's a debt owed that we just cuz there's a debt owed that we just cuz there's a debt owed that we have never paid to Haiti. And I want to have never paid to Haiti. And I want to have never paid to Haiti. And I want to be clear about that. And I've seen a lot be clear about that. And I've seen a lot be clear about that. And I've seen a lot of leaders, I don't I ain't going to of leaders, I don't I ain't going to of leaders, I don't I ain't going to make it too hot, but there's a lot of make it too hot, but there's a lot of make it too hot, but there's a lot of leaders and former presidents that have leaders and former presidents that have leaders and former presidents that have gone down there where the red carpet gone down there where the red carpet gone down there where the red carpet took a lot of pictures. I don't know took a lot of pictures. I don't know took a lot of pictures. I don't know where the money went, but they came back where the money went, but they came back where the money went, but they came back and Haiti still was in a bad place. So, we have a lot of work to do. And So, we have a lot of work to do. And when I turn on the TV, I don't see what when I turn on the TV, I don't see what when I turn on the TV, I don't see what I'm supposed to be seeing in the Congo, I'm supposed to be seeing in the Congo, I'm supposed to be seeing in the Congo, in Sudan, and in Haiti. And that is in Sudan, and in Haiti. And that is in Sudan, and in Haiti. And that is because it is black populations who are because it is black populations who are because it is black populations who are suffering. I'm going to call that out. suffering. I'm going to call that out. suffering. I'm going to call that out. So, I'm so proud that we are here today So, I'm so proud that we are here today So, I'm so proud that we are here today to continue to lift Haiti up. And I'm so to continue to lift Haiti up. And I'm so to continue to lift Haiti up. And I'm so glad that the pastors and the clergy are glad that the pastors and the clergy are glad that the pastors and the clergy are doing what they can and we're praying. doing what they can and we're praying. doing what they can and we're praying. And the power of prayer is undeniable. And the power of prayer is undeniable. And the power of prayer is undeniable. But I also know that the faith without But I also know that the faith without But I also know that the faith without works is dead. So we have to put some works is dead. So we have to put some works is dead. So we have to put some faith, some work behind that faith as faith, some work behind that faith as faith, some work behind that faith as well.

And I'm hoping as a country when we go And I'm hoping as a country when we go down there, we understand we're going down there, we understand we're going down there, we understand we're going down there to help, not to take over. down there to help, not to take over. down there to help, not to take over. We're going down to assist, not to take We're going down to assist, not to take We're going down to assist, not to take from. from. from. Haiti can do for themselves. All they Haiti can do for themselves. All they Haiti can do for themselves. All they need is some assistance cuz so much was need is some assistance cuz so much was need is some assistance cuz so much was done to them. I'm just amazed that done to them. I'm just amazed that done to them. I'm just amazed that you're still here. So, praise God for you're still here. So, praise God for you're still here. So, praise God for the strength that was given to you to the strength that was given to you to the strength that was given to you to make you still be here. make you still be here. make you still be here. I know there's all of sides of politics I know there's all of sides of politics I know there's all of sides of politics all over the place is the same in this all over the place is the same in this all over the place is the same in this country. But I do know what's happening country. But I do know what's happening country. But I do know what's happening in Haiti has to stop. America has the in Haiti has to stop. America has the in Haiti has to stop. America has the means and the ability to help stop that. means and the ability to help stop that. means and the ability to help stop that. And that's what we need to do. And that's what we need to do. And that's what we need to do. I'm also Canadian. Got to make my I'm also Canadian. Got to make my I'm also Canadian. Got to make my connection. and Henri Kristoff the connection. and Henri Kristoff the connection. and Henri Kristoff the second president was from from Grenada second president was from from Grenada second president was from from Grenada as well. So we got that connection. But as well. So we got that connection. But as well. So we got that connection. But we can do this. I know we can do this. we can do this. I know we can do this. we can do this. I know we can do this. So please, whoever you talk to, tell So please, whoever you talk to, tell So please, whoever you talk to, tell them remember Haiti. We must lift up them remember Haiti. We must lift up them remember Haiti. We must lift up Haiti. We can and we will with the Haiti. We can and we will with the Haiti. We can and we will with the prayers and with the action. Just give prayers and with the action. Just give prayers and with the action. Just give them what they need, which is some them what they need, which is some them what they need, which is some support and some money. You took so much support and some money. You took so much support and some money. You took so much from them. So much from them. So much from them. So much from them. So much from them. So much from them. So much from them. It's time to give that from them. It's time to give that from them. It's time to give that beautiful nation what they're owed. And beautiful nation what they're owed. And beautiful nation what they're owed. And I end with what I always try to end I end with what I always try to end I end with what I always try to end with.

with. with. [Applause] [Applause] [Applause] Good evening, brothers and sisters. Good Good evening, brothers and sisters. Good Good evening, brothers and sisters. Good evening, brothers and sisters. We want evening, brothers and sisters. We want evening, brothers and sisters. We want to invite you to raise a sound with us to invite you to raise a sound with us to invite you to raise a sound with us tonight. We're going to stand and tonight. We're going to stand and tonight. We're going to stand and worship God cuz victory has a sound. worship God cuz victory has a sound. worship God cuz victory has a sound. Amen. Victory has a sound. We're not Amen. Victory has a sound. We're not Amen. Victory has a sound. We're not here because we're defeated. We're here here because we're defeated. We're here here because we're defeated. We're here because God has given us the victory. because God has given us the victory. because God has given us the victory. And if you know that you have the And if you know that you have the And if you know that you have the victory tonight, I want you to raise a victory tonight, I want you to raise a victory tonight, I want you to raise a sound and say hallelujah. sound and say hallelujah. sound and say hallelujah. Say hallelujah. Say hallelujah. Say hallelujah. Our victory has a sound. Say hallelujah. Our victory has a sound. Say hallelujah. Our victory has a sound. Say hallelujah. Our victory has a sentiment. Our victory Our victory has a sentiment. Our victory Our victory has a sentiment. Our victory has an energy and it comes from being has an energy and it comes from being has an energy and it comes from being forgiven by our good God. We want to forgiven by our good God. We want to forgiven by our good God. We want to worship with you tonight. We want to worship with you tonight. We want to worship with you tonight. We want to worship with you tonight. We're going to worship with you tonight. We're going to worship with you tonight. We're going to sing a song, a song of repentance, a sing a song, a song of repentance, a sing a song, a song of repentance, a song of victory that says, "Glory, song of victory that says, "Glory, song of victory that says, "Glory, glory. Hallelujah. Our sins are washed glory. Hallelujah. Our sins are washed glory. Hallelujah. Our sins are washed away." And when your sins are washed, away." And when your sins are washed, away." And when your sins are washed, God can hear you. Anybody believe God God can hear you. Anybody believe God God can hear you. Anybody believe God hears us tonight? Hallelujah. Just hears us tonight? Hallelujah. Just hears us tonight? Hallelujah. Just repeat after me. Amen.

repeat after me. Amen. repeat after me. Amen. Say, "Glory, glory, glory, glory, Say, "Glory, glory, glory, glory, Say, "Glory, glory, glory, glory, hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah." hallelujah." hallelujah." My sins, My sins, My sins, my sins are washed away. my sins are washed away. my sins are washed away. are washed away. are washed away. are washed away. Let's sing. You went away. Let's sing. You went away. Let's sing. You went away. [Music] [Music] [Music] Washes. [Music] [Music] Watches Watches Watches [Music] Glory, glory, glory, glory. Hallelujah.

Glory, glory, glory, glory. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. My sins, My sins, My sins, my sins are washed away. my sins are washed away. my sins are washed away. Wash away. Wash away. Wash away. Glory, glory, Glory, glory, Glory, glory, glory, glory. glory, glory. glory, glory. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Oh my [Music] [Music] sh the way the way glory glory glory glory glory glory glory glory glory hallelujah hallelujah hallelujah glory glory glory glory glory glory glory glory glory halle hallelujah glory glory glory halle hallelujah glory glory glory halle hallelujah glory glory glory halle hallelujah halle hallelujah halle hallelujah glory glory glory glory glory glory glory glory glory halle hallelujah halle hallelujah halle hallelujah everybody clap your hands everybody clap your hands everybody clap your hands if you have victory tonight we're if you have victory tonight we're if you have victory tonight we're standing on behalf of Haiti declaring standing on behalf of Haiti declaring standing on behalf of Haiti declaring the victory. Amen. So we're going to the victory. Amen. So we're going to the victory. Amen. So we're going to sing we praise, we praise, we praise [Applause] [Applause] Away.

No way. Anyway, we praise. We praise. We No way. Anyway, we praise. We praise. We praise. We praise. We praise. We praise. praise. We praise. We praise. We praise. praise. We praise. We praise. We praise. We praise. We praise. We praise. We praise. We praise. We praise. Yes. We praise. We praise. Yes. We Yes. We praise. We praise. Yes. We Yes. We praise. We praise. Yes. We praise. We praise. We praise. We praise. praise. We praise. We praise. We praise. praise. We praise. We praise. We praise. We praise. You You say say say [Music] [Music] [Music] I say I say I say [Music] [Music] [Music] I I I say you you [Music] Hallelujah.

Hallelujah. [Applause] [Applause] [Applause] Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Can we give the Lord a round of applause Can we give the Lord a round of applause Can we give the Lord a round of applause for the victory in Jesus? Amen. And for the victory in Jesus? Amen. And for the victory in Jesus? Amen. And amen. amen. amen. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. As we remain standing, please welcome As we remain standing, please welcome As we remain standing, please welcome Pastor Mulvier who will be leading us in Pastor Mulvier who will be leading us in Pastor Mulvier who will be leading us in prayer again. prayer for the community. prayer again. prayer for the community. prayer again. prayer for the community. We're going to ask all the speakers We're going to ask all the speakers We're going to ask all the speakers going forward, please keep it down to going forward, please keep it down to going forward, please keep it down to one to two minutes. Pastor Mohler, one to two minutes. Pastor Mohler, one to two minutes. Pastor Mohler, you'll be followed by the controller, you'll be followed by the controller, you'll be followed by the controller, New York City controller, Brad Lander, New York City controller, Brad Lander, New York City controller, Brad Lander, um, and council member Mercedes um, and council member Mercedes um, and council member Mercedes Narcissis, and we're going to continue Narcissis, and we're going to continue Narcissis, and we're going to continue with another song right after that. So, with another song right after that. So, with another song right after that. So, let's put our hands together for Pastor let's put our hands together for Pastor let's put our hands together for Pastor Mal Jean Pierre is going to be praying Mal Jean Pierre is going to be praying Mal Jean Pierre is going to be praying for community. That was his church for community. That was his church for community. That was his church choir. Amen. choir. Amen. choir. Amen. Let us pray. Let us pray. Let us pray. Father God, we come in the name of Jesus Father God, we come in the name of Jesus Father God, we come in the name of Jesus to glorify your name, to praise your to glorify your name, to praise your to glorify your name, to praise your name, to honor you for the God that you name, to honor you for the God that you name, to honor you for the God that you are. For there's no one like you. And as are. For there's no one like you. And as are. For there's no one like you. And as you ask us to pray for the religious you ask us to pray for the religious you ask us to pray for the religious community, we realize, oh, Father God, community, we realize, oh, Father God, community, we realize, oh, Father God, where would Haiti be if it wasn't for where would Haiti be if it wasn't for where would Haiti be if it wasn't for the religious community?

the religious community? the religious community? But we realize also, Father God, that But we realize also, Father God, that But we realize also, Father God, that the religious community in Haiti and in the religious community in Haiti and in the religious community in Haiti and in the US must repent. the US must repent. the US must repent. For your word tells us, "If my people For your word tells us, "If my people For your word tells us, "If my people who are called by my name would humble who are called by my name would humble who are called by my name would humble themselves and pray and seek my face and themselves and pray and seek my face and themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, you will turn from their wicked ways, you will turn from their wicked ways, you will hear from heaven. You will forgive their hear from heaven. You will forgive their hear from heaven. You will forgive their sins and you will heal their land." sins and you will heal their land." sins and you will heal their land." Father God, I am asking that you will Father God, I am asking that you will Father God, I am asking that you will allow the church to realize that we have allow the church to realize that we have allow the church to realize that we have power. power. power. We have power. Oh, Father God, if we We have power. Oh, Father God, if we We have power. Oh, Father God, if we trust you as you've called us to trust trust you as you've called us to trust trust you as you've called us to trust you, if we honor you the way we supposed you, if we honor you the way we supposed you, if we honor you the way we supposed to honor you, if we prioritize you the to honor you, if we prioritize you the to honor you, if we prioritize you the way we should prioritize you, Father way we should prioritize you, Father way we should prioritize you, Father God, many of the situations we're going God, many of the situations we're going God, many of the situations we're going through, we would not have to go through through, we would not have to go through through, we would not have to go through them, Lord God. So I ask that we repent, them, Lord God. So I ask that we repent, them, Lord God. So I ask that we repent, Lord, Father God, even tonight for not Lord, Father God, even tonight for not Lord, Father God, even tonight for not invocating your name, oh Father God, invocating your name, oh Father God, invocating your name, oh Father God, when we first walked in here. We've put when we first walked in here. We've put when we first walked in here. We've put other things in priority. We ask that other things in priority. We ask that other things in priority. We ask that your presence will be so palatable in your presence will be so palatable in your presence will be so palatable in here, Lord, Father God, that everything here, Lord, Father God, that everything here, Lord, Father God, that everything else will pale in comparison. That we else will pale in comparison. That we else will pale in comparison. That we will lift you up, oh Father God. And as will lift you up, oh Father God. And as will lift you up, oh Father God. And as we lift you up, you, oh Father God, will we lift you up, you, oh Father God, will we lift you up, you, oh Father God, will hear our cries. You'll forgive our sin.

hear our cries. You'll forgive our sin. hear our cries. You'll forgive our sin. You'll heal our land. You'll heal our You'll heal our land. You'll heal our You'll heal our land. You'll heal our families. You will break the chains of families. You will break the chains of families. You will break the chains of bondage, oh Father God. not only in bondage, oh Father God. not only in bondage, oh Father God. not only in Haiti but in the lives of all of the Haiti but in the lives of all of the Haiti but in the lives of all of the believers, oh Father God, who are called believers, oh Father God, who are called believers, oh Father God, who are called by your name. Forgive us, Lord Jesus. by your name. Forgive us, Lord Jesus. by your name. Forgive us, Lord Jesus. Forgive us, Father God, for not Forgive us, Father God, for not Forgive us, Father God, for not prioritizing you. We ask, oh Father, as prioritizing you. We ask, oh Father, as prioritizing you. We ask, oh Father, as we move forward, everything we do in the we move forward, everything we do in the we move forward, everything we do in the church, in the religious community, church, in the religious community, church, in the religious community, we'll send to you, oh Father. We'll seek we'll send to you, oh Father. We'll seek we'll send to you, oh Father. We'll seek you first. We'll honor you, and we'll you first. We'll honor you, and we'll you first. We'll honor you, and we'll see the blessings come down from heaven. see the blessings come down from heaven. see the blessings come down from heaven. We thank you for each and every one here We thank you for each and every one here We thank you for each and every one here who's part of the religious community. who's part of the religious community. who's part of the religious community. We repent. We ask for forgiveness. And We repent. We ask for forgiveness. And We repent. We ask for forgiveness. And we receive your blessing today and we receive your blessing today and we receive your blessing today and forever more. All of God's people said, forever more. All of God's people said, forever more. All of God's people said, "Amen." [Music] [Music] [Applause] Bonis Louie. Uh, I'm New York City Bonis Louie. Uh, I'm New York City Council member, uh, controller, excuse Council member, uh, controller, excuse Council member, uh, controller, excuse me, Brad Lander. It's an honor to be me, Brad Lander. It's an honor to be me, Brad Lander. It's an honor to be here with you with the CCC family. Thank here with you with the CCC family. Thank here with you with the CCC family. Thank you, Pastor Bernard. Thank you, Pastor you, Pastor Bernard. Thank you, Pastor you, Pastor Bernard. Thank you, Pastor Nicholas. Thank you, National Action Nicholas. Thank you, National Action Nicholas. Thank you, National Action Network. It's an honor to follow our Network. It's an honor to follow our Network. It's an honor to follow our public advocate and be here uh with public advocate and be here uh with public advocate and be here uh with Assembly Member Waterman and Council Assembly Member Waterman and Council Assembly Member Waterman and Council members Lewis and Narcissis Aa Nut members Lewis and Narcissis Aa Nut members Lewis and Narcissis Aa Nut Aisen.

Tonight, we are all Haitian. And you Tonight, we are all Haitian. And you know, it's not just tonight. I felt that know, it's not just tonight. I felt that know, it's not just tonight. I felt that way Saturday night as well. I was with way Saturday night as well. I was with way Saturday night as well. I was with some of you at the Bio concert in uh some of you at the Bio concert in uh some of you at the Bio concert in uh Brooklyn in Prospect Park. A beautiful Brooklyn in Prospect Park. A beautiful Brooklyn in Prospect Park. A beautiful concert. Um, and when we say we're all concert. Um, and when we say we're all concert. Um, and when we say we're all Haitian, we mean it. Tonight, I'm here Haitian, we mean it. Tonight, I'm here Haitian, we mean it. Tonight, I'm here not just as your New York City not just as your New York City not just as your New York City controller, uh, but as a Jewish New controller, uh, but as a Jewish New controller, uh, but as a Jewish New Yorker to offer my prayers to you that Yorker to offer my prayers to you that Yorker to offer my prayers to you that way. You know, there's a connection way. You know, there's a connection way. You know, there's a connection between Haiti, uh, and Jews. Haiti between Haiti, uh, and Jews. Haiti between Haiti, uh, and Jews. Haiti actually welcomed Jews fleeing the actually welcomed Jews fleeing the actually welcomed Jews fleeing the Holocaust and made safety there. But you Holocaust and made safety there. But you Holocaust and made safety there. But you know what prevented Haiti even from know what prevented Haiti even from know what prevented Haiti even from welcoming more Jews and keeping us safe welcoming more Jews and keeping us safe welcoming more Jews and keeping us safe was that debt that Jumani mentioned that was that debt that Jumani mentioned that was that debt that Jumani mentioned that has made it impossible for Haiti to has made it impossible for Haiti to has made it impossible for Haiti to flourish and thrive all these years flourish and thrive all these years flourish and thrive all these years being expected to pay for its own being expected to pay for its own being expected to pay for its own freedom. And so when we provide the freedom. And so when we provide the freedom. And so when we provide the support that makes peace possible that support that makes peace possible that support that makes peace possible that makes flourishing possible in Haiti, we makes flourishing possible in Haiti, we makes flourishing possible in Haiti, we will be doing something beautiful for will be doing something beautiful for will be doing something beautiful for Haiti uh for all the Americas and for Haiti uh for all the Americas and for Haiti uh for all the Americas and for all the world. I think we also have a all the world. I think we also have a all the world. I think we also have a saying in my tradition bellum Elohim and saying in my tradition bellum Elohim and saying in my tradition bellum Elohim and that means every single human being is that means every single human being is that means every single human being is created in the image of God in the created in the image of God in the created in the image of God in the divine image. Every single one equally divine image. Every single one equally divine image. Every single one equally every single one a flash of divine every single one a flash of divine every single one a flash of divine light. And that's true for the Jews that light. And that's true for the Jews that light. And that's true for the Jews that were killed on October 7th. And that's were killed on October 7th. And that's were killed on October 7th. And that's true for Palestinian children in Gaza true for Palestinian children in Gaza true for Palestinian children in Gaza who are being killed for crimes that who are being killed for crimes that who are being killed for crimes that they did not commit. And that is most they did not commit. And that is most they did not commit. And that is most certainly true for everyone in Haiti.

certainly true for everyone in Haiti. certainly true for everyone in Haiti. And the fact that we don't see those And the fact that we don't see those And the fact that we don't see those lives as equal because they are not on lives as equal because they are not on lives as equal because they are not on the TV screen, that violates what God the TV screen, that violates what God the TV screen, that violates what God wants of us. Not just that every one of wants of us. Not just that every one of wants of us. Not just that every one of those lives is equal. Every one of those those lives is equal. Every one of those those lives is equal. Every one of those lives is divine. And I'm telling you lives is divine. And I'm telling you lives is divine. And I'm telling you here as the highest ranking Jewish here as the highest ranking Jewish here as the highest ranking Jewish municipal elected official in this city, municipal elected official in this city, municipal elected official in this city, we see you Haitians here in Brooklyn and we see you Haitians here in Brooklyn and we see you Haitians here in Brooklyn and we see you in Haiti. and we know and we we see you in Haiti. and we know and we we see you in Haiti. and we know and we demand that equality and that divine demand that equality and that divine demand that equality and that divine representation and we're going to be representation and we're going to be representation and we're going to be fighting for it. So I just want to close fighting for it. So I just want to close fighting for it. So I just want to close with the priestly blessing from my with the priestly blessing from my with the priestly blessing from my tradition tonight for Haiti and we say Sometimes that's translated as uh may Sometimes that's translated as uh may the divine countenance shine upon you the divine countenance shine upon you the divine countenance shine upon you and be gracious unto you. But my rabbi and be gracious unto you. But my rabbi and be gracious unto you. But my rabbi taught me may God's face light up when taught me may God's face light up when taught me may God's face light up when you walk into the room. And you could you walk into the room. And you could you walk into the room. And you could see that on the faces at that bio see that on the faces at that bio see that on the faces at that bio concert on Saturday night. Divine concert on Saturday night. Divine concert on Saturday night. Divine presence was flowing in that music and presence was flowing in that music and presence was flowing in that music and in that room. And we say Adonai pave in that room. And we say Adonai pave in that room. And we say Adonai pave shalom. May God Haiti grant you the shalom. May God Haiti grant you the shalom. May God Haiti grant you the greatest gift of all, the gift of greatest gift of all, the gift of greatest gift of all, the gift of shalom, the gift of peace. Peace to shalom, the gift of peace. Peace to shalom, the gift of peace. Peace to Haiti, Viva. Thank you very much for Haiti, Viva. Thank you very much for Haiti, Viva. Thank you very much for being here tonight.

being here tonight. being here tonight. And it is now my pleasure to introduce And it is now my pleasure to introduce And it is now my pleasure to introduce uh one of your very own, a dear friend uh one of your very own, a dear friend uh one of your very own, a dear friend of yours and mine. Please give it up uh of yours and mine. Please give it up uh of yours and mine. Please give it up uh for council member Mercedes Narcissis. Thank you, controller. Thank you, controller. I want to say thank you to everyone I want to say thank you to everyone I want to say thank you to everyone first. first. first. [Applause] minister. Right. So, my name is Mercedes minister. Right. So, my name is Mercedes Narcissis. I represent the 46th district Narcissis. I represent the 46th district Narcissis. I represent the 46th district here. And I can see why Reverend Al here. And I can see why Reverend Al here. And I can see why Reverend Al Chapton made the name and say Rita Chapton made the name and say Rita Chapton made the name and say Rita instead of Mercedes. You know why? instead of Mercedes. You know why? instead of Mercedes. You know why? Because there is so many names now. We Because there is so many names now. We Because there is so many names now. We It's four of us in the city council. We It's four of us in the city council. We It's four of us in the city council. We never had that before. Yes. for Haitian never had that before. Yes. for Haitian never had that before. Yes. for Haitian descent. And I want to sign everything descent. And I want to sign everything descent. And I want to sign everything that the public advocate just said that the public advocate just said that the public advocate just said because that's the truth. That's the because that's the truth. That's the because that's the truth. That's the first time I can say I can sign on first time I can say I can sign on first time I can say I can sign on somebody else's speech. The speech was somebody else's speech. The speech was somebody else's speech. The speech was on point. A lot of people don't on point. A lot of people don't on point. A lot of people don't understand Haiti is the pearl that's on understand Haiti is the pearl that's on understand Haiti is the pearl that's on tea. They did not call the pearl because tea. They did not call the pearl because tea. They did not call the pearl because it was ugly. They call it the pearl it was ugly. They call it the pearl it was ugly. They call it the pearl because everyone want to be there. So it because everyone want to be there. So it because everyone want to be there. So it was a problem and that problem continue was a problem and that problem continue was a problem and that problem continue up to today. So, yes, a lot of people up to today. So, yes, a lot of people up to today. So, yes, a lot of people owe us. We had to pay for the freedom.

owe us. We had to pay for the freedom. owe us. We had to pay for the freedom. We're the first black republic that got We're the first black republic that got We're the first black republic that got their independence. I've been going to their independence. I've been going to their independence. I've been going to Haiti. Yes, you can clap on that. The Haiti. Yes, you can clap on that. The Haiti. Yes, you can clap on that. The first black republic to say not only first black republic to say not only first black republic to say not only their independence for Haiti, but we their independence for Haiti, but we their independence for Haiti, but we were mindful for all our brothers and were mindful for all our brothers and were mindful for all our brothers and sisters around the world to make sure sisters around the world to make sure sisters around the world to make sure they were free. So, it is my pleasure to they were free. So, it is my pleasure to they were free. So, it is my pleasure to serve today in the city council as chair serve today in the city council as chair serve today in the city council as chair for hospital committee. So, I'm here to for hospital committee. So, I'm here to for hospital committee. So, I'm here to say thank you to Pastor Nicholas. Thank say thank you to Pastor Nicholas. Thank say thank you to Pastor Nicholas. Thank you, Pastor Sam. Thank you for Reverend you, Pastor Sam. Thank you for Reverend you, Pastor Sam. Thank you for Reverend uh um Al Chapton. Thank you for Lesie uh um Al Chapton. Thank you for Lesie uh um Al Chapton. Thank you for Lesie Toma that we've been seeing. Reverend Toma that we've been seeing. Reverend Toma that we've been seeing. Reverend Toma been seeing me in Haiti in mission. Toma been seeing me in Haiti in mission. Toma been seeing me in Haiti in mission. I'm not just saying things now because I'm not just saying things now because I'm not just saying things now because it looks good, sound good. I've been it looks good, sound good. I've been it looks good, sound good. I've been going to Haiti to serve my country every going to Haiti to serve my country every going to Haiti to serve my country every year, sometimes three times a year. I year, sometimes three times a year. I year, sometimes three times a year. I love my country and I love my adopted love my country and I love my adopted love my country and I love my adopted country. I'm not going to lie to you to country. I'm not going to lie to you to country. I'm not going to lie to you to say I hate America. No, I don't. But say I hate America. No, I don't. But say I hate America. No, I don't. But there's a lot of work to be done. As there's a lot of work to be done. As there's a lot of work to be done. As someone who was born in Haiti, this someone who was born in Haiti, this someone who was born in Haiti, this event resonated deeply with me. Haiti is event resonated deeply with me. Haiti is event resonated deeply with me. Haiti is not just a place on a map. It is the not just a place on a map. It is the not just a place on a map. It is the heart and soul of who I am today. I can heart and soul of who I am today. I can heart and soul of who I am today. I can tell you it is a l of resilience, reach tell you it is a l of resilience, reach tell you it is a l of resilience, reach of culture. You heard the stars here.

of culture. You heard the stars here. of culture. You heard the stars here. You heard them. this. Did you love those You heard them. this. Did you love those You heard them. this. Did you love those singers here? So, that's a little bit of singers here? So, that's a little bit of singers here? So, that's a little bit of what we can offer. Just keep on what we can offer. Just keep on what we can offer. Just keep on searching about Haiti. Please do that. searching about Haiti. Please do that. searching about Haiti. Please do that. However, today we come together because However, today we come together because However, today we come together because our beloved Haiti is facing immense our beloved Haiti is facing immense our beloved Haiti is facing immense challenges. The people of Haiti are challenges. The people of Haiti are challenges. The people of Haiti are enduring profound hardships from social enduring profound hardships from social enduring profound hardships from social political turmoil. I just cannot believe political turmoil. I just cannot believe political turmoil. I just cannot believe in my country, the country that I love. in my country, the country that I love. in my country, the country that I love. Families are striving to survive amid Families are striving to survive amid Families are striving to survive amid adversity and our homeland is in dire adversity and our homeland is in dire adversity and our homeland is in dire need of support and solidarity. So I need of support and solidarity. So I need of support and solidarity. So I want to say thank you to everyone that's want to say thank you to everyone that's want to say thank you to everyone that's not Haitian that here that make it their not Haitian that here that make it their not Haitian that here that make it their business. I thank you from the bottom of business. I thank you from the bottom of business. I thank you from the bottom of my heart. It is about time for us to my heart. It is about time for us to my heart. It is about time for us to keep telling the story of Haiti. Do not keep telling the story of Haiti. Do not keep telling the story of Haiti. Do not let people control the narrative for us. let people control the narrative for us. let people control the narrative for us. We know who we are. We are great folks. We know who we are. We are great folks. We know who we are. We are great folks. We are great people. We are the people We are great people. We are the people We are great people. We are the people that wanted to free the world from that wanted to free the world from that wanted to free the world from oppression and suppression. That's who oppression and suppression. That's who oppression and suppression. That's who we are.

we are. we are. Faith has always been a cornerstone of Faith has always been a cornerstone of Faith has always been a cornerstone of the Haiti Haitian community. It is our the Haiti Haitian community. It is our the Haiti Haitian community. It is our faith that has carried us through faith that has carried us through faith that has carried us through revolutions, revolutions, revolutions, natural disasters, and countless trials. natural disasters, and countless trials. natural disasters, and countless trials. It is our faith that unite us today It is our faith that unite us today It is our faith that unite us today across miles of ocean and a shared hope across miles of ocean and a shared hope across miles of ocean and a shared hope for a better future for Haiti. But my for a better future for Haiti. But my for a better future for Haiti. But my friends, faith must couple with action. friends, faith must couple with action. friends, faith must couple with action. We must do more than offer our thoughts We must do more than offer our thoughts We must do more than offer our thoughts and prayer. We must mobilize our and prayer. We must mobilize our and prayer. We must mobilize our communities, control the narrative, like communities, control the narrative, like communities, control the narrative, like I said, our resources and our influence I said, our resources and our influence I said, our resources and our influence to bring tangible aid and lasting change to bring tangible aid and lasting change to bring tangible aid and lasting change to Haiti. Haiti deserve it. Haiti earned to Haiti. Haiti deserve it. Haiti earned to Haiti. Haiti deserve it. Haiti earned the right to be on this planet. the right to be on this planet. the right to be on this planet. Whether it is advocating for policy Whether it is advocating for policy Whether it is advocating for policy changes here and abroad, supporting changes here and abroad, supporting changes here and abroad, supporting humanitarian efforts, or simply humanitarian efforts, or simply humanitarian efforts, or simply spreading awareness every day, every spreading awareness every day, every spreading awareness every day, every time with all our action tonight, as we time with all our action tonight, as we time with all our action tonight, as we lift our voices in prayer and rally for lift our voices in prayer and rally for lift our voices in prayer and rally for Haiti, let us remember that we are Haiti, let us remember that we are Haiti, let us remember that we are stronger together. Our unity is our stronger together. Our unity is our stronger together. Our unity is our strength. Our solidarity is our power.

strength. Our solidarity is our power. strength. Our solidarity is our power. Let us commit to standing with Haiti, Let us commit to standing with Haiti, Let us commit to standing with Haiti, not just today, but every day until our not just today, but every day until our not just today, but every day until our nation stands strong once more and it nation stands strong once more and it nation stands strong once more and it will rise. Thank you for being our will rise. Thank you for being our will rise. Thank you for being our friend. For those that not Haitian, but friend. For those that not Haitian, but friend. For those that not Haitian, but for those that Haitian, I don't have to for those that Haitian, I don't have to for those that Haitian, I don't have to tell you much. You know that country, tell you much. You know that country, tell you much. You know that country, that country have the most to offer in that country have the most to offer in that country have the most to offer in all around the islands. I love you all all around the islands. I love you all all around the islands. I love you all the other islands. I've been traveling the other islands. I've been traveling the other islands. I've been traveling to see you to visit you because you're to see you to visit you because you're to see you to visit you because you're my brothers and sisters. But there is a my brothers and sisters. But there is a my brothers and sisters. But there is a reason Haiti was chosen to be the pearl reason Haiti was chosen to be the pearl reason Haiti was chosen to be the pearl desanti. So get to understand that we desanti. So get to understand that we desanti. So get to understand that we love you and we want to keep fighting love you and we want to keep fighting love you and we want to keep fighting together not only here for the city together not only here for the city together not only here for the city council as a chair for hospital council as a chair for hospital council as a chair for hospital committee. I address the first cle cell committee. I address the first cle cell committee. I address the first cle cell disease and make sure it's not about disease and make sure it's not about disease and make sure it's not about Haiti, it's about all of us black and Haiti, it's about all of us black and Haiti, it's about all of us black and brown people. When I work on budget and brown people. When I work on budget and brown people. When I work on budget and negotiation, it's not about just Haiti negotiation, it's not about just Haiti negotiation, it's not about just Haiti because I'm Haitian. is for all the because I'm Haitian. is for all the because I'm Haitian. is for all the black and brown people that being black and brown people that being black and brown people that being oppressed to make sure we allocated oppressed to make sure we allocated oppressed to make sure we allocated funding to uplift one another.

funding to uplift one another. funding to uplift one another. Addressing the inequities in the Haiti Addressing the inequities in the Haiti Addressing the inequities in the Haiti is imperative more than ever. If you is imperative more than ever. If you is imperative more than ever. If you love us, if you're a black person, you love us, if you're a black person, you love us, if you're a black person, you love being black, let's stand for Haiti. love being black, let's stand for Haiti. love being black, let's stand for Haiti. Together we can rise again. Thank you. I Together we can rise again. Thank you. I Together we can rise again. Thank you. I love you. God bless you. And now I have love you. God bless you. And now I have love you. God bless you. And now I have to introduce my sister in the council to introduce my sister in the council to introduce my sister in the council that we're fighting like there's no that we're fighting like there's no that we're fighting like there's no tomorrow. My sister Far Lewis. Thank tomorrow. My sister Far Lewis. Thank tomorrow. My sister Far Lewis. Thank you. Good evening everyone. Good evening everyone. Good evening. I am council member Farah Good evening. I am council member Farah Good evening. I am council member Farah Lewis. I represent the 45th council Lewis. I represent the 45th council Lewis. I represent the 45th council district. To the founding angel of this district. To the founding angel of this district. To the founding angel of this house, that's his new name. And pas to house, that's his new name. And pas to house, that's his new name. And pas to pastor Ar. Bernard, uh, Reverend Al pastor Ar. Bernard, uh, Reverend Al pastor Ar. Bernard, uh, Reverend Al Sharpton, Pastor Nicholas, and to your Sharpton, Pastor Nicholas, and to your Sharpton, Pastor Nicholas, and to your whole team. Thank you so much for whole team. Thank you so much for whole team. Thank you so much for organizing tonight's prayer. Let's give organizing tonight's prayer. Let's give organizing tonight's prayer. Let's give it up for our clergy leaders. I won't be before you long and a lot of I won't be before you long and a lot of you know me, you know I'm very brief, so you know me, you know I'm very brief, so you know me, you know I'm very brief, so I'm going to keep it brief. Um, I I I'm going to keep it brief. Um, I I I'm going to keep it brief. Um, I I wanted to share something really quickly wanted to share something really quickly wanted to share something really quickly with all of you and get to uh what God with all of you and get to uh what God with all of you and get to uh what God put on my heart. In 2021, I traveled to put on my heart. In 2021, I traveled to put on my heart. In 2021, I traveled to Texas, Yuvalde, Texas with um some Texas, Yuvalde, Texas with um some Texas, Yuvalde, Texas with um some members in in in the church, uh Keith members in in in the church, uh Keith members in in in the church, uh Keith White Alfonso, the grandson of Pastor White Alfonso, the grandson of Pastor White Alfonso, the grandson of Pastor Bernard. uh my friend Rita Pier, who was Bernard. uh my friend Rita Pier, who was Bernard. uh my friend Rita Pier, who was an attorney and an attorney and an attorney and council member elect at the time, council member elect at the time, council member elect at the time, Council Member Joseph, um God put on my Council Member Joseph, um God put on my Council Member Joseph, um God put on my heart to travel to Texas after seeing in heart to travel to Texas after seeing in heart to travel to Texas after seeing in the media patients being whipped by

the media patients being whipped by the media patients being whipped by border patrol agents. So, we traveled to border patrol agents. So, we traveled to border patrol agents. So, we traveled to Texas to go assess what was happening to Texas to go assess what was happening to Texas to go assess what was happening to see what we could bring back to New York see what we could bring back to New York see what we could bring back to New York to see how we would handle the to see how we would handle the to see how we would handle the situation. situation. situation. We almost didn't make it back. We almost didn't make it back. We almost didn't make it back. After leaving the border, we were pulled After leaving the border, we were pulled After leaving the border, we were pulled over and detained. I was isolated from over and detained. I was isolated from over and detained. I was isolated from everybody else that I had that I was everybody else that I had that I was everybody else that I had that I was with in the car. And at gunpoint, I with in the car. And at gunpoint, I with in the car. And at gunpoint, I remember remember remember begging God for mercy. And I remember begging God for mercy. And I remember begging God for mercy. And I remember begging the border patrol agent not to begging the border patrol agent not to begging the border patrol agent not to kill my friends. And I said to him, kill my friends. And I said to him, kill my friends. And I said to him, "They only came here because of me." And I remember asking for mercy cuz I And I remember asking for mercy cuz I knew Keith had a family, a beautiful knew Keith had a family, a beautiful knew Keith had a family, a beautiful family. family. family. And um And um And um two things came to mind.

two things came to mind. two things came to mind. The first thing was you can declare a thing and it shall be you can declare a thing and it shall be established. established. established. So as I prayed for mercy, I asked God to So as I prayed for mercy, I asked God to So as I prayed for mercy, I asked God to allow us to make it out alive. allow us to make it out alive. allow us to make it out alive. And the second thing that came to mind, And the second thing that came to mind, And the second thing that came to mind, and if you're a CCC member like I am, and if you're a CCC member like I am, and if you're a CCC member like I am, you might you might laugh. In life, you you might you might laugh. In life, you you might you might laugh. In life, you arrive in stages and live life arrive in stages and live life arrive in stages and live life in levels. And I thought about the in levels. And I thought about the in levels. And I thought about the stages of Haiti and where it currently stages of Haiti and where it currently stages of Haiti and where it currently was and what needs to be done. And I was and what needs to be done. And I was and what needs to be done. And I realized that Hades story wasn't over realized that Hades story wasn't over realized that Hades story wasn't over and our story wasn't over. And we were and our story wasn't over. And we were and our story wasn't over. And we were released. It's a very traumatic situation, but I It's a very traumatic situation, but I realized that there was a particular realized that there was a particular realized that there was a particular place that God needed us to be in the place that God needed us to be in the place that God needed us to be in the story we needed to bring back. We saw story we needed to bring back. We saw story we needed to bring back. We saw 40,000 people at the border in a pit.

40,000 people at the border in a pit. 40,000 people at the border in a pit. Those 40,000 people were sent back the Those 40,000 people were sent back the Those 40,000 people were sent back the next morning via airplanes and massacred next morning via airplanes and massacred next morning via airplanes and massacred in Haiti. So now fast forward 2022, 2023, 2024, we So now fast forward 2022, 2023, 2024, we knew what was going to happen at that knew what was going to happen at that knew what was going to happen at that border. We knew that more people would border. We knew that more people would border. We knew that more people would come and that there would be this come and that there would be this come and that there would be this situation where immigration reform would situation where immigration reform would situation where immigration reform would be challenged be challenged be challenged and we spoke to different elected and we spoke to different elected and we spoke to different elected officials. We went to DC. No one officials. We went to DC. No one officials. We went to DC. No one listened to us. So now we have this listened to us. So now we have this listened to us. So now we have this massive issue that we have right now. I massive issue that we have right now. I massive issue that we have right now. I say all this to say that if we declare say all this to say that if we declare say all this to say that if we declare it it it together, clergy, friends of clergy, together, clergy, friends of clergy, together, clergy, friends of clergy, everyone in this room today and moving everyone in this room today and moving everyone in this room today and moving forward, if we pray and we declare it, forward, if we pray and we declare it, forward, if we pray and we declare it, it shall be established that Haiti will it shall be established that Haiti will it shall be established that Haiti will not perish. So I ask you all today, So I ask you all today, we're sitting in one of the most we're sitting in one of the most we're sitting in one of the most beautiful sanctuaries in the city of New beautiful sanctuaries in the city of New beautiful sanctuaries in the city of New York and we're sharing time and space York and we're sharing time and space York and we're sharing time and space together. But if we do not stand united, together. But if we do not stand united, together. But if we do not stand united, if we're not praying together every day, if we're not praying together every day, if we're not praying together every day, and if we're not travailing together and if we're not travailing together and if we're not travailing together every day, then we know what the outcome every day, then we know what the outcome every day, then we know what the outcome will be. So don't let today be the last will be. So don't let today be the last will be. So don't let today be the last day. This is an ongoing effort.

I want to thank you all for being here. I want to thank you all for being here. Let's stick together. I papi Haiti will Let's stick together. I papi Haiti will Let's stick together. I papi Haiti will not perish and we will do it together. not perish and we will do it together. not perish and we will do it together. God bless. God bless. God bless. I'm now going to call up Assembly Member I'm now going to call up Assembly Member I'm now going to call up Assembly Member Monnique Waterman. Thank you so much, Council Member. Um Thank you so much, Council Member. Um it's a honor to even be in this space as it's a honor to even be in this space as it's a honor to even be in this space as we celebrate Junth. I'm glad I get to we celebrate Junth. I'm glad I get to we celebrate Junth. I'm glad I get to celebrate with all of you. When you look celebrate with all of you. When you look celebrate with all of you. When you look out to all the beautiful brown and black out to all the beautiful brown and black out to all the beautiful brown and black people here, this is what freedoms look people here, this is what freedoms look people here, this is what freedoms look like. Even though at times is we are like. Even though at times is we are like. Even though at times is we are still going through the issues and still going through the issues and still going through the issues and concerns we are going through. Um I want concerns we are going through. Um I want concerns we are going through. Um I want to thank Pastor Nichols for bringing us to thank Pastor Nichols for bringing us to thank Pastor Nichols for bringing us all together. Thank you to the host all together. Thank you to the host all together. Thank you to the host pastor Bernard. Thank you to the CC pastor Bernard. Thank you to the CC pastor Bernard. Thank you to the CC family, all the clergy, nan Reverend family, all the clergy, nan Reverend family, all the clergy, nan Reverend Sharpton that came by, my pastor, Sharpton that came by, my pastor, Sharpton that came by, my pastor, Reverend Dr. O Godf, thank you so much. Reverend Dr. O Godf, thank you so much. Reverend Dr. O Godf, thank you so much. My colleagues, and as we pray for Haiti, My colleagues, and as we pray for Haiti, My colleagues, and as we pray for Haiti, we have to make sure we reflect on the we have to make sure we reflect on the we have to make sure we reflect on the love we have in our heart. We have to love we have in our heart. We have to love we have in our heart. We have to love each and every person every day.

love each and every person every day. love each and every person every day. And as we want to do for others, let's And as we want to do for others, let's And as we want to do for others, let's make sure we find the kindness in our make sure we find the kindness in our make sure we find the kindness in our heart. I stand united here with you, my heart. I stand united here with you, my heart. I stand united here with you, my Haitian brothers and sisters. And as I Haitian brothers and sisters. And as I Haitian brothers and sisters. And as I heard, thank you for my colleagues and heard, thank you for my colleagues and heard, thank you for my colleagues and saying, even though I may not be from saying, even though I may not be from saying, even though I may not be from Haiti. When something happens to one, it Haiti. When something happens to one, it Haiti. When something happens to one, it happens to all. You don't wait to say if happens to all. You don't wait to say if happens to all. You don't wait to say if it's at my doorstep, you come united. As it's at my doorstep, you come united. As it's at my doorstep, you come united. As we said, you heard from my colleagues, we said, you heard from my colleagues, we said, you heard from my colleagues, there is strength and unity. So I stand there is strength and unity. So I stand there is strength and unity. So I stand here in love. All has when you go last, here in love. All has when you go last, here in love. All has when you go last, all has been said and they did very all has been said and they did very all has been said and they did very great in their speeches. So I don't have great in their speeches. So I don't have great in their speeches. So I don't have to repeat all those things. I stand here to repeat all those things. I stand here to repeat all those things. I stand here in love. We stand in resilience. We in love. We stand in resilience. We in love. We stand in resilience. We stand in respect from each other. And I stand in respect from each other. And I stand in respect from each other. And I just want to say I love you. We're going just want to say I love you. We're going just want to say I love you. We're going to continue moving the community to continue moving the community to continue moving the community forward. And it's not a Iing, but it's a forward. And it's not a Iing, but it's a forward. And it's not a Iing, but it's a we thinging. And I will say I'll leave we thinging. And I will say I'll leave we thinging. And I will say I'll leave with this. Thank you. I'm New York State with this. Thank you. I'm New York State with this. Thank you. I'm New York State Assembly Member Mon'nique Chandler Assembly Member Mon'nique Chandler Assembly Member Mon'nique Chandler Waterman and I love you. And I will Waterman and I love you. And I will Waterman and I love you. And I will leave with this. Pastor Hines, we've leave with this. Pastor Hines, we've leave with this. Pastor Hines, we've been trying to get your attention this been trying to get your attention this been trying to get your attention this whole time. Please come around to the whole time. Please come around to the whole time. Please come around to the side. Thank you so much.

side. Thank you so much. side. Thank you so much. Thank you so much. Please put your hands Thank you so much. Please put your hands Thank you so much. Please put your hands together for Assembly Monnique Chandler together for Assembly Monnique Chandler together for Assembly Monnique Chandler Waterman. Thank you, Waterman. Thank you, Waterman. Thank you, Council Member Farah Lewis, Council Council Member Farah Lewis, Council Council Member Farah Lewis, Council Member Mercedes Narcissist, and the Member Mercedes Narcissist, and the Member Mercedes Narcissist, and the Shining Star Choir is going to be making Shining Star Choir is going to be making Shining Star Choir is going to be making their way behind me on the podium. And I their way behind me on the podium. And I their way behind me on the podium. And I need to recognize a couple of people. If need to recognize a couple of people. If need to recognize a couple of people. If I am able to stand here today, I stand I am able to stand here today, I stand I am able to stand here today, I stand on the shoulders of my 94 year old on the shoulders of my 94 year old on the shoulders of my 94 year old father. Please stand, Bishop Felis father. Please stand, Bishop Felis father. Please stand, Bishop Felis Nicholas. So, Bishop, thank you so much. Thank you So, Bishop, thank you so much. Thank you for the seed that you have placed in me. for the seed that you have placed in me. for the seed that you have placed in me. I'm here also with my wife. Amen. I'm I'm here also with my wife. Amen. I'm I'm here also with my wife. Amen. I'm here also with my wife. I walked with my here also with my wife. I walked with my here also with my wife. I walked with my wife 36 years. Going to be 37 years. wife 36 years. Going to be 37 years. wife 36 years. Going to be 37 years. Right. So, please stand. Right. So, please stand. Right. So, please stand. My brother who I've known all his life, My brother who I've known all his life, My brother who I've known all his life, he's here also. All the Haitian clergy he's here also. All the Haitian clergy he's here also. All the Haitian clergy that's here, please stand for me, that's here, please stand for me, that's here, please stand for me, please. Haitian clergy that's here, please. Haitian clergy that's here, please. Haitian clergy that's here, please stand. please stand. please stand. Put your hand together for all our Put your hand together for all our Put your hand together for all our Haitian pastors that are here, Haitian Haitian pastors that are here, Haitian Haitian pastors that are here, Haitian clergy members that are here supporting clergy members that are here supporting clergy members that are here supporting us, supporting supporting this cause.

us, supporting supporting this cause. us, supporting supporting this cause. African-American pastor are here. African-American pastor are here. African-American pastor are here. They're going to be singing. They're They're going to be singing. They're They're going to be singing. They're going to be the next person you'll hear going to be the next person you'll hear going to be the next person you'll hear after the choir will be uh Bishop after the choir will be uh Bishop after the choir will be uh Bishop Orlando Finlater, followed by Pastor um Orlando Finlater, followed by Pastor um Orlando Finlater, followed by Pastor um Hines, who will be bringing remarks. So, Hines, who will be bringing remarks. So, Hines, who will be bringing remarks. So, we're going to try to go this program we're going to try to go this program we're going to try to go this program expeditiously to try to get you out of expeditiously to try to get you out of expeditiously to try to get you out of here real soon. Thank you so much for here real soon. Thank you so much for here real soon. Thank you so much for being here tonight. Uh put your hands being here tonight. Uh put your hands being here tonight. Uh put your hands together for Pastor Lesie Thomas, one of together for Pastor Lesie Thomas, one of together for Pastor Lesie Thomas, one of the organizers. Amen. Pastor Leslie the organizers. Amen. Pastor Leslie the organizers. Amen. Pastor Leslie Thomas, one of the organizers that's Thomas, one of the organizers that's Thomas, one of the organizers that's here tonight. Um, uh, Ambassador John here tonight. Um, uh, Ambassador John here tonight. Um, uh, Ambassador John Alexis, one of the ambassadors, one of Alexis, one of the ambassadors, one of Alexis, one of the ambassadors, one of the organizers that's here with us the organizers that's here with us the organizers that's here with us tonight. Uh, also John Alexis who's here tonight. Uh, also John Alexis who's here tonight. Uh, also John Alexis who's here also, Dr. Mona Lisa Ferrari, another uh, also, Dr. Mona Lisa Ferrari, another uh, also, Dr. Mona Lisa Ferrari, another uh, she's here also with us tonight. Uh, she's here also with us tonight. Uh, she's here also with us tonight. Uh, please stand, Dr. Ferrari, one of the please stand, Dr. Ferrari, one of the please stand, Dr. Ferrari, one of the organizers. Uh, Yollette Williams, organizers. Uh, Yollette Williams, organizers. Uh, Yollette Williams, another organizer, is here also with us another organizer, is here also with us another organizer, is here also with us tonight. Please stand. Uh, any other tonight. Please stand. Uh, any other tonight. Please stand. Uh, any other organizers that I'm missing? Johnny organizers that I'm missing? Johnny organizers that I'm missing? Johnny Cliston, who's here also, please stand. Cliston, who's here also, please stand. Cliston, who's here also, please stand. Thank you so much all the all the people Thank you so much all the all the people Thank you so much all the all the people that have been helping us organize that have been helping us organize that have been helping us organize behind the scenes.

Praise the Lord everybody. Praise the Lord everybody. Come on. Praise the Lord everybody. Come on. Praise the Lord everybody. Come on. Praise the Lord everybody. The choir is going to sing for you a The choir is going to sing for you a The choir is going to sing for you a song in French. song in French. song in French. So we would love you to So we would love you to So we would love you to please understand the faithfulness of please understand the faithfulness of please understand the faithfulness of God. That's what the song says. God is God. That's what the song says. God is God. That's what the song says. God is faithful. How many of you believe that faithful. How many of you believe that faithful. How many of you believe that God is faithful? God is faithful? God is faithful? So if God is faithful, So if God is faithful, So if God is faithful, everything is possible for Haiti. everything is possible for Haiti. everything is possible for Haiti. Thank you, Dr. Samuel. Thank you, Thank you, Dr. Samuel. Thank you, Thank you, Dr. Samuel. Thank you, Dr. A. Bernard, for having International Dr. A. Bernard, for having International Dr. A. Bernard, for having International Shining Stars Choir. The end The end of on earth.

of on earth. of on earth. [Applause] [Applause] [Applause] [Music] [Music] [Music] You are [Applause] [Applause] ris. The king s ris. The king s ris. The king s [Music] [Music] [Music] [Applause] [Applause] [Applause] [Music] [Music] [Music] [Applause] Heat. Heat.

Heat. Heat. [Applause] [Music] [Music] day. Happy day. Happy day. [Music] [Music] [Music] [Applause] [Applause] [Applause] [Music] and all the and all the [Applause] [Applause] [Applause] [Music] [Music] [Music] [Applause] [Applause] [Applause] [Music] [Music] [Music] on earth.

on earth. on earth. [Music] [Music] [Music] Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. [Applause] Oh, Oh, [Music] he he [Applause] [Applause] [Applause] terrible.

terrible. terrible. [Applause] [Applause] [Applause] [Music] [Music] [Music] [Applause] [Applause] [Applause] [Music] [Music] [Music] Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. [Music] [Music] [Music] [Applause] [Applause] [Applause] [Music] [Music] [Music] [Applause] Hallelujah. Hallelujah. [Applause] Happy day Happy day and all the air. and all the air. and all the air. Happy Happy Happy [Applause] [Applause] [Applause] [Music] [Music] [Music] [Applause] [Applause] [Applause] [Music] [Music] [Music] [Applause] [Applause] [Applause] [Music] [Music] [Music] [Applause] [Applause] [Applause] to you. to you. to you. [Music] Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. [Music] [Music] [Music] Heat. Heat.

[Music] [Music] [Applause] [Applause] [Applause] I [Music] [Music] God God God [Music] [Music] [Music] [Applause] [Applause] [Applause] to let you to let you to let you go. [Music] [Music] [Applause] [Applause] [Applause] [Music] [Music] [Music] [Applause] [Applause] [Applause] [Music] [Music] [Music] [Applause] [Applause] [Applause] [Music] [Music] [Music] [Applause] [Applause] [Applause] Do you believe that God is on the water Do you believe that God is on the water Do you believe that God is on the water [Music] [Music] [Music] of this year? Heat. Heat. [Music] [Music] Only Only Only [Music] [Music] [Music] the praise of God.

[Music] [Music] [Applause] Come on. Come on. [Applause] Are Are we we we [Applause] [Applause] [Applause] Come on. Let me see. Come on. Let me see. Come on. Let me see. Oh, easy.

Hallelujah. Hallelujah. [Music] [Music] [Music] [Applause] [Applause] [Applause] [Music] [Music] [Music] [Applause] [Applause] [Applause] Let him [Music] [Music] [Applause] [Applause] [Applause] So they see not wish not wish [Music] [Music] [Music] I share. [Applause] [Applause] [Music] Come on, put your hands together if you Come on, put your hands together if you believe that the Savior is going to be believe that the Savior is going to be believe that the Savior is going to be for Amen. Amen. Amen.

Amen. Amen. Amen. Please rest on your feet as we pray now Please rest on your feet as we pray now Please rest on your feet as we pray now for the economy of Haiti. for the economy of Haiti. for the economy of Haiti. Father, we honor you and we thank you. Father, we honor you and we thank you. Father, we honor you and we thank you. We will not insult you by inviting your We will not insult you by inviting your We will not insult you by inviting your presence because you're already here. We presence because you're already here. We presence because you're already here. We know you're here because you have know you're here because you have know you're here because you have promised that when we gather in your promised that when we gather in your promised that when we gather in your name, you will be in the midst. We know name, you will be in the midst. We know name, you will be in the midst. We know you're here because we sense your you're here because we sense your you're here because we sense your presence. God, you have heard everything presence. God, you have heard everything presence. God, you have heard everything that has been said. And I pray now for that has been said. And I pray now for that has been said. And I pray now for the economy of Haiti. God, we stand on the economy of Haiti. God, we stand on the economy of Haiti. God, we stand on your word that the earth is the Lord's your word that the earth is the Lord's your word that the earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof, the world and and the fullness thereof, the world and and the fullness thereof, the world and they that dwell in it. So I pray now, they that dwell in it. So I pray now, they that dwell in it. So I pray now, God for the resources. I pray, oh God, God for the resources. I pray, oh God, God for the resources. I pray, oh God, that you touch the heart of those who that you touch the heart of those who that you touch the heart of those who control the resources. Take away the control the resources. Take away the control the resources. Take away the heart of stone and give them a heart of heart of stone and give them a heart of heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh. God, I pray for every person in flesh. God, I pray for every person in flesh. God, I pray for every person in Haiti. I pray for every baby. I pray for Haiti. I pray for every baby. I pray for Haiti. I pray for every baby. I pray for every young person. I pray for every every young person. I pray for every every young person. I pray for every family. I pray for every worker, God. family. I pray for every worker, God. family. I pray for every worker, God. God, it is obvious that we need divine God, it is obvious that we need divine God, it is obvious that we need divine intervention.

intervention. intervention. God, there's still some of us who God, there's still some of us who God, there's still some of us who believe that when we call on the name of believe that when we call on the name of believe that when we call on the name of Jesus, something will happen. And so Jesus, something will happen. And so Jesus, something will happen. And so tonight, we call you by your name. We tonight, we call you by your name. We tonight, we call you by your name. We simply say, Jesus. simply say, Jesus. simply say, Jesus. We simply say, Jesus. We simply say, We simply say, Jesus. We simply say, We simply say, Jesus. We simply say, Jesus, have mercy. and we honor you and Jesus, have mercy. and we honor you and Jesus, have mercy. and we honor you and we thank you. Somebody say amen. we thank you. Somebody say amen. we thank you. Somebody say amen. Amen. And amen. Now receive Bishop Amen. And amen. Now receive Bishop Amen. And amen. Now receive Bishop Russo. Russo. Russo. Pastor Haynes Hines have me. Pastor Haynes Hines have me. Pastor Haynes Hines have me. You may be seated. You may be seated. You may be seated. If you have a Haitian flag If you have a Haitian flag If you have a Haitian flag with you, with you, with you, in the center of the Haitian flag is the in the center of the Haitian flag is the in the center of the Haitian flag is the motto of Haiti which says, "Unity motto of Haiti which says, "Unity motto of Haiti which says, "Unity is strength." Can we wave those flags? is strength." Can we wave those flags? is strength." Can we wave those flags? Wave those flags. Unity is strength. Wave those flags. Unity is strength. Wave those flags. Unity is strength. And what a demonstration of unity. This And what a demonstration of unity. This And what a demonstration of unity. This evening as we look around the evening as we look around the evening as we look around the auditorium, we see this support. All auditorium, we see this support. All auditorium, we see this support. All those who have come together to pray for those who have come together to pray for those who have come together to pray for Haiti. We know Haiti is in turmoil. We Haiti. We know Haiti is in turmoil. We Haiti. We know Haiti is in turmoil. We know hearts are heavy. We know the pain know hearts are heavy. We know the pain know hearts are heavy. We know the pain and suffering endured by the people who and suffering endured by the people who and suffering endured by the people who are are are victims of gang and gun violence.

victims of gang and gun violence. victims of gang and gun violence. The situation is dire. We see the The situation is dire. We see the The situation is dire. We see the videos. videos. videos. We see the pictures. We hear the We see the pictures. We hear the We see the pictures. We hear the stories. stories. stories. And even those in the diaspora here and And even those in the diaspora here and And even those in the diaspora here and across other countries in the world are across other countries in the world are across other countries in the world are concerned for Haiti. concerned for Haiti. concerned for Haiti. Even those in the Caribbean context who Even those in the Caribbean context who Even those in the Caribbean context who are also in the diaspora, myself being a are also in the diaspora, myself being a are also in the diaspora, myself being a Jamaican are cons concerned for Haiti. Jamaican are cons concerned for Haiti. Jamaican are cons concerned for Haiti. But yet we are filled with hope. For we But yet we are filled with hope. For we But yet we are filled with hope. For we know that when we come together in unity know that when we come together in unity know that when we come together in unity and love, we can be a force to reckon and love, we can be a force to reckon and love, we can be a force to reckon with. That we can be a powerful catalyst with. That we can be a powerful catalyst with. That we can be a powerful catalyst for change. And as Martin Luther King for change. And as Martin Luther King for change. And as Martin Luther King said, injustice anywhere is a threat to said, injustice anywhere is a threat to said, injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. The sacred text, the justice everywhere. The sacred text, the justice everywhere. The sacred text, the prophet Isaiah says that we should learn prophet Isaiah says that we should learn prophet Isaiah says that we should learn to do right, seek justice, to do right, seek justice, to do right, seek justice, defend the oppressed, take up the cause defend the oppressed, take up the cause defend the oppressed, take up the cause of the fatherless, and plead the case of of the fatherless, and plead the case of of the fatherless, and plead the case of the widow. Today we stand and we answer the widow. Today we stand and we answer the widow. Today we stand and we answer the call. Today we stand in solidarity the call. Today we stand in solidarity the call. Today we stand in solidarity with you. We commit ourselves to seek with you. We commit ourselves to seek with you. We commit ourselves to seek justice and peace for the nation because justice and peace for the nation because justice and peace for the nation because this is not a political issue. This is a this is not a political issue. This is a this is not a political issue. This is a moral imperative and we must respond to moral imperative and we must respond to moral imperative and we must respond to the moral imperative. We understand that

the moral imperative. We understand that the moral imperative. We understand that prayer moves mountains. That prayer is prayer moves mountains. That prayer is prayer moves mountains. That prayer is able to release those 2 million who are able to release those 2 million who are able to release those 2 million who are in hostage. That prayer will release the in hostage. That prayer will release the in hostage. That prayer will release the kolera outbreak. that prayer will kolera outbreak. that prayer will kolera outbreak. that prayer will release those youth who are being release those youth who are being release those youth who are being tortured, assaulted and killed. Prayer tortured, assaulted and killed. Prayer tortured, assaulted and killed. Prayer can lift up and free those who are going can lift up and free those who are going can lift up and free those who are going through violence. Prayer brings about through violence. Prayer brings about through violence. Prayer brings about the change. And so today, we lift our the change. And so today, we lift our the change. And so today, we lift our voices. We pray for peace. And after we voices. We pray for peace. And after we voices. We pray for peace. And after we say amen, we pray with our feet. And we say amen, we pray with our feet. And we say amen, we pray with our feet. And we march on until victory over Haiti is march on until victory over Haiti is march on until victory over Haiti is won. May the God of heaven won. May the God of heaven won. May the God of heaven cover Haiti. May the God of heaven hover cover Haiti. May the God of heaven hover cover Haiti. May the God of heaven hover Haiti. And may the God of heaven bless Haiti. And may the God of heaven bless Haiti. And may the God of heaven bless Haiti. For there's unity in strength. Haiti. For there's unity in strength. Haiti. For there's unity in strength. [Music] [Applause] [Applause] Put your hands together for Put your hands together for Put your hands together for Apostle Lisa.

Apostle Lisa. Apostle Lisa. So my job is concluded this evening. The So my job is concluded this evening. The So my job is concluded this evening. The next voice you're going to hear is next voice you're going to hear is next voice you're going to hear is Bishop Dwanes, who's going to be doing Bishop Dwanes, who's going to be doing Bishop Dwanes, who's going to be doing the final prayer. And immediately after the final prayer. And immediately after the final prayer. And immediately after him, we're going to turn the microphone him, we're going to turn the microphone him, we're going to turn the microphone back over to Pastor Jamal who will be back over to Pastor Jamal who will be back over to Pastor Jamal who will be doing the benediction. And the choir or doing the benediction. And the choir or doing the benediction. And the choir or the praise team from Baraka Baptist the praise team from Baraka Baptist the praise team from Baraka Baptist Church will take us home with a little Church will take us home with a little Church will take us home with a little bit of music, a little bit of song, a bit of music, a little bit of song, a bit of music, a little bit of song, a little bit of whatever they do to take little bit of whatever they do to take little bit of whatever they do to take us home. So, thank you for your patience us home. So, thank you for your patience us home. So, thank you for your patience this evening. We understand that we did this evening. We understand that we did this evening. We understand that we did not start on the time that we said that not start on the time that we said that not start on the time that we said that we would, but thank you so much. If we we would, but thank you so much. If we we would, but thank you so much. If we continue to pray for Haiti, if we continue to pray for Haiti, if we continue to pray for Haiti, if we continue to believe that Haiti can continue to believe that Haiti can continue to believe that Haiti can change, if we continue to believe that change, if we continue to believe that change, if we continue to believe that our nation that started back in 1804 and our nation that started back in 1804 and our nation that started back in 1804 and here we are 2024, here we are 2024, here we are 2024, knowing that uh knowing that uh Shala, knowing that uh knowing that uh Shala, knowing that uh knowing that uh Shala, knowing that all our Haitian leaders knowing that all our Haitian leaders knowing that all our Haitian leaders died for us to be here where we are died for us to be here where we are died for us to be here where we are today. So all of us that are here in the today. So all of us that are here in the today. So all of us that are here in the diaspora, we truly believe that Haiti diaspora, we truly believe that Haiti diaspora, we truly believe that Haiti will change. And there's enough of us will change. And there's enough of us will change. And there's enough of us here to charter a plane and we'll go here to charter a plane and we'll go here to charter a plane and we'll go back to Haiti in 2026 when we're going back to Haiti in 2026 when we're going back to Haiti in 2026 when we're going to inaugurate the next president of to inaugurate the next president of to inaugurate the next president of Haiti. All of us will be there. All of Haiti. All of us will be there. All of Haiti. All of us will be there. All of us will be there. We'll be there to us will be there. We'll be there to us will be there. We'll be there to celebrate a new Haiti. Please rise on celebrate a new Haiti. Please rise on celebrate a new Haiti. Please rise on your feet as pastor as Bishop Janes came your feet as pastor as Bishop Janes came your feet as pastor as Bishop Janes came all the way from Spring Valley. He's

all the way from Spring Valley. He's all the way from Spring Valley. He's going to from New Roelle from New going to from New Roelle from New going to from New Roelle from New Roelle. He'll be doing the final prayer Roelle. He'll be doing the final prayer Roelle. He'll be doing the final prayer followed by uh Pastor Jamal Bryant followed by uh Pastor Jamal Bryant followed by uh Pastor Jamal Bryant who'll be bringing the benediction and who'll be bringing the benediction and who'll be bringing the benediction and the Barack Baptist Church choir. Thank the Barack Baptist Church choir. Thank the Barack Baptist Church choir. Thank you for your patience. Thank you so much you for your patience. Thank you so much you for your patience. Thank you so much for coming out. God bless you. God keep for coming out. God bless you. God keep for coming out. God bless you. God keep you and may God take Haiti to new you and may God take Haiti to new you and may God take Haiti to new heights. God bless Haiti and God bless heights. God bless Haiti and God bless heights. God bless Haiti and God bless the United States of America. Thank you the United States of America. Thank you the United States of America. Thank you so much. We want to thank We want to thank the Reverend the Reverend the Reverend Bernard, the CC CC family, Bernard, the CC CC family, Bernard, the CC CC family, Reverend Blessed Thomas, Reverend Blessed Thomas, Reverend Blessed Thomas, Reverend Al Shortton, Reverend Al Shortton, Reverend Al Shortton, and all the officials and all the officials and all the officials and ministers that are here. We praise and ministers that are here. We praise and ministers that are here. We praise God for you and we praise God for God for you and we praise God for God for you and we praise God for the passion the passion the passion that you have that you have that you have for Haiti.

for Haiti. for Haiti. [Music] I have been assigned to lift up the I have been assigned to lift up the children of Haiti before the Lord. children of Haiti before the Lord. children of Haiti before the Lord. While we're doing that together, While we're doing that together, While we're doing that together, I want you to realize that I want you to realize that I want you to realize that in 2010, how many parents how many parents were killed were killed were killed by the earthquake? by the earthquake? by the earthquake? [Music] [Music] [Music] Tim really gung really gung [Music] [Music] [Music] timo. It is an orchestrated matter that you It is an orchestrated matter that you would take children if you look at their would take children if you look at their would take children if you look at their ages from 2010.

ages from 2010. ages from 2010. Those that have the guns in their hands, Those that have the guns in their hands, Those that have the guns in their hands, many of them are orphans. many of them are orphans. many of them are orphans. or offense or offense or offense that were given guns instead of tools that were given guns instead of tools that were given guns instead of tools for a purpose for a purpose for a purpose and it has been achieved. and it has been achieved. and it has been achieved. The purpose is to make Haiti a so-called The purpose is to make Haiti a so-called The purpose is to make Haiti a so-called failed state, a depopulated state, a depopulated state, [Music] [Music] [Music] a state without a government. a state without a government. a state without a government. But we know one person that we can rely But we know one person that we can rely But we know one person that we can rely on. on. on. [Music] [Music] [Music] The Bible said our deliverance will not come from other our deliverance will not come from other countries and from countries and from countries and from governmental leaders. governmental leaders. governmental leaders. It will come from God.

I was praying and I was asking God I was praying and I was asking God what is the solution? He told me I am He told me I am that's what I heard. that's what I heard. that's what I heard. [Applause] [Applause] [Applause] [Music] [Music] [Music] on street just to live. just to live. He says in me to disperse. Let God arise He says in me to disperse. Let God arise He says in me to disperse. Let God arise and his enemies be scattered. and his enemies be scattered. and his enemies be scattered. [Music] [Music] [Music] He says free. He says free. He says free. [Music] The one that comes, the Lord is his The one that comes, the Lord is his name.

And look at what it says about God. The And look at what it says about God. The Lord that has brought us here. Think about that. Think about that. Orphans that now have guns in their Orphans that now have guns in their Orphans that now have guns in their hands, but God can turn them around. hands, but God can turn them around. hands, but God can turn them around. They're talking about destroying the They're talking about destroying the They're talking about destroying the gangs. We do not We do not have simple gangs. have simple gangs. have simple gangs. We have hired mercenaries. We have hired mercenaries. We have hired mercenaries. There were international mercenaries There were international mercenaries There were international mercenaries that came and did their part and they've that came and did their part and they've that came and did their part and they've hired our children to be national hired our children to be national hired our children to be national mercenaries mercenaries mercenaries [Music] [Music] [Music] to depopulate Porto Prince. to depopulate Porto Prince. to depopulate Porto Prince. And that's what has happened Destroying all infrastructures Destroying all infrastructures so that the country be defined as a so that the country be defined as a so that the country be defined as a failed state. Go down to see what a failed state. Go down to see what a failed state. Go down to see what a failed state is. Everything failed state is. Everything failed state is. Everything [Music] [Music] [Music] that for them to define a failed state that for them to define a failed state that for them to define a failed state has been done.

has been done. has been done. Is it is an orchestrated Is it is an orchestrated Is it is an orchestrated destruction. destruction. destruction. But you see our greatest resources will But you see our greatest resources will But you see our greatest resources will not come from outside. It is not the not come from outside. It is not the not come from outside. It is not the jaspora. It is our children. Come Come in a fetal position. You know what a in a fetal position. You know what a in a fetal position. You know what a fetal position is? I want the children of Haiti, that will I want the children of Haiti, that will be our greatest victory, that they can be our greatest victory, that they can be our greatest victory, that they can go to school, that they can be proud go to school, that they can be proud go to school, that they can be proud again again again their stomach full but also going to their stomach full but also going to their stomach full but also going to school and that will be our greatest school and that will be our greatest school and that will be our greatest victory.

victory. victory. [Music] [Music] [Music] Why don't you just get them back? Why don't you just get them back? Why don't you just get them back? Train them and leave him alone. Amen.

Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Thank you for all your help, for all the Thank you for all your help, for all the Thank you for all your help, for all the officials that are working very hard to officials that are working very hard to officials that are working very hard to help and to make this a reality. help and to make this a reality. help and to make this a reality. May God bless you and may God keep you. May God bless you and may God keep you. May God bless you and may God keep you. Make his face to shine upon you. Make his face to shine upon you. Make his face to shine upon you. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. And be gracious unto you. God bless you, pastor. God bless you, pastor. Amen. Benediction Benediction Stephanie Stephanie from Stephanie Stephanie from Stephanie Stephanie from [Applause] [Applause] [Applause] Thank you everyone. Um and good night. I Thank you everyone. Um and good night. I Thank you everyone. Um and good night. I will be extremely brief. We have heard will be extremely brief. We have heard will be extremely brief. We have heard so many different stories tonight about so many different stories tonight about so many different stories tonight about Haiti. Um, Haiti. Um, Haiti. Um, all of us who are Haitian are aching for all of us who are Haitian are aching for all of us who are Haitian are aching for our home country. Um, we appreciate your our home country. Um, we appreciate your our home country. Um, we appreciate your support. We know that we cannot do this support. We know that we cannot do this support. We know that we cannot do this without you. But I do want to point out without you. But I do want to point out without you. But I do want to point out something, especially since we're here something, especially since we're here something, especially since we're here on Junth. When we think of all of the on Junth. When we think of all of the on Junth. When we think of all of the stories we've thought of um that we've stories we've thought of um that we've stories we've thought of um that we've heard of Haiti, um, Chimande Noi once heard of Haiti, um, Chimande Noi once heard of Haiti, um, Chimande Noi once said, "We have to be careful about um said, "We have to be careful about um said, "We have to be careful about um the story we tell ourselves, but most the story we tell ourselves, but most the story we tell ourselves, but most importantly where we start our Haiti."

importantly where we start our Haiti." importantly where we start our Haiti." um our story. A lot of us think of um um our story. A lot of us think of um um our story. A lot of us think of um Haiti as the first free republic, which Haiti as the first free republic, which Haiti as the first free republic, which is true. We are currently the country is true. We are currently the country is true. We are currently the country that is riddled by gang violence, which that is riddled by gang violence, which that is riddled by gang violence, which is true. We are considered a resilient is true. We are considered a resilient is true. We are considered a resilient country, also true. Um but I'd like us country, also true. Um but I'd like us country, also true. Um but I'd like us today since it's Junth to think of a today since it's Junth to think of a today since it's Junth to think of a country or of a people that all started country or of a people that all started country or of a people that all started from one continent. Um and so when we from one continent. Um and so when we from one continent. Um and so when we think of that, we think of Haitian think of that, we think of Haitian think of that, we think of Haitian freedom as black freedom. When Haiti freedom as black freedom. When Haiti freedom as black freedom. When Haiti went after freedom went after freedom went after freedom many, many years ago, a century ago, it many, many years ago, a century ago, it many, many years ago, a century ago, it was never just about us. It was about was never just about us. It was about was never just about us. It was about all of us. It was about all black people all of us. It was about all black people all of us. It was about all black people from the continent. And so tonight on from the continent. And so tonight on from the continent. And so tonight on Junth, um when we think of Haiti, when Junth, um when we think of Haiti, when Junth, um when we think of Haiti, when we pray for Haiti, um I ask that we we pray for Haiti, um I ask that we we pray for Haiti, um I ask that we think of us all because we are one and think of us all because we are one and think of us all because we are one and when we are successful, when we are when we are successful, when we are when we are successful, when we are powerful, when we are free, it is powerful, when we are free, it is powerful, when we are free, it is because we are united because Lunor does because we are united because Lunor does because we are united because Lunor does fell for us. And I know that was my fell for us. And I know that was my fell for us. And I know that was my Creole English. Creole English. Creole English. Amen. Thank you so much, Stephanie. Amen. Thank you so much, Stephanie. Amen. Thank you so much, Stephanie. Uh once again, thank you all for coming Uh once again, thank you all for coming Uh once again, thank you all for coming out on behalf of Doc Renard. Um he sends out on behalf of Doc Renard. Um he sends out on behalf of Doc Renard. Um he sends his apologies that he had to leave his apologies that he had to leave his apologies that he had to leave early. He thanks you for participating.

early. He thanks you for participating. early. He thanks you for participating. Let us bow our heads. Let us bow our heads. Let us bow our heads. Heavenly Father, thank you for this Heavenly Father, thank you for this Heavenly Father, thank you for this wonderful gathering. We pray for the wonderful gathering. We pray for the wonderful gathering. We pray for the countless innocent lives affected by the countless innocent lives affected by the countless innocent lives affected by the chaos and turmoil. chaos and turmoil. chaos and turmoil. We ask for your comfort and protection We ask for your comfort and protection We ask for your comfort and protection over those who live in constant fear. over those who live in constant fear. over those who live in constant fear. For the children who grow up surrounded For the children who grow up surrounded For the children who grow up surrounded by violence and for the families torn by violence and for the families torn by violence and for the families torn apart by tragedy. Grant them your peace apart by tragedy. Grant them your peace apart by tragedy. Grant them your peace that surpasses all understanding and that surpasses all understanding and that surpasses all understanding and your strength to endure these dark your strength to endure these dark your strength to endure these dark times. We pray for the leaders and times. We pray for the leaders and times. We pray for the leaders and authorities in Haiti. Give them the authorities in Haiti. Give them the authorities in Haiti. Give them the wisdom and courage to stand against the wisdom and courage to stand against the wisdom and courage to stand against the forces of corruption and violence. forces of corruption and violence. forces of corruption and violence. Empower them to create and enforce laws Empower them to create and enforce laws Empower them to create and enforce laws that will curb the flow of illegal arms that will curb the flow of illegal arms that will curb the flow of illegal arms and dismantle networks of terror. Raise and dismantle networks of terror. Raise and dismantle networks of terror. Raise up leaders of integrity who will up leaders of integrity who will up leaders of integrity who will prioritize the well-being of their prioritize the well-being of their prioritize the well-being of their people and work tirelessly for justice people and work tirelessly for justice people and work tirelessly for justice and peace. Lord, we thank you for this and peace. Lord, we thank you for this and peace. Lord, we thank you for this night of solidarity from the people on night of solidarity from the people on night of solidarity from the people on the ground to the halls of power. Thank the ground to the halls of power. Thank the ground to the halls of power. Thank you for the clergy who bring moral you for the clergy who bring moral you for the clergy who bring moral clarity to the issues at hand and a clarity to the issues at hand and a clarity to the issues at hand and a prophetic voice to speak truth to power.

prophetic voice to speak truth to power. prophetic voice to speak truth to power. May tonight be a continuation of May tonight be a continuation of May tonight be a continuation of collaboration effort. Take us home from collaboration effort. Take us home from collaboration effort. Take us home from this place but never your presence. In this place but never your presence. In this place but never your presence. In Christ's name we pray. Amen. God bless Christ's name we pray. Amen. God bless Christ's name we pray. Amen. God bless and enjoy your night. As you go home tonight, we want to send As you go home tonight, we want to send you with this reminder that our God is you with this reminder that our God is you with this reminder that our God is greater. Come on, tell your neighbor, greater. Come on, tell your neighbor, greater. Come on, tell your neighbor, our God is greater. Our God is stronger. our God is greater. Our God is stronger. our God is greater. Our God is stronger. We greet you all in the name of Jesus We greet you all in the name of Jesus We greet you all in the name of Jesus Christ. We pray you go with this peace Christ. We pray you go with this peace Christ. We pray you go with this peace and this reminder tonight. We love you. and this reminder tonight. We love you. and this reminder tonight. We love you. We rock about this church. Thank you CCC We rock about this church. Thank you CCC We rock about this church. Thank you CCC and all the dignitaries for coming and all the dignitaries for coming and all the dignitaries for coming together with one voice and one sound to together with one voice and one sound to together with one voice and one sound to sing tonight. Oh, sing tonight. Oh, sing tonight. Oh, our God is greater. Our God is stronger. our God is greater. Our God is stronger. our God is greater. Our God is stronger. God, you are higher than any other. Our God, you are higher than any other. Our God, you are higher than any other. Our God is healer, awesome in power. Our God is healer, awesome in power. Our God is healer, awesome in power. Our God, our God, our God, our God is God, our God, our God, our God is God, our God, our God, our God is greater. Our God is gater. Our God is greater. Our God is gater. Our God is greater. Our God is gater. Our God is stronger.

stronger. stronger. God, you are higher. You are higher than God, you are higher. You are higher than God, you are higher. You are higher than any. any. any. Our God is awesome. Power. Water. You turn into wine. Water. You turn into wine. [Music] [Music] [Music] Open the eyes of the blind. There's no Open the eyes of the blind. There's no Open the eyes of the blind. There's no one like you. one like you. one like you. Come on, there's no one like our God, Come on, there's no one like our God, Come on, there's no one like our God, not like you. not like you. not like you. Oh, Oh, Oh, into the darkness you shine. into the darkness you shine. into the darkness you shine. And out of the ashes we rise. There's no And out of the ashes we rise. There's no And out of the ashes we rise. There's no one like you. one like you. one like you. Come on. There's no one like you. Come on. There's no one like you. Come on. There's no one like you. Our God is gater. Our God is gater. Our God is gater. Our God is greater. Our God is greater. Our God is greater. Our God is strong. Our God is strong. Our God is strong. Our God is strong. You are high. You are Our God is strong. You are high. You are Our God is strong. You are high. You are higher than any day.

day. Everybody clap your hand. Everybody clap your hand. Everybody clap your hand. If you know our God is great, just clap If you know our God is great, just clap If you know our God is great, just clap your hands. Come on. If you know our God your hands. Come on. If you know our God your hands. Come on. If you know our God is great, just clap your hands. Yeah. is great, just clap your hands. Yeah. is great, just clap your hands. Yeah. [Music] Listen. Listen. And if our God is for us, then who could And if our God is for us, then who could And if our God is for us, then who could ever stop us? And if our God is with us, ever stop us? And if our God is with us, ever stop us? And if our God is with us, then what can stand against? And if our then what can stand against? And if our then what can stand against? And if our God is for us, then if our God, then God is for us, then if our God, then God is for us, then if our God, then what can stand against? What can you stand against? What can you stand against? What can you stand? What can you stand What can you stand? What can you stand What can you stand? What can you stand against? Keep on Keep on [Music] Yeah. Yeah.

Yeah. Yeah. Our God is for us. And if our God is for Our God is for us. And if our God is for Our God is for us. And if our God is for us, who could ever stop us? And if our us, who could ever stop us? And if our us, who could ever stop us? And if our God is our God, our God is with us. And God is our God, our God is with us. And God is our God, our God is with us. And if our God is for us, then ever stop us. if our God is for us, then ever stop us. if our God is for us, then ever stop us. And if our God is with us, then you And if our God is with us, then you And if our God is with us, then you stand again. you you might and you can say

and you can say and if I go then what can and if I go then what can and if I go then what can I I I then who could ever then who could ever then who could ever and if our God and if our God and if our God and if our God and if our God and if our God then what can then what can then what can our if our God is for us then who could our if our God is for us then who could our if our God is for us then who could ever ever ever and if our God and if our God and if our God and if our God and if our God and if our God then what can stand against hating and then what can stand against hating and then what can stand against hating and if our God. Then who could ever stop us? if our God. Then who could ever stop us? if our God. Then who could ever stop us? If I got my my voice voice voice ever us. [Applause] [Applause] [Music] [Music] [Music] [Applause] [Applause] [Applause] [Music] [Music] [Music] We all pass pass [Music] to be so to be so [Music] [Music] [Music] our God is great.

our God is great. our God is great. Our God is great. Our God is great. Our God is great. Our God is strong. Our God is strong. Our God is strong. Our God is strong. I can higher Our God is strong. I can higher Our God is strong. I can higher than any. Our God is a God. He's than any. Our God is a God. He's than any. Our God is a God. He's awesome. awesome. awesome. My God. My God. My God. Our God is greater. You say our God is Our God is greater. You say our God is Our God is greater. You say our God is our God. our God. our God. Our God is sure Our God is sure Our God is sure God. You are higher than God. You are higher than God. You are higher than you are. Our God is he you are. Our God is he you are. Our God is he awesome and power. [Applause] [Applause] our God is our God is our God is our God is strong. our God is strong. our God is strong. Every evil that's over Every evil that's over Every evil that's over we declare it. Our God. Our God. Our we declare it. Our God. Our God. Our we declare it. Our God. Our God. Our God. God. God. And if our God is for us, And if our God is for us, And if our God is for us, then who can ever stop us?

then who can ever stop us? then who can ever stop us? And if our God is with us, And if our God is with us, And if our God is with us, then what can you stand against? then what can you stand against? then what can you stand against? [Music] Come on and raise a shout of victory. Come on and raise a shout of victory. May the peace of God be on you. May the May the peace of God be on you. May the May the peace of God be on you. May the peace of God be on Haiti. We declare it peace of God be on Haiti. We declare it peace of God be on Haiti. We declare it together. in Jesus name. And let the together. in Jesus name. And let the together. in Jesus name. And let the church say amen and amen and amen. God church say amen and amen and amen. God church say amen and amen and amen. God bless you church. Have this amazing bless you church. Have this amazing bless you church. Have this amazing week. We love you. Hallelujah. [Music] [Music] I will I will I will I will put my trust in you.

I will put my trust in you. I will put my trust in you. My trust in you. Even when I don't know My trust in you. Even when I don't know My trust in you. Even when I don't know where life goes, I'll still walk with where life goes, I'll still walk with where life goes, I'll still walk with you. I'll follow you. you. I'll follow you. you. I'll follow you. Wherever you