Haiti

Update on Haiti orphanage & signs of hope

For the past 15 months, we and five other partnering organizations have been investigating the Son of God Orphanage in Carrefour, Haiti. This weekend, we confirmed our suspicions: the children were being trafficked, and the evidence points back to the orphanage. As part of a police-led operati…

By Seth Barnes

19 October 2011, 12:10 am

By Seth Barnes

19 October 2011, 12:10 am

For the past 15 months, we and five other partnering organizations have been investigating the Son of God Orphanage in Carrefour, Haiti.

This weekend, we confirmed our suspicions: the children were being trafficked, and the evidence points back to the orphanage. As part of a police-led operation in July, the director was convicted and imprisoned for trafficking. Haitian investigators have told our team the evidence suggests organs are being trafficked, as well.

Numerous photos reveal extreme physical abuse and neglect for the children still at the orphanage. Both American and Haitian doctors have documented cases of severe burns and broken bones. As this was brought to our attention, some of our team members had to act.

On October 10, American volunteers visited the Son of God and removed children with late-stage starvation from the premises, bringing them to local doctors. The doctors said that without such intervention, the children could have died.

After bringing these facts to the attention of government officials, several people received threats from those associated with the current orphanage leadership, a fact which was documented by the Haitian police.

Yesterday, we saw several breakthroughs with the media, including the CNN producer we’d been petitioning who responded to our appeals via Twitter. Today, we’re talking with several other news groups. So many of you responded to our first petition that Change.org contacted us, encouraging us to start a second petition.

In a situation that seems hopeless beyond comprehension, we’re beginning to see light break through. We are in contact with several organizations that we personally know to take the 74 children in from Son of God. We’ve done our diligence, and our prayers are being answered.

Please continue to pray, sign our most recent petition, and share this with everyone you know. Thank you for all the work you’ve done to bring an end to this injustice.

Comments (6)

Butch Maltby

October 19, 2011 at 3:36 pm

Hi Seth,

Thanks for the update and I am praying for you to have wisdom. The media is a blessing and curse. Stay on the right side of the fracas doing what is righteous. Love you friend.
Libby C

October 19, 2011 at 6:06 pm

I apologize if this has already been addressed, but, are these children able to be adopted?
Jeff Goins

October 19, 2011 at 6:19 pm

Hi all. Great questions. I’m helping coordinate the communications efforts, regarding this issue. Two clarifications:

1) CNN is not a done deal; we just are on their radar. Please continue pointing people to the petition. Having as many signatures as possible will only strengthen our current appeal, as they consider investigating this.

2) The children will be moved to secure orphanages once Son of God is brought to justice. Regarding potential adoption opportunities, that hasn’t been discussed yet.
Kathy Pride

October 19, 2011 at 9:15 pm

Praying. Thank God for His guidance and involvement. Continuing to point people to AIM.
Sandy Sandmeyer

October 19, 2011 at 9:45 pm

I posted a blog post about this and I’ll add on this recent update – Stop Human Trafficking of the Orphans at the Son of God Orphanage in Haiti http://twrt.me/6dogsu
Melinda Nels

October 19, 2022 at 11:26 am

So does this mean the CNN petition no longer needs additional signatures?