Preaching Near and Far

Greetings!

Benji, Steve, and Mark are back home again after a busy week here in Haiti. Barry had several things lined up during the days they were here; some days longer than others. I and the boys and Katie didn't go along for most things for lack of space, but I'll do my best to share their experiences from what I heard and the pictures Barry took. Thursday was supposed to be a meeting with pastors, but due to unforeseen circumstances it was canceled. They put their work boots on and went over to help with the widows' house for several hours in the heat of the day. That evening was Bible study with the group that Barry has met with regularly on Thursday/Friday evenings. It seemed to be almost all different people present this time, so they covered much of the same topic on modesty and women's role in the church. Friday was their long day as they made a venture into the mountains near Les Cayes. They had the translators along again on Saturday as they went to another meeting with pastors and church leaders west of Port-au-Prince. From there they went straight to the market in Port-au-Prince to witness on the street. Each of them took a turn preaching to the crowds that gathered while others handed out gospel tracts.

One-on-one at a Bible Study

Making a stop on the long trip to Les Cayes

As for Sunday morning services, we all took a 10 minute walk down the road to the church that's pastored by our nearby neighbor, Oscar. In many ways, it wasn't quite what we expected to find behind those doors. There were many familiar faces as its kind of the neighborhood church, but the worship was far more zealous than anything we've seen yet. Since we are so closeby and and have begun a friendship with Pastor Oscar, Barry felt led to allow Benji to bring the main message, believing he'll have a chance to share at another time. Benji opened his message by using the Titanic as an example, telling the story of how the captain received six warnings to stop the engines. The captain of the ship refused to heed the warnings, and minutes later the ship that "God himself could not sink" was at the bottom of the ocean. This was a picture of Haiti, a nation that is quickly sinking unless the people heed the warnings from God. The Lord led him to bring forth six warnings for the church: America's influence on Haiti's people, modesty and the need to be seperate from the world, sinners will not enter Heaven, the importance of submission and proper headship, there is no salvation without repentence and godly sorrow, and without holiness a man will not see God.

Following the message, Barry continued to exhort the group, and asked that if anyone felt they needed to repent of their sins to come to the front of the church. At first, not one person wanted to move. He asked again if every single person present was without sin. Finally one woman came forth. Soon another followed, then another. They continued to come until the front of the church was full of people, some crying out to God in prayer. We believe the Holy Spirit was moving in many of them and there was some true repentance happening. We praise God for meeting us there that morning! There are some important differences with our beliefs and some things this church practices, but we pray that through our time here God will allow us to continue in a relationship with them and the doors will be opened to share with Pastor Oscar and his flock.

Monday morning, they were off to the airport again to send our three visiting pilgrims back to the US. Early that afternoon, Barry had another preaching engagement set up nearby in Williamson. Wednesday evening around supper time, we had an unexpected visit from a whole church group that also came from Williamson. They had been doing something for a relative of one of their congregation nearby and stopped in to see us. We didn't have a translator here, so they blessed us with singing several songs while they sat for a visit. Jacmel was on the schedule for Tuesday, and after a four hour drive down south and a hike through the trees on a narrow footpath, they reached a church that was completely empty. It turned out there had been a miscommunication, and it was market day in the village. Pastor Bazalet was able to round up a small group for a Bible study before heading to another church in Jacmel to preach. Barry is back in Williamson again this afternoon (Thursday) meeting with two different groups.

Anouce and Pastor Bazelet on the path to the church outside

of Jacmel.

Things are moving along on the house for the widows. The block is laid for the walls

and they should be starting the framing for the roof soon. The younger of the two that's able to go out and sit and watch is so joyful to see this home being built. I am eager to see her moved in with a good roof over her head. May God be glorified through all of this!

If there are details of our stay here that you'd like to read about on the blog, let us know! We're again so thankful for all the letters and cards of encouragement that were sent down with the last group. They are being read and enjoyed slowly, and we're doing our best to savor the physical provisions and treats as well. Thanks for checking in with us!

Bondye bon tout ton!