Saturday, October 30, 2010

State of Haiti- spiritual and otherwise

I'm gonna step out here a little bit and express some of my heart's wonderings.  Haiti is a tough place- no doubt.  One person had expressed to me before my first trip a year ago that Haiti was the toughest place he encountered in all his travels.  This is a man who's opinion I trust because he works for a Christian organization that ministers in 26 countries all over the world working with the poorest of the poor.  In another publication (which I need to find) Haiti was listed as the 4th most dangerous country in the world behind Iraq, Iran and Somalia.  But as I have now traveled to Haiti 5 times in the last year, I am trying to reconcile those opinions.  I personally have found Haiti to be tough because of lack of infrastructure and government- but the people, the people are warm and friendly, once you break through the tough exterior of a hard life for all Haitians.  Minus my sunglasses, once I smile, a beautiful smile is returned (in most cases).

After the earthquake in January some high profile Christian leaders expressed that the earthquake in Haiti is part of God's judgement on a country that sold its soul to the devil- ouch (we even heard that in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina on the city of New Orleans).  I struggle with flat out declaring a disaster of the magnitude that Haiti suffered as a direct judgement from God.  I think there are too many factors for the plight in which Haiti finds itself in, and yes, it is true in Haiti's history that back in 1804 the leaders of the country officially committed the country to Satan in exchange for his perceived help in liberating them from the French.  But as we point the finger and say this is what's wrong with your country, what about us?  What about the plight of this country?  We have our own issues that stem from turning our backs on God.  Did we sell our soul to Satan, or has the turning away from God been so subtle that after years of not really seeing it, we only now begin to wake from our slumber of quietly denying God because we see the very freedoms that our country was founded on slowly slipping away and endangering liberties that we credit to God?

I am reading a book about a guy who traveled to Haiti and spent a week there.  Upon his return he wrote about his experience and the things God showed him while he was there.  He was addressing the spiritual state of Haiti.  And as I read his thoughts, I could see and resonate with some of his observations.  He finds himself at the top of a mountain looking down on the city of Port-au-Prince.  "Indeed, Haiti was once considered 'the jewel of the Caribbean', with beautiful beaches and mountains.  It was rich in commerce, but that came at a price, as the French colonial rulers treated the slaves 'imported' from Africa with particular harshness and cruelty.  So, one can understand why the newly liberated Haitians rejected all things embraced by the French- including their Christian faith."
"It is not surprising then that so many here live in horrific circumstances.  Block shacks, seemingly piled one on top of the other, dot the hillsides everywhere.  From the mountaintop view, one can see how tightly packed people are between the two mountain ranges.  Paved streets are a rarity.  The infrastructure is crumbling- literally.  Homes, streets and even hillsides defiled by deforestation look like ancient ruins.  If a nation's largest capital city is in a virtual state of anarchy, not much hope can be offered for those living there, let alone in the distant mountains.  Unless, of course, they hear about- and accept- Jesus Christ."

He goes on to say that fortunately for the people there is a concerted effort by Christians both native and foreign dedicated to reclaim the land for Christ.  Protestant Haitian pastors have formed alliances and are even fielding candidates for president.  "But everyone with whom I spoke acknowledged the solution is not political.  While they believe it would surely be better to have an authentically-committed Christian as president, they know that the problems here run deep as the heart of each individual."  There is a sense of urgency in the country and pastors, despite daily threats on their lives continue to minister to the people in the communities.  "Indeed, they are an inspiring example.  Just as Jesus came into a world hostile to his message, His disciples here today are doing the same thing.  They understand, as Paul wrote, 'For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms' (Ephesians 6:12)."
"So, while the nation is in desperate need of reform and basic necessities, Haiti's Christian leaders do not lack faith, hope and courage.  So, as you consider the plight of this nation, respond as Paul counseled. '...pray in the Spirit on all occasions, with all kinds of prayers and requests,  With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints' (Ephesians 6:18)."  Excerpts from "Seven Days in Haiti- Learning from the Meek to be a Bond-Slave of Christ" by Michael Barrick.

This is timely because Haiti is facing a presidential election in 4 short weeks on November 28.  Please pray that this election along with God's hand be in the hearts of the Haitian people and that they truly look to God for their future.

I see Jesus in the eyes of His orphans in Haiti.

Awesome team

I am missing all my new friends from our team.  We had a fantastic team diverse in age and geography.  We sent a third team from Faith, my home church, in which there were 10 of us including for the first time my wife.  Two other members were returning to Haiti from our March trip and 6 others taking the plunge for the first time.  Marci, Hayden, Lynn, Melissa, Roberta, Matt, Bart, Rachel, and Penny- you were a great team that represented our church and the Lord well!  From Indianapolis we had a church team that is exploring ways to partner with the Global Orphan Project for the long term.  One of the founding members of the church and two dear friends represented Higher Calling Church- Mindy, Lori and Christina- I am excited to see where the Lord leads your church body with the Global Orphan Project- press on and NEVER SETTLE!  Ben and Brittany from Baton Rouge- you guys were awesome and I loved our time with you.  You have set the bar for challenging married couples to spend their milestone anniversaries in Haiti.  I can't think of a more fulfilling way to share an experience with a spouse.  And finally a family and friends- Heather, Ashley and John- thanks for including your very close friends Nancy and Jenn.  I was blessed to see how the Lord has been working in your lives and what He has enabled you to do through His blessing- thanks for sharing your lives with us.

This team was a blessing for me in so many ways and I love being able to share what God is doing through a ministry organization like the Global Orphan Project.  Thanks for stepping in, giving your all and experiencing the full scope of ministry in Haiti.  I do truly count you all as friends and hope to one day reconnect with you all!

Catch up

Back home from our trip to Haiti, I am reflecting back on the latest adventure of taking a team on a vision trip for the Global Orphan Project.  Unfortunately, most of our time there we were without power and the internet.  Not that its a bad thing, its just that I planned to blog as a way for people to keep up with all that we were doing in Haiti.  So now I plan to reflect back and recount our experience of the five days we spent learning, listening and loving on kids.  The following blog entries will reflect the trip, our experience and what God was revealing to us, and still revealing to me as I process the latest excursion into Haiti.  I do know that it has had a profound impact on all the team members as I follow their Facebook status updates and read emails.  I thank God for allowing each of us to step outside our world, experience life from another perspective, be rocked by what we see in the desperation and devestations, find ourselves brokenhearted and much richer for the experience.  Each time I go I fall more in love with the country and the people- it has become a home away from home for me- and I don't think I can explain why other than to say when I go, I am completely at the Lord's mercy and disposal.  So naturally, I ask why can't or don't I do that at home in my neighborhood, my city, or my country?  What makes leaving my home easier to fully rely on God?  It's a dicotomy I don't understand or am blinded to.  So my prayer is that I would fully rely on God right here, right now.

Saturday, October 23, 2010

Diving in

With a beautiful sunrise this morning, the team is ready to jump in for their second full day with the kids.  I love watching the response of the Americans as they fall in love with the beautiful Haitian kids and people.  These orphans hunger for touch in ways that we don't see at home.  We love our children dearly and we discover a new appreciation for our own children when we spend time with the "least of these" and these kids who don't have their own mothers and fathers.  For just the short time that we are here- we become the mothers and fathers, big brothers and sisters to the kids that the Global Orphan Project provide long term care for.

Five trips later and I have the exact same feelings as I did the first time.  When kids call out your name and run to you to be held, its a feeling that defies description- your heart breaks, melts, jumps, hurts, rejoices and discovers a deep, deep love.

Our discussions at the close of each day have been wonderful.  I challenged the team to be fully present and in each moment while they are here.  Leave nothing in the tank as I like to say- and they have responded like troopers!  Everyone is healthy and doing well.  Thanks for your prayers.

Friday, October 22, 2010

We're here!

As with all things in Haiti, we must be flexible- and patient- "Haitience".  We all made it here safely yesterday and although most were tired from their journeys from around the U.S., everyone is thrilled to be here.  We have gone most of the time without power which is why I am posting so late.  And it may be this way for our entire trip.  Keep checking in, but please know that we may not have internet most of the time.  And if there is no internet, there is no power (no fans, no lights, etc.) which makes our experience here truly Haitian!  I hope to be able to post some pictures as we go along but for now, I felt it important to let everyone know we are here safe and sound.
We've only scratched the surface as it relates to playing with and loving on the kids, but we had a wonderful time with Pastor Moise this morning as he shared his heart and his passion for the Lord and for orphan care.  Keep praying for us and I'll post again as soon as possible.

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

And we're off!

Our whole team begins the journey to Haiti today.  Our team consists of 10 of us from Fort Collins, 3 from Indianapolis, 2 from Baton Rouge, 3 from Colorado Springs, and 2 from San Francisco!  We're all over the map and from all four timezones!  I am excited to serve with this team and help them have the best experience possible.  Please pray for travel safety and health.  Lord willing we will have internet connection at our home base at the Orphan Transition Village.  Stay tuned...

Monday, October 18, 2010

Another Adventure!

In just 48 hours I will be leaving with another team to visit kids at the Global Orphan Project in Haiti.  God has blessed me greatly by allowing me to go to Haiti for my fifth trip in a year.  This one is special personally because my bride of 21 years will be joining me on this one.  I am excited for her because she has been hearing all my stories over this past year and now she will have her own stories to share!
Things I am praying for:
Health and safety for all 20 of us
That God moves in the hearts of the team members and gives a clear vision for each person
That God continues to confirm our church's vision for making a difference in Haiti through our partnership with Global Orphan Project
For Pastor Moise and his leadership with the Global Orphan Project
For all the kids in the Global Orphan Project's care
That God be glorified in all we do