Fresh perspective from Haiti

David Stradling      Hillside Church

Being in a third-world country provides a fresh perspective on life.  It gives a completely new view on what really matters and how it is that life is meant to be lived out.   Although I had previously been in Haiti, there was something different for me during this trip.  Maybe it was the fact that I hadn’t witnessed poverty first-hand for a few years, or maybe it was the relationships I formed with people this time around; but no matter what, I walked away from that week a different person.  The biggest takeaways for me that one week in January were:

• I need to be involved in the lives of the poor on a regular basis. Seriously – it had been way too long since I had gotten my hands dirty and stepped into the world of those who have far less than me.  Living in comfort makes me indifferent to the plight of the poor, unappreciative of what I do have, and always wanting more.
• Community trumps programs. We had church in Haiti every night, but it wasn’t the type of church service you would expect.  Sharing dinner with over 40 people a night brought many laughs, great conversations, and a sense of community that I rarely experience.  I believe that’s what the church is meant to look like – not a bunch of programs put together, but the reality of sharing life together. And if you’ve never experienced a birthday celebration in Haiti, you’re totally missing out.
• VISION!  VISION!  VISION! Just about every day, I would stand in the back of our truck for the ride home and talk with some good friends about vision.  The vision for their life, for my life, for our future in Haiti.  AND IT WAS AWESOME! Those are the conversations I need to be having all the time.  It excites, challenges, and encourages me.
• ADOPT. Yes, that’s right adopt.  I fell in love with this little girl at the orphanage, and if it wasn’t for a little thing called a passport, I would have thrown her in my bag and taken her home (I don’t plan on being the next American missionary caught smuggling kids over the border).  I think as Christians, we need to do a better job taking care of the orphans.  Whether it’s physically adopting orphans into your home, or supporting orphanages where children can receive real love and attention, the church needs to STEP IT UP.  One day, I hope to have one or two orphans running around my home with big smiles on their faces, having been given a fresh start on life.  Hey, it’s what Jesus did for us.

Living in Love…in Haiti

Thursday, January 7, 2010    Monica Montesa

“God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world we are like Jesus. There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear…” 1 John 4: 16-18

Now I typically don’t look forward to the rest of a day that begins at 6:45 in the morning, but when there is an incredible country to explore and get to know, it’s easier to get out of bed- or in this case, off the floor and away from the cockroaches. During mission trips, I often find myself praying for God to do “incredible things,” but at home I simply pray for just enough strength to get through the day. God has so much he wants to every day, and it’s important to not only dedicate it to him and ask him to refresh our spirits, but also to reach new expectations. Why limit our selves by praying for the bare minimum when God has so much more in store? For months God has been placing this prayer on my heart, and today He’s showed me a glimpse of what praying beyond the minimum can look like.

This morning our group had the opportunity to help around Tom’s house or return to one of the points of light. After falling in love with the kids at the Good Samaritan Orphanage, half of us decided to go back. As we pulled up in front of the orphanage and unloaded the truck, all of the little children started running out, smiling from ear to ear at the sight of us walking towards them. Among them I saw my little BFF, Jean Anise, laughing and hugging my friends ahead of me. In all honesty, I wasn’t sure if she would have remembered me in particular, but as soon as we saw each other, a huge smile grew across her little face and she ran towards me, jumping right into my arms. In one moment, God broke my heart and made it complete again. It’s incredible how one simple hug can be so powerful- I can’t even explain the surge of emotions that ran through me; my heart just felt so full.

Immediately my eyes welled up with bittersweet tears. There was joy because she was so genuinely happy to see me, a stranger she had only met once before; but also sadness as I thought of having to leave again. But God reminded me He was in the midst of it all, and peace began settling in my heart. As we sat inside the orphanage, the kids welcomed us with a beautiful song, and we began to pray together. Still battling tears, Jean Anise’s smile began to fade as she looked at me. Her eyes reminded me that as sad as the situation was, my group was there to bring happiness and life to these adorable kids. The funny thing is, they probably brought so much more joy and life into my heart than I think I ever gave to them. And I’ll never forget that.

Although we had only spent a few hours in total with these little darlings, the bonds we developed with them were so intense and deeply rooted in God’s love, which made it difficult to say goodbye. The only hope that allowed me to leave is the promise that these children are in God’s hands and will be taken care of. If love is perfected as we live like Jesus, then there’s no reason to fear. Today, we were able to share the love God has given to us. And that love radiated from the eyes and smiles of these beautiful children. Perfection.

Our joy and refueled spirits carried over into the rest of the day as well. After a great lunch at our favorite restaurant, Gwopapa Poul, our group reunited at the church property to paint the front gate and meet with the mens and women’s leadership teams for fellowship.

Within ten minutes of gathering together, the girls were already giggling and acting like 12-year olds (and this was before we played duck duck goose and had a dance-off on the top of the hill). By the time we actually started talking about God and our spiritual lives, it felt as though we’d all known each other for years. We learned that even though we’re from totally different places, our hopes, our struggles- and most importantly, our God- are all the same. Though God has called each one of us to do great things and make the most of every opportunity, we often get caught up in the obstacles that stand in the way. But God desires for us happy and to have fun with life, so it’s important to do exactly that whenever we can. I saw that today, even during the smaller moments when we were making jokes, singing songs down the streets of Haiti, laughing over dinner on the stairs, and celebrating birthdays with as much noise and life as possible. As we made the most of every opportunity, we also made sure to have fun.

Before the day came to an end, a few of us gathered together for an impromptu worship service in the living room. There’s something so pure about worshipping God when it happens spontaneously, rather than at the scheduled 11 am Sunday service. It was clear that everyone’s hearts were overflowing with God’s spirit, and to sing songs out of the basic desire to just praise him and thank Him was so powerful. Our voices may represent two very different languages and cultures, but they blended together into one beautiful sound. It seemed to be the perfect way to end a fulfilling and blessed day: giving back to God the only way we knew how.

2 Corinthians 4: 16- 17

Post Earth quake:

“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all…”

The earthquake has definitely shaken up all of our spirits, especially as the urgency to help our brothers and sisters grows completely overwhelming. Our hearts are heavy, yes, but the question now is what we are going to do about it. We are not to lose heart, but rather focus our attention back on God and our eternal goal. We need to transform our sorrow into determination to seek justice by helping our family in Haiti any way we can. Jesus said that with God, all things are possible. There’s no reason to think that the current situation is too big for us to handle, because we are backed by a God who can move mountains and do incredible things if we let Him.

All eyes are on Haiti now, and even though it’s such a delicate time, prayer is so important to the renewal of the land and its people. Do not lose heart; God is going to do amazing things if we allow Him to use our compassion to restore Haiti

Not just another day at the beach….

Saturday January 9^th, 2010

Adam Caponera – Hillside Church

The one day that was probably most different from any other was Saturday, our 6^th day in Haiti. It was our rest day, our day at the beach.  Saturday was kind of the contrary, or opposite of what the rest of our time in Haiti had looked like.  Clean, comfortable, and relaxing, it was more reminiscent of home than any other part of the week.  After all, Haiti is on half of a Caribbean island.  The bright blue water, warm air and palm trees are familiar imagery to us.  But our purpose in Haiti was different that week and for that reason our beach day had a much different feel.

Spending the previous 5 days caring for and working with the Haitian people brought me closer to the heart of God.  It really did change me and that change carried over to our day off.  My thoughts and conversations that day were fun but still focused largely on the people I had met.  My excitement was not only in being at a nice beach with good friends it was for what God had been doing that week and what lay ahead.  The scenery wasn’t merely an escape from the routine of life it was a celebration of creation in a beautiful country with beautiful people.  And most importantly my life was not just about me it was about what I could do as a servant of Christ.

The pace of the week and full-time ministry didn’t tire me.  I wasn’t burnt out.  I was happy to rest but excited for more.  I was experiencing the Gospel.  Often preached but not as often realized, the only true fulfillment I get comes from living out my faith.   Happiness is found in my relationship with Jesus.  Real excitement and adventure lie in the journey that God has promised to take me on.  It was a good day to sit back in the warm sun and know those things.

Haiti is where the Heart is!

Jan 4-11, 2010 Kim Heinl

Be happy, young man, while you are young, and let your heart give you joy in the days of your youth. Follow the ways of your heart and whatever your eyes see, but know that for all these things God will bring you to judgment. Ecclesiastes 11:9 NIV

Who ever said that Haiti was the devil’s country, has never seen Haiti or met a Haitian. Haiti is one of the most beautiful countries I have ever been to. It is covered with the finger prints of God! It is filled with the beauty of His creation! It is God’s country! I don’t care if the president dedicates it to the devil each year… God is in control. God hears the cries of His children in this country right now, and He knows their pains and their sufferings! God is going to move mountains! God is going to heal and restore this land! God is and will always be the God of Haiti!

⁸ “How can I give you up, Ephraim?

How can I hand you over, Israel?

How can I treat you like Admah?

How can I make you like Zeboiim?

My heart is changed within me;

all my compassion is aroused.

⁹ I will not carry out my fierce anger,
nor will I turn and devastate Ephraim.
For I am God, and not man—
the Holy One among you.
I will not come in wrath.

¹⁰ They will follow the LORD;
he will roar like a lion.
When he roars,
his children will come trembling from the west.

¹¹ They will come trembling
like birds from Egypt,
like doves from Assyria.
I will settle them in their homes,”
declares the LORD.

Hosea 11:8-11

For those of you who don’t know, I returned from Haiti on Monday evening, just 24 hours before the earthquake shook the grounds of Port Au Prince. Port Au Prince is only a few miles from where I was located. From what I have heard from the missionary in Haiti that I was living in, everything is destroyed. My eyes have not been dry in over a day now. I have wept for hours for the pain that Haiti is going through. I just need to remember that GOD IS IN CONTROL. I know that God has plans for Haiti, and has Haiti in His arms, I trust Him. My heart is in Haiti. I have been praying for the past day, and thinking over things, and really feel God calling me to go to Haiti for a couple of months. I am planning on taking a semester off of school, and to get on the first plane that will let me into Haiti. I will need tons of support. Prayer is and will be GREATLY needed, for I know that this will not be an easy step, it will be hard but I am willing.

My heart is broken.

I did keep a journal from my trip this past week, so I will post the first day on here now, and try to write more this week so you all can see what I did in Haiti last week. If you feel called to support me through prayer or financially, please let me know.

On the plane : Day 1 Jan 4th

Everywhere I look there are Haitian faces, the knowledge of what Haiti holds for them, is radiating off their faces, for soon they will be home. Even though many continually tell me how dangerous Haiti is, when I see the Haitians on the plane, I can sense their excitement to be back home, for even though it may be dangerous, it’s their comfort.

The team has yet to be fully together, but soon we will arrive in Haiti and even though we entered this plane as individuals, we will leave as a whole.

I don’t know what to expect when I arrive in Haiti. I don’t know what I am getting myself into… but I’m excited. My ear is currently popping, we must be getting closer to the ground as we prepare to land, I will pray for Gods unity and guiding hand. I wish I could describe the love I see in the face of the elderly people from Haiti. For a brief moment a lady and I smiled at one another, the wrinkles that cover her face are telling me she has stories, she has lived a life that is worth hearing, her smile is warm and filled with love and her eyes, they hold a twinkle in them and radiate her beauty. One brief smile on a plane during a passing by had reminded me why I love missions so much.

We are landing now… a journey lies before me that only God knows. (Jer 29:11) He has gone before this team and prepared the way, lets start this amazing journey now, let’s go into the heart of Haiti.

First night:

We have arrived! We left the airport after waiting sometime for our luggage to arrive. Finally we left and our carriages awaited! A pick up truck!! We stood as we drove through the streets of Haiti. There is no better way to travel! The wind in our hair, the people surrounding us… it was amazing. I loved it!! Haiti is gorgeous, don’t believe the lies people tell you about Haiti, it’s a country full of love and people who have huge hearts! God is here! This is NOT devil country. We fire went to the missionaries church, which is a tent with wood-like benches, while there we learned of the churches growth and how around 600 people come on Sunday. We then went on a hike up a hill and oh what a hike it was! We walked to the top of this hill where we could see the ocean. I stood in awe of Gods creation. Wild horses roamed the hills, goats strolled along freely, God’s finger prints were everywhere. His glory shone forth, it was beautiful. We stopped to take a break and pray. As a group we lifted up the mission we are working with, we lifted up the country of Haiti and the people of Haiti –

I am going to take a break here for a moment and discuss how a week ago I prayed in Haiti over the country! God heard my prayers! God didn’t fall asleep while I was praying, and miss the points of pray for the country and for the people of Haiti! God heard my teams prayers! God heard us lift up Haiti and the people of Haiti! GOD IS IN CONTROL!

(I’ll continue) we prayed for our team and out time here, and then we began our downward climb. The climb down seemed exciting and filled with anticipation, for we knew that God had great things in store for us this week. We reached the tent and were greeted by our missionary host Tom, who we talked to for some time. Tom is an American who lives in Haiti and has for about ten years now. He has taken in a bunch of boys and is raising them to be Christian men of God and to impact Haiti in mighty ways! WE headed back to the trucks and we were off on our crazy adventure to Toms house! We arrived at a house, a beautiful house and we were greeted by smiling kids of all ages!! From a four-year old boy Jony to boys in their twenties! All ages are welcomed at Tom’s house! My first friend, Kelly, she is probably around five and doesn’t speak a word of English really, but when I handed her a bracelet my little cousin had made, she smiled for quite some time looked up at me and said thank you. My heart melted! How adorable! How cute! How beautiful she was! I quickly learned how to say you’re beautiful in Creole, for I know how powerful those words can be to hear, the really do mean a lot! U bel I told her, and she smiled and replied with merci! She sat in my arms for some time, admiring her new gift and enjoying me holding her. My favorite thing about Kelly has to be her laugh! it can brighten ANY room! It made me smile. Her little giggle! She radiates beauty, love and joy! I wonder if she will ever know how precious she is? I know that I will remember her forever, her name, her smile, her giggle. I will be reminded of her throughout my life, just as many other children are and have been. At those moments I will pray that she understands just how precious she is! Dinner was delicious! BBQ chicken, rice and corn… an American specialty. Dishes are always fun with 30 plus people! The dinner tables and stairs were filled with people who were all so in love with God. We started dinner with a praise song and a prayer and we closed with a prayer when we had all finished. I find something so captivating in a way a group will sing without the use of instruments. Something so beautiful in the true heart of worship. We might not be perfect but our best is all God wants, not perfection. Sitting at the table hearing these boys worship God reminded me of what worship is all about. We finished up with doing dishes and then playing more with the kids. We had our nightly meeting which was filled with tons of very important information. We finished, prayed and prepared for the following day! The night ended around 10, when we all fell asleep =].

That is my first day in Haiti.

Please pray for a friend of mine who has lost family during this tragedy. Pray for strength for his family, and for him personally.

My heart is in Haiti