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.
We are rapidly approaching one of the great times in the life of United Methodists, Annual Conference. Annual Conference has a warm collegial spirit. The Annual Conference focuses on celebrating the ministries of local churches and exploring ways that the Conference gathers together to do more than we would alone. There are reports, elections, setting the budgets, etc.... but one of the most uplifting events is the services of Ordination and Commissioning where Deacons and Elders give their life to serve Jesus Christ. These services inspire the whole church while specifically setting aside some in our number for leadership in the tasks of Word, Order, Sacrament, and Service. Before the celebration, our bishop will examine the candidates for ordination in front of the entire Annual Conference. This examination is often the completion of a long process over many years which have prepared the candidates for this point. Having just been there last y...
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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