Monday, we went out radio evangelizing. Once again, it was amazing, but this time, people were definitely not as receptive. The team I was with got to about ten houses. We knew going into the area we were evangelizing had no church influence, only the influence of the witchdoctor in the area. So, we knew it would be tough. The cool part though was that we were able to give out radios and the Haitians would let us talk to them about Jesus. Most of them said that it is not time yet for them to accept Christ and no matter how much we talked to them, they wouldn’t budge, but they took a radio (which only plays Christian music and sermons) and for that, we were very thankful to God. Most of the time we were evangelizing, a guy and I didn’t do much talking on Monday, we stood back and prayed at each house that the hearts of Haitians would be opened to what God was saying in their lives. Only three people accepted Christ, but all of them that we spoke to listened to us and really thought about it. We can’t expect every person to accept Christ right away. We “planted seeds” in their hearts.
One gentleman from the Columbus team said it this way, “On Friday, we got to reap the harvest that other people planted with evangelism. [Monday] we were the ones doing the planting that someone else will be able to reap the harvest.” That was well put. I don’t think I need to expand much on that.
Funny story: One team was evangelizing at this house and they said while they were there, one of the guys noticed a bunch of marijuana plants. They evangelized to the owner of the house who decided to accept Christ. As they were praying with the guy, they said there was a cloud of smoke from the guy who was accepting Christ as he smoked the marijuana. Haha! Guess there’s no right way to accept Jesus as long as they do. They were joking that they should start a “smoke for Jesus” organization. One of the guys joked saying they came away talking like Hippies after all the secondhand smoke they inhaled. I thought it was funny. Maybe it’s a you-had-to-be-there kind of moment though lol.
Tuesday, we cleaned a house out for a family that will be living here full time in the fall. It was gross! We mopped and after only one time of putting the mop of the floor and then dipping it back in the water, the water was black. Literally. It was disgusting, but we had a blast cleaning so I didn’t mind at all. We also, on Tuesday, went to a school that is being built in Plaine Du Nord. The kids came out ad swarmed us when we got to the school. I got a lot of pictures. They were so cute!
Wednesday, I went to the beach all day. Tough life, I know. We had a prayer meeting at four that afternoon so we had to back a little early, but we didn’t mind. There were a lot of praises and prayer. It is so cool to hear how God works in a person’s life from day to day. I could listen to those stories 24/7. Courtney, a girl visiting from Oregon (my age), said she sees more of God working here. It’s more evident and plainly seen as God working than in the States where we are so clouded by our technology and the busyness of our lives. God works just as much in the States as He does here, there just isn’t as much to cloud it here which I love because you can literally see a miracle happen every day. God is so active everywhere, just open your eyes to the view and beauty of it.
Thursday, we sorted some stuff for Jane right after breakfast then we headed to see Carla’s StarFish Kid. The kids were adorable and they loved getting their picture taken so of course I took way too many. We had to pick up our translator on the way to seeing the StarFish kid and his whole family came out to see us. The family was beautiful! And the love they showed towards each other, you could almost touch it in the air. That sounds cheesy but I’m not kidding. The way the translator (the father) introduced his family, you could see it in his eyes the love and adoration he had for his family. Maybe someday, I’ll have a family like that (What I mean is a husband and kids like that. My family I have now is already amazing). But, you know, that’s how God looks at us. He loves and adores each and every one of us. That’s astounding and awe-striking.
Today, we went mountain climbing this morning and went to tour a bunch of different places. I got to see a bakery at work, a casaba bread company at work, and I got to see pottery being made. It was so neat! Carla, the mom visiting from Oregon, said that she “loved watching the pottery being made because it brought a whole new light to the potter and the clay story in the bible.” In the bible, it tells us that we are the clay and Jesus is the potter. If we don’t allow God to put water into our lives and mold us into who we are to become, we won’t be made into the person He wants us to be. We won’t have the best he has in place for us. Just a thought. It was a great experience though.
The Columbus team left on Wednesday. I was sad to see them go, but they had a great time I think and they were ready to get back to their families. I thanked the team for their openness to let the Lord show them what He wanted to and teach them the things that this trip was meant to teach them. I was happy and proud of them for being so willing to do whatever was needed of them and I literally heard no one complain on that team. They were excellent and each and every one of them let God work through them. I was so happy I could witness God’s work being done in and through the people on that team. Bitter sweet to let them leave, but I’m sure this trip will be in their memories forever.
I think I’m falling more and more in love with God and what He is showing me through being here. I don’t think I’ll want to leave. Nineteen days left. I can’t believe it. It’s gone by so fast. And God has shown me so much. I rely on my family and friends at home so much, but God has shown me that maybe I rely on them too much and not Him enough. I am growing in the Lord and I know now that I love Him deeply and I would never want to go a day without being led by Him. (I’m not trying to brag or be showy, I just wanted to let you know what the Lord is doing in my life in Haiti. Each one of us should love the Lord like this and I know many, many of you do and for that, I am thankful.)
A team comes in on Sunday. I am so excited. This team is actually all high schoolers and college students. I’m sure of it this time lol. We will be doing VBS and radio evangelism again. Please pray for them and all of us as we go out and let the Lord work. Thank you for your support and prayers! Miss you all!