Our Haiti pilgrimage has reached the half waypoint and we have been immersed in a portion of the community who long to know and share the love of Christ. Our own group has transitioned from tourists looking, to a family wanting to serve beside and learn with those who we have been blessed to meet. For some our journey has been different than what had been expected, and others would rather dispose of the return flight ticket. Regardless of which end of the spectrum we find ourselves, we are all incredibly aware of the movement of God in this space.
Story after story reveals Christ’s presence in this space and the deep need to share the love of Christ with others. Our Haitian brothers and sisters have shown the passion of a relationship with Christ throughout our days. This passion is manifested in traditional ways, including beautiful singing praises, offering prayers, and moving lectures. However, the passion of this culture is seen in the daily activities as well. We have witnessed physical transitions to the Methodist Campus as we have journeyed back and forth to our lectures every day. Watching each heavy piece of rock be moved from one location to another, or a lengthy ditch dug around many points on the property, by Haitians with smiles on their faces, offering a kind “bonjour” reminds me of the spirit of Christ within each of us. The determination and focus seen in those participating in the seminar, to the wonderful women laboring in a very hot kitchen preparing our delicious meals, to the men working around the property, the love of God pours from each task.
As the seminar continues, the lectures have maintained a balance of encouragement, conviction, and practical theology. The results of this family of presentations has allowed for wonderful questions and discussions to take place throughout the week. Questions such as how do I share the love of Christ with…. to I care deeply for those wrecked by voodoo, where can I meet them with the love of Christ so that it will be received? The continued longing to share love undergirds all that Haitians do and say. The chorus that continues, and the focus we all must maintain, is centralizing the love of Christ in our own lives and sharing this love with all who Christ has allowed to cross our paths.
Merciful Lord, may we be aware of those who You love. Open our eyes that we may see the world, which You would have. Let us be bold in proclaiming Your love and sharing the Good News of Your story. Amen.
Blessings, Emily
Story after story reveals Christ’s presence in this space and the deep need to share the love of Christ with others. Our Haitian brothers and sisters have shown the passion of a relationship with Christ throughout our days. This passion is manifested in traditional ways, including beautiful singing praises, offering prayers, and moving lectures. However, the passion of this culture is seen in the daily activities as well. We have witnessed physical transitions to the Methodist Campus as we have journeyed back and forth to our lectures every day. Watching each heavy piece of rock be moved from one location to another, or a lengthy ditch dug around many points on the property, by Haitians with smiles on their faces, offering a kind “bonjour” reminds me of the spirit of Christ within each of us. The determination and focus seen in those participating in the seminar, to the wonderful women laboring in a very hot kitchen preparing our delicious meals, to the men working around the property, the love of God pours from each task.
As the seminar continues, the lectures have maintained a balance of encouragement, conviction, and practical theology. The results of this family of presentations has allowed for wonderful questions and discussions to take place throughout the week. Questions such as how do I share the love of Christ with…. to I care deeply for those wrecked by voodoo, where can I meet them with the love of Christ so that it will be received? The continued longing to share love undergirds all that Haitians do and say. The chorus that continues, and the focus we all must maintain, is centralizing the love of Christ in our own lives and sharing this love with all who Christ has allowed to cross our paths.
Merciful Lord, may we be aware of those who You love. Open our eyes that we may see the world, which You would have. Let us be bold in proclaiming Your love and sharing the Good News of Your story. Amen.
Blessings, Emily