The Church

“Let me say clearly that I am not against new or modern [church] buildings. I am not so idealistic to think that every church should meet in houses or old supermarkets. But we have to ask ourselves: Are we investing the majority of our time and energy in the brick and mortar of our buildings while neglecting the biblical command to be the hands and feet of Jesus?”

--Johnny Carr in “Orphan Justice”

Faces of Haiti: Family

I can’t believe it’s been over a year since I saw this precious family! W and I are two of the sweetest people I know, and their kids were so adorable. I can’t wait to see how God uses their family to bring the hope of the Gospel to the people of La Montagne!

Life

“God’s goal is not to make sure you’re happy. Life is not about your being comfortable, happy, successful and pain free. It is about becoming the man or woman God has called you to be. Life is not about you. It’s about God. He doesn’t exist to make us happy. We exist to bring Him glory.”

--Chuck Swindoll

Faces of Haiti: One Year

I can hardly believe that it has been a whole year since our family departed for Haiti! I never would have imagined all the changes that have taken place over the past year. We serve an amazing God! I had hoped to have been back to Haiti by now, but I trust in God’s timing. One day (hopefully soon!) I will return!

Haitian Proverb

Here is a slightly comical Haitian proverb:

Vant grangou fè lapriyè kout.

“A hungry belly makes a short prayer.” Let’s get to it. Cut to the chase. When you are in a hurry you take shortcuts.

Nothing

“God created the world out of nothing

And as long as we are nothing

He can make something out of us.”

--Martin Luther

Faces of Haiti: Playing Games

Haitian Proverb

Here is another good Haitian proverb:

Pa koke makout ou pi wo pase men ou.

“Don’t hang your bag higher than your hand.” Don’t get into a situation that surpasses your ability.

Responsible

“I am just as guilty of judging the poor as anyone else. I’ve said things like, ‘Well, I’m sure they would just go buy some cigarettes or beer, and I don’t want to enable an addict,’ or, ‘They have government help,’ or, ‘They can always go down to the homeless shelter.’ But here’s the irony: We judge families who get government help while we fail to help those very same people. On top of that, we often advocate shutting down the very social programs that keep their kids from starving. If the government discontinued all welfare programs tomorrow, I’m not sure we would be ready, willing, or able to help all of the people in need in our communities.

We may tell ourselves, ‘It’s not my problem. I have to take care of my own family.’ But if Christians are not responsible to care for the needy, who is?”

--Johnny Carr in “Orphan Justice”

Faces of Haiti: Valencia

Valencia, her mother, and brother.

I was rather surprised to receive this picture from a friend who just got back from Haiti. Valencia’s mother is still alive! But she is mentally ill and pregnant. I’m not sure where her Mom has been, what she does, etc. but it’s one more piece to the puzzle of this little girl that has captivated my heart. I pray that somehow, God would reconcile this seemingly broken family to Himself.

Haitian Proverb

Here is another good Haitian proverb:

Pa mete pye nan tout soulye.

“Don’t put your foot in every shoe.” Don’t meddle with things that don’t concern you.

Fill

“Use me then, my Savior,

for whatever purpose and in whatever way you may require.

Here is my poor heart, an empty vessel;

fill it with your grace.”

--D.L. Moody

Faces of Haiti: Reunited

While the above picture was taken last summer, I just saw a picture of these two today. After a whole year, M and T were finally reunited during another missions trip. These two had such a special friendship, similar to my relationship with Valencia. It makes me long for the day when I will finally be reunited with Valencia!