On the tour we took of Port-Au-Prince, we went by the ruins of what had been the largest church in the city.
That’s the back half of the church. The front half is pretty much gone. There’s not a ton of it left. A large cross in the courtyard was left standing, and there was a tent of people standing outside, having what sounded like a worship service. We could hear singing, and one of the people we were with told us that they were fasting. One of the women told us “Bounjour! I am so happy you are here!” At first, my heart was so lifted to see that. After all this devastation, they are still leaving their homes to come out in the heat to worship God.
I thought, “Wow, I hope I could be that faithful and hopeful in the face of disaster.”
But then our translator told us “They are praying to the cross.” We asked for him to clarify, just because when English is not your first language, it’s easy to make mistakes like mixing up “to” and “at.” “They are praying at the cross? It’s good that they still use this as a church then.” But he said no, they are praying TO the cross. They believe that the cross itself has power to save them from this situation.
That cross is made of stone. Rock. By human hands. God could choose to think that cross out of existence. That cross is cold, unfeeling…a rock. Literally. It was the saddest thing I have seen so far, to see these people missing out on God’s living waters that satisfy every need. To see that they have replaced that love with a rock that they believe can heal them.
This world needs a word from God. A word from the living God, who does not need crosses, or churches, or pulpits to show his love. To pour out his healing. To fill His children with His joy. We only need to obey His calling. To talk to that homeless man, find out his story. Love him. People need our love, God’s love, God’s truth, so much more than anything else we could possibly offer them.
So take this as a challenge. The next time you see someone hurting – at work, at church, at McDonalds, even on facebook – show them love. Give them a hug, write them an encouraging letter, ask them how you can help. Be Christ to those around you. If you do that, we can change the world.
