I am writing this morning Dec. 11 from my home in Madisonville, Louisiana. This sentence in itself says more than any person could comprehend because through man’s eyes what happen in order for our team to be home from Haiti is impossible but I am reminded of the Words of Jesus from Matthew 19:26 “ With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” or the words from Dr. Luke in the Gospel of Luke Chapter 1 verse 37 “For nothing will be impossible with God.”
As I write this morning I am overflowing with joy because of the things that Jesus has done this week in my life and the life of our team including moving us out of Haiti. I thank you for covering us in prayer as I have received prayer notes from hundreds of you who took a moment to pray for the work being done in Haiti. I want to give all glory to Jesus Christ because He is the “THE WAY.”
The Lord gave us a clear passage out of Port-au-Prince and across the border. We paid the custom fees which were hiring than normal but while waiting in line and talking with others trying to get out they encountered road blocks in Haiti and had to pay out a lot of money to people on the street that were taking advantage of the unrest by setting up their own patrols and charging folks to pass through the road blocks. We cleared customs and another twelve checkpoints in the DR without any delay. While several hours away from Santo Domingo DR I called American Airlines to see if we could go straight to the airport and take the last flight out to Miami for the day. The agent was very kind but said it is sold out but you can go on to the airport and try because “perhaps” some cancellations may occur. I shared this with our team and driver and we all agreed to go for it. We arrived at the airport at approximately 3:15 p.m. and the line to get to the counter was about 100 deep. While in the line I was asked by our Driver to go with him to a desk while our team remained in line. I can tell you within five minutes through man’s eyes it all looked to be impossible but through Jesus we had our boarding passes, checked our bags, cleared customs and now standing at gate B 2 for a departure to Miami. We arrived on an American Airlines flight back to New Orleans at 11:29 p.m. on Friday night Dec. 10. Praise the Lord!
On the flight home I had the opportunity to visit with those around me who also made it out of Haiti after having their flights cancelled for several days. I am grateful for the Christian Ministries taking place and pray that through these efforts a greater effort of coordination and partnership will occur among the ministries in order for the Christian Community to be the best with the resources God is providing all of us work in Haiti.
I have been asked would I go back to Haiti. The answer is yes! I have been asked doesn’t the unrest scare you. I said no because we have the protection of Jesus Christ and He is at work in Haiti. I was asked doesn’t the behavior along with the destruction by the Haitian people make you feel like you are wasting your time. I say no because I have seen people in Haiti changed by Jesus using laborers to bring forth a harvest. Yes, I am grateful that God has chosen to use His people from around the world to bring forth a movement of God and to see daily people turning to Jesus. I am reminded here of the truth of God’s Word from Daniel12:10 “ Many will be purified, cleansed, and refined, but the wicked will act wickedly: none of the wicked will understand, but the wise will understand.”
Well, I am home now and asking the Lord to use me up today for His glory. As I go out about the day I am asking Him to put people in my life to tell the story of Jesus, to preach wherever the opportunity is available and to disciple those who are willing to submit themselves to the teaching and discipline of God’s Word.
In closing I thank you again for praying for me and for our team. We have been blessed by an incredible week of seeing God at work. He has ordered our every step and I thank God for a team that was willing to submit to Him.
The take away from the week: 1. I was reminded of my Doctoral work which was done in the area of prayer, discipleship and evangelism and God showed me that work is valid and He will use it to help others. 2. To continue to pray for the ongoing work of Haiti and to remember that as Sheppard’s of flocks that even one is worth the cost. 3. To ask people to pray about specific matters and to have the faith to act upon that petition is living out my faith in Jesus.
Finally I encourage you to take a moment and read Psalm 40 & 41 and may the Holy Spirit speak to you as He has me through these two chapters of Scripture. When time permits I will send you an email from (yousendit) or from Facebook that I have uploaded some photos from the week. You can also continue to see reports that will be aired all of next week from WDSU TC Channel 6 or WDSU.Com in New Orleans about the work and opportunities in Haiti.
Once again I count it a joy to call you my friend and to pray for you as God brings you to my mind. I ask that you also pray for me and for the work that God has for me to do.
With a Grateful Heart,
Jay
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