This week I’m just typing a couple casual blurbs of updates!!
What we’ve been up to:
We’ve continued to visit and eat meals with the granmouns- these ladies are so filled with joy, it just overflows<3
Joined a Haitian Choir; joining voices to sing to the same God is beyond words kind of glorious. We sing “Hallelujah! Hallelujah! For the Lord God Almighty reigns, for the Lord God Almighty reigns. Holy, Holy- are You Lord God Almighty. Worthy is the Lamb, worthy is the Lamb. Amen.” Then Creol, “Aleloujah! Aleloujah! Bonje tou puesa renge, bonjeh tou puesa renge. Ala ou se, ou se- ou se bonje tou puesa. Ou meletay loanj, ou meletay loanj. Amen.” At practice I could hardly sing because I was smiling so big. God really is reigning and He is SO mighty and worthy and all I can do is sing hallelujah. We worship a limitless God, how exhilarating! All languages, He hears them all.
Been helping out at Anne’s Children’s Home. That looks like bible stories turned into skits and crafts galore and the happiest dance parties. Anne is a woman that has been in Haiti for the past 20 years. She’s from Michigan, but lives here in Haiti 6 months out of every year. She has brought in and taken care of children that were hurt or abandoned after the hurricanes that have hit Haiti in the last two decades. Her dedication to these children is beyond words- she was made for this. She is unlike anyone I’ve ever crossed paths with- not ashamed to loudly proclaim truth. She explained the stories behind each of her children without withholding the truth- regardless of how brutal they were. I see Jesus in that. Yes, the world is evil. Yes, the world denies love and care to others for complex and nasty reasons. BUT- I have come to love you because Christ first loved me and I believe you’re worth a family because I’ve been adopted into Christ’s family. You have a place at my table because we’ve been given an eternal seat in the dining room of Heaven. She is unashamed of the nasty truth because it multiplies the power of the gospel times a thousand. What a woman. Mother to many, lover of God. Lightning and thunder. I could go on and on and on.
Several times now, we’ve gotten to walk from the city to the beginnings of the mountain community to share the gospel and pray- so cool, some are Christians that are eager for encouragement, others have never heard of God in their life. Wild interactions. These experiences have been illuminating the truth in how universally needed God is.
Been given the priveledge to lead bible studies every Thursday and Friday night for kids around the community. Bible Club has been happening every Thursday and Friday without fail for the past four years. A man named Alex runs them and is passionate about seeing the country he loves see a new future, through prayer he believes that God wants him to devote himself to the youth of Haiti. The youth of today are the leaders and authority of tomorrow. He has big dreams, wanting nothing more than to give his kids encouragement- to empower them and raise them well- to show them what a man of the Lord looks like.
Alex: lives and breathes “I am not ashamed of the gospel.” Never seen any Christian like him. Wants to see a healthy change in the Haitian church- to encourage “come as you are,” to stop preaching about love if it’s not lived out, to stop denying people a place in church just because of their clothes.
He’s got beautiful dreams; reminds me of Paul (I don’t say that lightly).
We also lead VBS sort of mornings in the school courtyard around the corner. I’ve loved it- the kids love it– God’s gotta love it! So much love.
The ocean. A sanctuary of sorts. Glimpse of Heaven- the children here are free and alive- naked, swimming and diving and holding on tight to anyone that’ll take notice to them. I see God in many, many things, but I’ve definitely been seeing God in the simplicity of playtime in the crystal hues of blue on that stony shore.
Went to a Haitian history museum. Learned so much, feeling deeper for this country now that I have more understanding of this country. A wildly resilient people. Oppression was gripping their throats, yet they continued on! Freedom is theirs! Praying over these people and their leaders in the here and now.
ALL IN ALL: working with and for highly passionate and impactful people, loving every minute of it-prayers being answered, lives being changes!
ALSO: Our translators are incredible!!! Shoutout to Shama, Ben, Alex, and Diana for making it possible to share the gospel! Eternally grateful.
