Wednesday, June 29, 2011

July Missions Trip

Many of you reading this post are very familiar with our work in Haiti. Many of you reading this have and do pray regularly for the work in Haiti and particularly the work at the House of Hope in La Pointe in the Haiti’s Northwest Department. Many of you reading this have given generously to the mission God has given us. Many of you reading this are very aware of my deep gratitude for your faithfulness, generosity and prayer support. However, it is possible that you are unaware or have forgotten just how deeply grateful I truly am. No go-er who goes in Jesus’ name representing our Savior and those who make his going possible can forget those givers who give because of that same Savior who are joined together in such a significant work with such an eternal value. How can I declare this to you without a deep gush of emotion and gratitude?

Let me tell you about this fast approaching trip that I will be leading:

The Missions Committee of the Westminster Presbyterian Church of Lancaster, PA asked me to lead a trip this summer. As providence has directed it worked out that there are 3 people from WPC are teaming up with 3 people from the Community Evangelical Free Church in Elverson, PA. Six of us will spend 8 days at the HOH helping to provide care for the children while the staff gets a short vacation from their work. We will work side by side with the older “kids” to make this week possible for the regular staff. We did this 2 years ago and it was great! Along with providing care for the little ones which means diaper changing, feeding and playing with them, we do crafts and games too. It is one of the best weeks of the whole summer for everyone meaning us and them! I wish you could feel the energy at the HOH during this week. The days are long and hot but rewarding. Haiti has two seasons, hot and hotter. July is in the “hotter” category.

Why I go to Haiti: (this is not an exhaustive list of reasons)

  • I go because the people who live there are my neighbors.
  • I go because God has given me gifts that are useful there.
  • I go because when I am there I feel the Lord’s pleasure.
  • I go because time and distance refuse to erase the depth of need I see in the eyes of the people there particularly the children.
  • I go so that when I come back I will be able “to speak for those who cannot speak for themselves.”
  • I go because the Bible speaks powerfully about the poor and my response to them.
  • I go because I want to be a light in a dark place.
  • I go because I like being there.
  • I go because I have relationships worth continuing with people I have grown to love.

Thank you for taking the time to read this letter.

I’m sorry there are so many miles between my posts; konsa bagay la ye (that’s the way things are).