Butler PA. Team with some of HOB children[/caption]
“He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living waters.” John 7: 38
On the surface, the contrast between the United States and Haiti seems rather apparent to us. But during our mission, the little country of Haiti exposed to “the eyes of our hearts” its own contrasts in life as the people steadily walk their journey.
There is a poverty of material goods, but a great wealth of spirit and family bonds. The land is incredibly beautiful with hillsides climbing steeply toward the sky, while there is much devastation and destruction caused by the earthquake. Education is limited, but wisdom of life permeates as we observe people speak and act. There is simplicity in living style, yet a complexity of inner spirit draws significance to life. Churches are small with humble furnishings, but the walls cannot contain the ascending voices of worship. Lastly, House of Blessings is an orphanage, but it is a family home for all the ones who grow there sharing Christian values. During our week we saw and experienced these contrasts while working, praying, and playing as we formed relationships with the children and young adults at House of Blessings and with others in the village of Callebasse. We were welcomed and embraced warmly and respectfully in all situations.
House of Blessings is truly a fitting name for each one on our team was showered with blessings while there. In the daytime whether we were painting, helping with block at the widow’s house, using skills for the new construction, doing outside gardening and rock work, cooking, or traveling to do science activities with the children in the village of Prospere where John and Jodie Ackerman have their medical clinic, it was with the demeanor of a servant – serving God in serving His children in Haiti.
On one of the days a fine young man, who grew up in House of Blessings and is now the regional contact person for Children of Promise, took us to the homes of the two children in Callebasse sponsored by North Main Street Church of God members. As we were sweetly greeted by the child and the extended family the feelings and emotions felt were ineffable. The Providence of God amazes our human minds and His Goodness is far beyond our understanding!
Each evening after having a delicious meal prepared Haitian style, everyone in House of Blessings and all on the Mission Team gathered in a large circle for devotions. It began with song. The music sung by the Haitian children and young people came from their souls and the depth of their love for God abounded. As we joined in the music we entered the feeling of the presence of God in our midst. Our team had opportunity to lead a scripture based discussion. Then Richard, endearingly called “big boss,” would ask us to share any encounters we had with Jesus during our day. God gives us each day that we may have encounters with Jesus, that we may walk with Jesus and so we reflected upon this grace. As music began the devotions, so music ended our time, followed with a blessing fervently prayed for us by our Haitian friends. On a few gatherings during the week our hearts were stopped and breath taken away as a little 6 year old girl spontaneously sang a beautiful, soft melody almost as if God had asked one of his angels to lift up her voice – it was surely a gift from heaven. The evening devotion was a sacred time, an experience of the Kingdom. All contrasts and differences dissolve as we are of one Spirit and one Body.
Our last day came all too quickly and, realizing Mission Haiti had ended, goodbye hugs were held and eyes sadly met. Now our memories and the binding spirit of prayer shall hold us together until we joyfully meet again.
The living waters flowed for all of us on the North Main Mission Haiti Team as relationships in God’s love were sealed among His children from two beautiful lands in His creation. May we always cherish this privileged experience at House of Blessings and may our hearts flow rivers of living waters for the uplifting of others to the glory of God.
With sincere and humble gratitude to the people of North Main Street Church of God for your support and faithful prayers. We trust we represented you as ambassadors of Christ in Haiti.
The Mission Haiti Team
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