Wind blew in my face as we made our way through Port Au Prince towards Mission of Hope. The occasional burning trash pile lit up the night and sent the smell of smoke wafting through the bus. Vendors lined the street, each one trying to sell the goods filling his wheelbarrow. The constant blaring of horns interrupted the lively music which seemed to set the bustling pace of each passerby. Students walked along the street, making their way home after a long day of school. But for what?
Why do the students make their way to school everyday? To grow up, have a family, and survive on what little money they can make working in Haiti. Why do the vendors sell their goods? To make a bit of money, feed their children, and maintain what little they actually have. All of it seemed so hopeless to me.
As this scene was unfolding in front of me, my thoughts began to dampen my mood until God brought something to mind: Is there more hope for a man living “the American dream” than those living in poverty? This man could work hard to make money and enjoy the “happiness” which earthly possessions may bring, but to what end? One day he will grow old and die and his possessions and any happiness he experienced will be useless.
There is only one hope, Jesus Christ. Without Him life is hopeless, regardless of how rich one is. With Him life is filled with hope even if you don’t have much. I have already seen this demonstrated in the communities I have visited in Haiti. So many of the Christian families have so little, yet they exude joy and excitement that has poured over into my life. Like these families, I encourage you to put your hope in the Lord today, because hoping in anything else is going to leave you wanting more.
Israel, put your hope in the Lord, for with the Lord is unfailing love and with him is full redemption. –Psalm 130:7
