“Only in Haiti!” I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard that phrase. Now I’m even seeing news people using it. But you know what? There are things that happen here that are just bizarre and we shake our heads and say “only in Haiti.”

Many of you may recall that F1Engineering installed 16 solar panels and everything else required to provide electricity to the school, orphanage and church. The system has been working wonderfully and has been such a blessing to the kids and community. This past Saturday night, someone stole 6 of the panels.

Sunday morning we learned of the theft. As Lex was preaching, he mentioned it. He told the people “Someone must have thought those were Pastor Lex’s solar panels. Someone was wrong. I’m not going to worry one bit about it, because they are God’s property. We secured them on the roof the best we know how and that’s up to God now.” Sunday night, a couple of young Gospel pop groups held a concert at the church. Monday morning we received word that 6 more panels were missing. My heart sunk. We now only have 4 solar panels left.

Word went out about the panels being stolen and people started sharing their thoughts and what they knew about them. Tuesday, Travis Knipple, from F1Engineering was here with us as Lex continued talking with neighbors, the local judge, police throughout Port-au-Prince. He had many leads, but he had to discern which ones to follow.

Finally, some men were apprehended and spent the night in the Petit Goave prison. These men had likely received the first 6 panels and had sold them in Port-au-Prince. The real thieves, it ended up, had also stolen a motorcycle. (This is one of those “only in Haiti” moments: can you imagine carrying solar panels while riding a motorcycle?) They had an accident and died Sunday night, after having stolen the other 6 panels.

The news made me shake my head. What a waste. And then I thought about what this will sound like in our city. We’ve been there before. Haiti is a VERY superstitious country. Word will circulate for years about the men who stole the solar panels and how they lost their lives that night, because they didn’t have respect for the things of God.

The net result, people will think twice about stealing from that location again.

2 men lost their lives. That’s so sad. There are more children without fathers now, because the fathers made poor decisions. I pray that other fathers will think twice about the decisions they are making and what affect they will have on their wives and children, as well as themselves.

In the meantime, we are still out 12 solar panels, but again, God will provide. He always does.