Beef Jerky and Coke.

Right now is a moment I genuinely enjoy. I’m sitting on the porch with Daniel and Malachi eating dinner, beef jerky and coke. We just finished English lessons and it sounds like the rain has finally stopped. 

For those that know Daniel, you know how kind and sweet he is. Malachi is his best friend. I just met him for the first time this year. He is a year older than Daniel but they go to school together. He is every bit as kind and as sweet as Daniel. The first time I met him I knew that I would like him. He wasn’t like most of the other kids. He was more reserved and very respectful. 

When I came down here I told Daniel that I wanted to teach him English and help him improve his skills. I told him that he could have a friend join him and Malachi is who he chose. I have enjoyed helping them and am looking forward to hopefully being able to enhance both of their English speaking abilities. They are both so eager to learn.  

As we sit here in the dark, eating our beef jerky and drinking our cokes, I am finding myself content. Content, but not complacent. I am content with where I am and what I am doing. Some people asked why wouldn’t I work this summer and save up money for school and other things. Some people thought it was crazy to come here for almost 10 weeks because I would miss so many events and happenings back home. But despite what people think, I know that I am making a difference, even if it is just in these two boy’s lives. Some people told me that moments like this are what this trip would be all about. Some people told me that even if I just impacted one life, it would all be worth it. I choose to believe those people. It is so worth it. I’m finding myself content with just having the One who created this moment. The One who created Daniel and Malachi. The One who created you and me. 

However, I firmly believe that not only will my time and work with these boys be beneficial, but that the work I am doing here with Jephthe is going to be beneficial as well. I believe that God will bless this work and use it to encourage the pastors and their churches. I believe that it will benefit Jephthe’s ministry and will also bring glory to the Kingdom. My prayer is that it not only encourages the churches, but that it also encourages churches back home to sponsor a church here. I pray that God provides abundantly more than these churches could ever ask and imagine. It is humbling to hear the pastors tell their stories and to hear how they desire to care for their flocks, but just don’t have the means to do so. 

Today, one of the pastors told me that he lives so poorly, but that he is happy. He’s happy because he lives in a new community and has the chance  to share the gospel with the people there. He’s happy because God called him out of a voodoo practicing family, to become a child in the family of the One True King. He’s happy because God called him to go to seminary, which he graduated from two years ago, and to start a church in this particular community. He’s happy, not because he has a lot, but because he knows the One who has everything. 

I pray that, with the help of the Holy Spirit, I can develop that type of happiness. I want to be genuinely happy, not because I live in America and have lots of things, but because I know the One who has everything. That’s the kind of happiness I want. I think tonight was a step in that direction. I was happy not because I had a lot, just beef jerky and coke, but I knew that I was with the One who has everything. And as long as I have Him, I’m content. 

A couple ways that you could be praying are for continued health and safety, that the pastors and churches are encouraged, and that God continues to teach me to be content with only Him. Also, as you know if you read my last post, we had Wilguens’ funeral this weekend. Please pray for Elisee, who was very close to him. Pray that God would comfort and draw near to him and the rest of those who were close to Wilguens. 

Update: As I was writing this post last night, Daniel took my phone and started going through my pictures again. He said there were pictures of Malachi. As it turns out, Malachi has been around numerous times on several trips here, but I just didn’t recognize him. He has grown so much even from the last picture he was in, in July 2017. I’m so thankful that this trip I have gotten to know him personally. 

Be Radical

Each trip to Haiti, we are asked to read a book as part of our morning devotions and then we discuss what we have read during our nightly meetings. This past trip, we read the book Radical, by David Platt. Now, we have read this book on a previous trip, but that was probably five years ago, so it was good to read it again. 

I would like to take some time to share with you some quotes from this book that really resonated with me, especially with my 10-week trip to Haiti on the horizon. My plan is to share with you four or five different quotes over the next few weeks.

“Regardless of what country we live in, what skills we possess, what kind of education we have, or what kind of salary we make, Jesus has commanded each of us to make disciples, and this is the means by which we will impact the world. Indeed, Jesus has invited us to join with him in the surprisingly simple journey of spreading the gospel to all nations by spending our lives for the good of others and the glory of God.”

― David Platt

         This quote really resonated for a couple of reasons. The first half of the first sentence grabbed my attention because it includes everyone, by not breaking down into race or ethnicity. Also, a lot of times I find myself doubting my abilities and my adequacy to share the Gospel and make disciples. I’ll think I’m not smart enough, educated enough, old enough or have enough life experience to do it. But that’s not the case and it is Satan telling me those things. I know this because 1 Timothy 4:12 says, “Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.” Those doubts that I have are just excuses that I cannot let myself believe.

         The second half of that sentence is just as compelling. Jesus has commanded us to go and make disciples. He did not suggest it, he did not mention it in passing, he commanded it. By doing this, we will impact the world. I don’t about you, but I’m always dreaming of what it would be like to change the world, to make it a better place. Here is my chance. Here is your chance. Go and make disciples.

         The last part of the quote is rather simple. Join with Jesus on this journey of making disciples by living not for yourself, but for others, bringing glory to God. It doesn’t matter who you are, what you do, what you make, or where you live. Once your life has been changed by the Gospel of Jesus Christ and you begin a relationship with him, you are given the power of the Holy Spirit, the same Spirit that rose Jesus from the grave (Romans 8:11). You need not be afraid or timid to share the same Good News that you received.

         This whole quote encouraged me because it was affirmation that what I am planning to do with my time in Haiti is worthwhile. I am laying down my doubt at the cross of Christ and saying “Yes, Lord, I’ll go.” I am obeying Him who created me for good works. I do not need to be afraid.

         Thank you, Lord, for saving me and calling me out into the water. I pray that You would strengthen me and draw me closer to You during this time.

Thank you for taking the time to read this. I ask that you please keep me in your prayers during this time. If you would like to help financially, click here. Thank you and God bless you.