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.