The streets were still dark at 5:45 this Sunday morning as we made our way to the bridge where we were meeting Watson, our translator. An hour late he shows up, apologetic for the delay, and leads us to the market where his wife and 11-month old daughter are waiting for us. The nine of us pile into a van that will take us two hours outside of Carrefour to the village where Watson pastors a church.
Watson and his wife and 11 month daughter
As we are waiting for the van to fill with passengers, I get a frozen Cream Soda off one of the persistent street vendors. I chuckle inside because in my past life I rarely drank soda and certainly never at 7:30 AM, but it had been a month since I’d seen something frozen and I was already sweating from the unrelenting heat.
When the clock hits 8 Watson says we can’t wait any longer because church starts at 9 and we pay the van driver a considerable sum to take us directly to the church without filling his van. Considering Jess, Amber, and I were asked to preach the Sunday message it was necessary for us to at least get there by 10. I clutched the side of the van as we swerved in and out of oncoming traffic at 80 miles an hour. Watson urged the driver to go faster, assuring me, “He’s a good driver.”
Once we were out of the city traffic I was able to relax and enjoy the lush tropical scenery through my window. I asked Watson about how he became a pastor, and the more he shared his story, the more the depth of his character hit me.
Two years ago God called him to pastor this church out in the countryside of Haiti. Every weekend he leaves his wife at home with his baby and makes the 2-3 hour journey by public buses to preach for a congregation that is desperately hungry for God. The church can’t afford to pay him anything, but he faithfully pours his heart into the villagers every weekend.
I didn’t understand…Every so often Americans come to town and hire him $15 a day to translate, but he doesn’t have another consistent job. How does he feed his family?
“It is very difficult at times,” he replies honestly to my question, “but God always provides. When God calls you to something, you must obey no matter how difficult it is.”
Honestly, I can’t wrap my brain how he provides. But regardless, Watson is one of the few Haitians who has never asked us for donations. He even tried to pay the driver the extra sum on our behalf.
What’s even more striking than his generosity is the freedom that he carries. He doesn’t seem to have a care in the world. His joy is infectious. His loud laugh comes easily and often and fills every corner of the room. I suddenly realized I was in the presence of a man of great faith.
We made it to church in less than 2 hours, thanks to the effort of our driver, and I must say I think that my first sermon was a success. My words (thanks to Watson’s translations) were met with obvious enthusiasm and heated“Amens”. I was surprised at how much fun I had standing up in front of a crowd of believers – communicating God’s truth.
Afterwards we were welcomed with the genuine love and hospitality that we hadn’t tasted since the DR. It was evident that this congregation was following the example set for them by their pastor. We spent the afternoon in the town, enjoying coconuts and a Sunday feast with the church members.
On the drive back I reflected on Watson’s dedication. He had to make such an effort just to get out to the village, and once he was there he poured all of himself into the congregation. And he did it all out of faith and love for his God.Once again I felt my skewed views of what a pastor looks like crumbling down.
Please pray for Watson’s church. Pray that God provides the funds so they can buy Creole Bibles. Pray for Watson, that God continues to bless his faith and provide for his family.
