Are work here is complete. We moved piles of dirt and sifted piles of sand and the project moved forward. The prostate crowed, the mosquitos bit and the noise of the tap taps and diesel trucks never fade. I feel drawn into a place of new understanding, only to realize that there is so much that I will never understand or know.
The last night of the revival was amazing. Asked to preach, I was able to share a message of hope from Colossians. Translated sermons are the best. Although it takes a while to get the timing down, the rhythm and intentionality in every word is like a sifting. Those cultural inclinations that we mistakenly think are part of our lives melt away and only that which is really of God remains. The hope in the people of Carrefour, Haiti can change the world. If people will but realize the immediate and real power that the Holy Spirit can provide in their life through the revelation of who Jesus Christ is and what God has done for them. When our worlds are devastated and shaken and flipped upside down, we must cleave to our hope in Jesus Christ.
Haiti had a proud origin, but has been in a long decline. The project in Haiti must include a recapturing of that Lowry sense of Haitian pride. Today, Haitians leave for New York, Miami, even the Dominican Republic looking for work. Carrefour is in the worst part, even by Haitian standards. Here in the midst of such desolate and devastating poverty, a flower must bloom. The Methodist church in Carrefour has the potential to fulfill the vision of their revival they can be a church filled with the love of God for a hurting and broken world.
I knew that I would be changed by my experience here. I knew that God would amaze me through the experience. I've learned to submit my will to God's and be open to what may happen. But, during my prayer last night, I had a clear calling to a Doctorate in Ministry in Missiology, specifically a study of how cooperative missions with indigenous Methodist churches can lead to regional transformation. The experience has moved me so profoundly that it will become a part of my life's work.
I thank God and praise his eternal name for allowing me to be transformed by the hope I've found in the people of Haiti.
After the halfway point on my walk this morning, heading back towards home, I saw something you don’t see every day. It was a mockingbird chasing a hawk. The hawk was probably five times the size of the mockingbird. But the chase was all in the attitude. The mockingbird was squawking and chirping in a language that would make a sailor blush. The hawk wanted no part of it and was trying the flee but could not get away from the mockingbird. What had the hawk done? What had agitated the mockingbird so much? Had it been a transgression? Was the hawk just too close for comfort? Or did the two have a history. I was walking a bit later than normal and had not yet seen this routine. The unusual scene distracted and entertained me as I reflected on a myriad of permutations. As I’ve felt like the one receiving the squawk most of my life as a leader, I was surprised at how proud I was of the little mockingbird. Maybe ...
Have read through the rest of your posts from the week (assuming you just got back to internet service). Looking forward to hearing details in person. God certainly always does more than we can hope for or imagine! In us and through us.
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