On April 19, 2023, armed gangs attacked Source Matelas. Now, three years later, we remember that day through the voices of those who lived it. Today’s reflection is from Mario, a supervisor working at Grace Emmanuel School when the shooting began less than half a mile away.

“God has given me the strength to continue”

On April 19, 2023, I was at Grace Emmanuel School supervising students during their second trimester exams. While in the exam room, I received a phone call from a parent who said the gangs were attacking Source Matelas.

Immediately after the call, I began to hear the gunfire. I quickly collected all the exam papers, found my daughter (then in preschool), two nieces, and my nephew, and took them into the director’s office to hide.

The shooting got closer. It was terrifying. Then I received another call telling us we needed to leave because the gangs were getting closer.

We left the office and went down the hill. I left the children under the church to search for a way out. By then, no one else was left at the mission—it was just me and the four kids. I panicked. We hid in the latrines. The kids mostly stayed calm. I just had to remind them to be quiet.

Escape and aftermath

Around 2 pm, we finally escaped, walking through the weeds for over a mile to reach Cabaret. It was very stressful to be alone with the children. I remember my 4-year-old niece walking so fast and never complaining of being tired.

They needed a lot of water. I was thankful to have a large water bottle to give them drinks along the way. After arriving in Cabaret, I bought them food and we went to a friend’s home.

I learned that one of my best friends—my sister’s husband—had been killed in the attack. That moment has stayed with me.

We spent two days in Cabaret. My wife was able to escape Source Matelas the next day and join us. Then we went to stay with a friend further into the mountains. After that, the rest of my family was reunited. There were 20 of us together.

I remember feeling very sad and desolate, thinking I would never be able to provide for myself or my family again.

I am very grateful for JiHM, because despite the difficulties and school closures, I continued to receive my paycheck every month. That helped a lot.

Three years later

Three years later, my morale is still strong. God has given me the strength to continue. I have come to understand people better, and my faith has grown.

At school, I’ve seen students change in how they treat their classmates. I’ve seen them learn to love sharing.

Many of us lost everything because of the gang attacks, and it will take a lot of time to rebuild.

But the greatest blessings God has given me are health and hope. I’ve also come to know God better. I know that because I am still here, He has a plan for me.