When I returned from my most recent trip to Haiti people would ask: “Has much changed there?”
The sad truth is much hasn’t changed.
Trash still lines the water ways of Port-Au-Prince.
Tent communities are crammed together.
Smoldering trash and exhaust fumes occupy the air space.
Hunger remains in bellies.
It was enough to send one of my participants into cultural shock when we rode the bus through Port-Au-Prince after landing. Tears streaked down her cheeks as she was confronted with the harsh reality of Haiti.
Haiti is a hard place.
But the TRUTH is there IS change.
I saw it first hand.
I met Pastor Wilnord about two years ago when I first went to Haiti. He was actually the very first pastor I worked with. He greeted me with a big white smile and prefect English. We hit it off right away sharing stories about how we have heard God in our lives and the hope we had for Haiti.
I spent the next week leading a team from the states serving Pastor Wilnord. We did VBS with the primary school he ran that met under some relief tarps. We helped to remove rubble from a church members home. And we met for fellowship with his church in a cramped room on the side of his house.
When I returned to Haiti a few weeks ago I made sure to visit Pastor Wilnord. I walked over the dirt and rock roadways of his neighborhood and made my way to his house. I found him talking to a neighbor outside. He greeted me with that big smile and a big hug.
Immediately he wanted to show me something. We walked just down the dirt pathway to the front of his church. But it wasn’t the same small church my team had met in two years ago. It was a beautiful newly constructed concrete and tin church building. Not a small room next to his home anymore.
I found out that another team with Adventures had come to work with him when I left and provided the resources to build the necessary church. I walked in and there was a woman’s choir group practicing.
After telling me the story we went for another short walk. Pastor Wilnord took a lock off a tin door and we entered the school. This was a project that began just when I left at the end of summer 2010. But now the economical building was complete and fully functional for the 100 school children.
Out of all the countries I have done missions in, Haiti has been the only place I have been able to return to.
There was something very special I was given with meeting Pastor Wilnord again.
Fruit.
I got to see, taste and experience first hand the fruit of prayers, resources and relationships that had been planted two years ago.
Haiti may still be in great need, but there is change happening. Pastor Wilnord and his community are changed.
Below is a video Katie Rowland captured of Pastor Wilnord after the earthquake.
