Something happens deep in my heart preparing for the trips to Haiti. I am ever thankful for each return yet there are still pangs from realizing that I return, not going to Pastor Bill and Cheryl, but now to the resolve of Haitians to keep the work going… They are determined, built up and beautiful for such a time as this. I have been given reports of the giants, the wide chasms of misunderstanding, the Goliaths who tower over every attempt at transformation, even the certainty of the ground opening up and taking some more in… But if we, as a Church, are the Joshua of the Old Testament, then we have a Caleb in the person of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit assures us that no weapon formed against us shall prosper and the work and calling to which we go will definitely produce all that the Lord has decreed (Ish. 54:10-17; 55:11)
I head back to quiet confidences that all will go well for the Bible College this semester. I am slowly acquainting myself with a new phone which takes excellent photographs (sure hope I don’t lose it). Amid the familiar that dulls, I will need reminders of faces, places, people and situations that were touched by God Himself. I envision taking the motorcycle taxi to the high school principal and administrative offices to establish what the new semester demands of each student we support. I am rehearsing ways of saying “no,” without losing a soul or two, to those seeking things that are not part of the plan, budget or mission. I mentally make a transition to the reality of not having electricity and sending one of the young men to buy gas for the generator. Taking deep breaths before showers; they are five-gallon buckets of water drawn from the cistern, cold! Most of us in St. Marc have been primed for the ALS iced-water challenge. I go over already saying to myself, “Julian expect technological mess-ups and have grace reserved for them.” I will need to set the alarm clock before that weary hour (6:00 or 6:30 a.m.) comes when we must answer to the fervent raps on the metal gate by someone with an untimely situation.
With the Word of God we are agreeing that the best place for Haitians are not outside Haiti. Haiti needs Haitians to gather and speak of the wonders of God, who is not absent, aloof and unconcerned. By God’s grace we are impressing on hearts that the will of God is not on a main street or in the business district somewhere in a western country but rather to the unchartered provinces, to mountain villages and to prominent squatter communities. There they will find unsaved souls, desolate and parched hearts, places waiting to bloom because of the Seed of the Word of God and the watering of God’s righteousness --- The Glorious Gospel.
The group which accompanied Pastor Scibelli in May is planning a return November 2014. The buzz of excitement will be fuel for all the details needing to be covered. All the above mentioned need prayer. I however start on this path by giving thanks to God for each one who has committed this imperative (to pray). To each one who has by their finances, monthly supported the several ministries going on throughout this area of Haiti, Thanks! To each one who will come, has come and will come again; have also prayed and committed to the work financially, Thanks! To all, may God enlarge your containers as you go and draw from the reservoirs of His abundance…
For Continued Prayer and Commitment:
*A clear vision for each new student
*An anointing for safety and renewal for returning students
*Definition for expanding the work, Bible College and 2015 Graduation
*Monthly financial support for the Sept-Dec. & Feb.-May traveling/Bible College expenses
*Bi-annual rental of school/church/Bible College/resident-missions building
*Excellent health for those traveling, supporting spouses/families
*Team members and short-term mission teams for Puerto Rico, Haiti & the Dominican Republic…
*The Caribbean – True establishment of a broad, multi-person/team, Regional base…
No comments:
Post a Comment