The president and CEO of Team Broken Earth says the decision to cancel its upcoming mission in Haiti weighs heavily on the mind, but the safety of volunteers remains the top priority.

Team Broken Earth cancelled its mission due to ongoing political duress and protests in the country.

Dr. Andrew Furey says that even on their previous missions, tensions could be felt among Haitians. Now the people of Haiti have taken to the streets in protest of the current government.

Furey says at the end of the day the patients waiting to be treated aren’t involved in the protests or trying to revolt against the government—they’re just people with medical illness or injuries just trying to get through the day.

He says as tough as it is to evaluate a situation where you know you can help those in need, the safety of their volunteers is paramount.

Despite this, Furey says they will continue their commitment going forward with the hopes of a brighter future in Haiti.