The report on Haiti Day 3 is obviously coming out on Day 4. That's because of the Loritab I was taking last night. I figured it would not be a good idea for me to be typing while on such meds....I might get myself in trouble. My back problems flared up big time yesterday and put me down for the evening. But that's enough about me....you want to know what's going on in Haiti.
Day 3 was another great day. Our team actually split into two groups. One stayed at the orphanage while the other went to check out "But God Ministries." I was on the team that went to check out But God. On the way we had to make a stop at the airport to pick up James Hutto, who just arrived in country. (That's another story for another day) While at the airport God reminded me how much He is in control of things. While our Hatian Pastor and Eric went to inside to meet James, myself, one translator, the bus driver, and three ladies were left on the bus to wait. The waiting turned into an adventure as half of jumped off the bus, thinking we were supposed to, when suddenly the police began yelling at our driver and then forced him to pull over. Next thing you know our bus driver is getting hauled off to jail for mouthing off at the cops. Our translator then goes off with them to try and play lawyer. So, I'm left in the middle of hundreds of Haitians coming and going, on the side of the street, with three blond haired white ladies. Can you say "fresh meat"? I told Dawn, "just look like you belong here and you know what you're doing"..... whatever that means. Anyway, God gave me a comfort. God reminded me that He is in control and there was nothing I could do about. Guess what....everything worked out fine. Our translator eventually came back, the bus driver broke out of jail (not kidding), and we got James and went on our merry way.
After a very long and bumpy ride through the country side we made it to But God Ministries. This is a ministry under the direction of Stan Buckley. We were all really impressed by what is going on there. I see potential for a lot of long term ministry there as they already have housing, medical clinic, dental clinic, and more set up. None of us are experts but from what we can tell, the most effective thing that can be done in this country is to get more people out of Port-Au-Prince and into the countryside where they can farm and sustain themselves. That is one of the goals of this ministry and they are well on their way to accomplishing that.
A couple of hours after that came the Loritab so that is all I have to say about Day 3 . . . sorry!
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Monday, November 21, 2011
Haiti - Day 2
As I continue to document our "great adventure" here in Haiti, I am coming to you after another great day. Today we spent most of the day in the "Life is Hope Orphanage" where our team played games with the kids, did some slight repair jobs (electrical, plumbing, etc.), and just loved on the kids. Although for most of us there is a language barrier, there is one language that is universal, and that is love. Love and a smile is something all can understand, and there was plenty of that to go around from our end and theirs. These children are desperate for love and affection and many ask us the heartbreaking question: "Can I go home with you?" I hate that question.
After a great supper we drove about 2 hours to one of Pastor Jean's churches where Eric was able to share a message with the people. I believe we were all moved at worshiping with our brothers and sisters in their church. Imagine this: a church with cinder block walls, tarps for a roof, and the tarps being held up with a large wooden pole. In the middle of what we would call a dump in America we sang "How Great Thou Art" in their language. Anyone who knows me well knows I'm not a big hymn guy (not that I think they are bad, they just don't speak to me). However, as I listened to them sing this beautiful song and the wind was whipping the roof all around, stars shining like crazy, and eventually the candle was blown out by the wind, I could not help but raise my hands to the heavens to praise our God. The Gospel is alive and well in the hearts of those in that church, and are led by amazing men of God (Pastor Jean, Pastor Michael, Johnny, and more)
We are back and going to get some rest for another great day at the orphanage. Needs are so great in this country. I cannot begin to describe the poverty. Please remember, I used to teach about Third World Nations in my History Classes. I didn't do well enough at describing them. The poverty and devastation here is remarkable, but there is still a beauty here. I think I see the most beauty in the men of God whom I have visited with that continually brag on the grace of God, and the love of their Savior. Their willingness to survive and bring great things to their country is amazing.
The driving here is a trip. No rules of the road. I think the only rule is, if someone is in your way, or considering being in your way, you must honk at them. There is no road rage. You just honk and then go around them. And by the way, its ok if you use the sidewalk or the other side of the road to go around them. No biggie. Pedestrians just walk up and down the street in all directions and somehow do not get hit. And some even jump on the back of our bus and hitch a ride. Our travels on the road are always a great source of entertainment.
Well, I need some sleep. God Bless to all my family and friends back in the U.S. Continue to pray for our team down here and pray for the people of this nation. Also, spread the word to your friends about my blog. I would love to have more followers.
After a great supper we drove about 2 hours to one of Pastor Jean's churches where Eric was able to share a message with the people. I believe we were all moved at worshiping with our brothers and sisters in their church. Imagine this: a church with cinder block walls, tarps for a roof, and the tarps being held up with a large wooden pole. In the middle of what we would call a dump in America we sang "How Great Thou Art" in their language. Anyone who knows me well knows I'm not a big hymn guy (not that I think they are bad, they just don't speak to me). However, as I listened to them sing this beautiful song and the wind was whipping the roof all around, stars shining like crazy, and eventually the candle was blown out by the wind, I could not help but raise my hands to the heavens to praise our God. The Gospel is alive and well in the hearts of those in that church, and are led by amazing men of God (Pastor Jean, Pastor Michael, Johnny, and more)
We are back and going to get some rest for another great day at the orphanage. Needs are so great in this country. I cannot begin to describe the poverty. Please remember, I used to teach about Third World Nations in my History Classes. I didn't do well enough at describing them. The poverty and devastation here is remarkable, but there is still a beauty here. I think I see the most beauty in the men of God whom I have visited with that continually brag on the grace of God, and the love of their Savior. Their willingness to survive and bring great things to their country is amazing.
The driving here is a trip. No rules of the road. I think the only rule is, if someone is in your way, or considering being in your way, you must honk at them. There is no road rage. You just honk and then go around them. And by the way, its ok if you use the sidewalk or the other side of the road to go around them. No biggie. Pedestrians just walk up and down the street in all directions and somehow do not get hit. And some even jump on the back of our bus and hitch a ride. Our travels on the road are always a great source of entertainment.
Well, I need some sleep. God Bless to all my family and friends back in the U.S. Continue to pray for our team down here and pray for the people of this nation. Also, spread the word to your friends about my blog. I would love to have more followers.
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Haiti - Day 1
I told everyone I was going to try and keep you all posted on our Mission Trip in Haiti. I also told you all that that was my goal, but it may or may not happen. Good news is I am posting an update on day one. So here goes.
After an extremely long drive to Miami yesterday we arrived late Saturday night (well....really early Sunday morning). We had a great flight into Port-au-Prince and arrived at 12:05pm. Dawn made a great new friend on the trip down. Laurent is a Haitian pilot/civil engineering and is now Dawn's new friend. You know her, she doesn't meet a stranger, and she had a great trip down sitting by Laurent.
After about a 20 minute drive, we made it to the Missions Guest House where we are staying. And let me just say, as someone who has never been to a third world country, the poverty we saw in just that 20 minutes was astounding. Tent cities, people digging through garbage, goats on the street, children washing themselves by the side of the road. That and much more in just 20 minutes. God's children, God's creation suffering in this beautiful country of Haiti. With all that said, it is clear why God is calling so many of his followers to come to this land and to share the love of Christ. If anything can heal this land it is Christ - and we have already met and seen so many faithful Christ followers in this land.
We just wrapped up a debriefing as we prepare for tomorrow. Teams are preparing their supplies for the orphanage and we hope to get some rest. Some have rested well, others, including me, are working on 4 hours of sleep over the last few days. Hoping I can sleep tonight for the first time in days. Praying that our team is strong tomorrow and focused on sharing God's love and bold enough to declare the Gospel. Continue praying for this awesome team and this awesome country.
After an extremely long drive to Miami yesterday we arrived late Saturday night (well....really early Sunday morning). We had a great flight into Port-au-Prince and arrived at 12:05pm. Dawn made a great new friend on the trip down. Laurent is a Haitian pilot/civil engineering and is now Dawn's new friend. You know her, she doesn't meet a stranger, and she had a great trip down sitting by Laurent.
After about a 20 minute drive, we made it to the Missions Guest House where we are staying. And let me just say, as someone who has never been to a third world country, the poverty we saw in just that 20 minutes was astounding. Tent cities, people digging through garbage, goats on the street, children washing themselves by the side of the road. That and much more in just 20 minutes. God's children, God's creation suffering in this beautiful country of Haiti. With all that said, it is clear why God is calling so many of his followers to come to this land and to share the love of Christ. If anything can heal this land it is Christ - and we have already met and seen so many faithful Christ followers in this land.
We just wrapped up a debriefing as we prepare for tomorrow. Teams are preparing their supplies for the orphanage and we hope to get some rest. Some have rested well, others, including me, are working on 4 hours of sleep over the last few days. Hoping I can sleep tonight for the first time in days. Praying that our team is strong tomorrow and focused on sharing God's love and bold enough to declare the Gospel. Continue praying for this awesome team and this awesome country.
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Thankful
Contrary to today's title, this is not a typical Thanksgiving post where I say write down all that you are thankful for (although I would encourage you to do that). Instead this is just a reminder to be thankful for some people we often forget about.
In 2 Corinthians 11 Paul boasts about his sufferings.
24 Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. 25 Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, 26 I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers. 27 I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. 28 Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches. 29 Who is weak, and I do not feel weak? Who is led into sin, and I do not inwardly burn?
30 If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness.
Paul encountered and endured unimaginable persecution for his beliefs and the message he preached. Today I am thankful for men and women like Paul who have courageously and boldly proclaimed the Gospel in dangerous places. People like Paul paved the way for the Church and helped get the Gospel around the globe. As I sit in my comfortable office typing this, I am reminded that there continues to be men and women in dangerous spots around the globe today, risking their lives for the Gospel of Christ.
Join with me today and Thank God for the boldness of our brothers and sisters who unashamedly proclaim the Gospel, at the risk of danger, persecution, violence, and even death. Thank God today for the generations of men and women who have boldly spread the Gospel.
Paul encountered and endured unimaginable persecution for his beliefs and the message he preached. Today I am thankful for men and women like Paul who have courageously and boldly proclaimed the Gospel in dangerous places. People like Paul paved the way for the Church and helped get the Gospel around the globe. As I sit in my comfortable office typing this, I am reminded that there continues to be men and women in dangerous spots around the globe today, risking their lives for the Gospel of Christ.
Join with me today and Thank God for the boldness of our brothers and sisters who unashamedly proclaim the Gospel, at the risk of danger, persecution, violence, and even death. Thank God today for the generations of men and women who have boldly spread the Gospel.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)