The gathering for pastors and leaders here in Haiti began yesterday. Pastor James Spruill said it was the most people he's ever seen on the first day. The church was full. Between 200-250 coming from miles around to be encouraged in God's calling upon their lives.
After Pastor James set the tone of the gathering by speaking on "Christmas Being God's Mission to Rescue Us", my long-time friend, Pastor Jeff Griffith, challenged all who have been rescued to now become rescuers of others. Also, Pastor Ron Skeeters from Tennessee came to give new Bibles to each pastor in attendance. They came up one-by-one and received their gift. What joy was evident on their faces.
We then toured the local school here in Kenscoff and spent much of the afternoon one-on-one with the children. I gave lifesaver candy to most every kid that came my way. It warmed my heart thinking that the theme of the day had been rescue and lifesaver candy is what I sensed I should pack to bring to Haiti.
The highlight of my day happened as we were sitting alongside the entrance and exit of the property smiling at the children as they were leaving school for long walks home. I saw one little boy coming with what appeared to be extreme cerebral palsy of the legs. Our eyes met. He walked right to me and leaned his back on my chest for about ten minutes. I suppose he was giving his little bent legs time to rest and my open arms looked like a good place to let it happen. I do know my own soul found rest in his resting moments as well. I loaded his little lunchbox with lifesaver candy, prayed blessings over him, had someone take a photo of me and him, and then he was on his way again.
I hope to get a translator today so I can learn his name and maybe his story. God has a plan for this precious Haitian boy. His legs may be crippled but I just know deep in my soul that His life will bring celebration in Heaven as he touches eternal souls on planet earth.
Pastor James told me to be ready to speak today. I covet your prayers. I pray the Haitian people will be able align my life and my words with RomansTenFifteen. I want to encourage them in the Name of Jesus. Yes, I want to deliver Good News here in Haiti in the Name of The Bethlehem Boy.
Grateful
Showing posts with label Kenscoff. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kenscoff. Show all posts
Thursday, December 13, 2012
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
My First Morning in Haiti
It's my first morning in Haiti.
Yes, yesterday afternoon I arrived for the first time in Port Au Prince, Haiti. Poverty is immediately evident, but the beauty of the land and the people is immediately evident as well. The ride up along the mountain road to Kenscoff was sun-kissed. Poinsettias grow wild along the roadside -- God-planted Christmas decor.
Last evening after our arrival, the pastor's family we are staying with prepared a welcome-to-Haiti supper fit for royalty. The main dish was Red Snapper, yes, baked fish. (My fisherman dad would have loved it especially.) Then there was fresh salad with avacado, potatoes, egg plant and of course the staple food here in Haiti, rice and beans. Finally, yesterday was also the pastor's brother's forty-fifth birthday, so we finished our meal with birthday cake.
The Haitians are early to bed and early to rise. Through the Haitian night, the sounds in the mountains are many -- motorcycles winding, roosters crowing sporadically, and then there are the dogs. The best way to define their hollering sounds is to say, "The dogs must be the Haitian form of fireworks without the fire!" It truly sounded like a fireworks show most of the night. Still somehow, the noises all came together in a sweet chorus that ushered in hallowed rest.
The beauty, the sounds, and especially the Haitian people are all uniquely awesome to me.
Prayers are so appreciated as we anticipate the pastors' conference. Hundreds of pastors are preparing to join us here in the mountains. Please pray that in these mountains created by our Lord, whatever is needed will be provided.
Grateful
Yes, yesterday afternoon I arrived for the first time in Port Au Prince, Haiti. Poverty is immediately evident, but the beauty of the land and the people is immediately evident as well. The ride up along the mountain road to Kenscoff was sun-kissed. Poinsettias grow wild along the roadside -- God-planted Christmas decor.
Last evening after our arrival, the pastor's family we are staying with prepared a welcome-to-Haiti supper fit for royalty. The main dish was Red Snapper, yes, baked fish. (My fisherman dad would have loved it especially.) Then there was fresh salad with avacado, potatoes, egg plant and of course the staple food here in Haiti, rice and beans. Finally, yesterday was also the pastor's brother's forty-fifth birthday, so we finished our meal with birthday cake.
The Haitians are early to bed and early to rise. Through the Haitian night, the sounds in the mountains are many -- motorcycles winding, roosters crowing sporadically, and then there are the dogs. The best way to define their hollering sounds is to say, "The dogs must be the Haitian form of fireworks without the fire!" It truly sounded like a fireworks show most of the night. Still somehow, the noises all came together in a sweet chorus that ushered in hallowed rest.
The beauty, the sounds, and especially the Haitian people are all uniquely awesome to me.
Prayers are so appreciated as we anticipate the pastors' conference. Hundreds of pastors are preparing to join us here in the mountains. Please pray that in these mountains created by our Lord, whatever is needed will be provided.
Grateful
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