Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. 1 Corinthians 12:27

Therefore, as it is written, “Let him who boasts boast in the Lord. 1 Corinthians 1:31

 

I want to take this opportunity Steve has given me to boast in our mighty God.  The Body of Christ is a strategic machine armed and equipped to destroy the world’s darkness and create hope and peace.  God has allowed me the privilege on several ‘Wow God’ occasions to witness the parts of the Body of Christ coming together – a work of beauty.  Traveling to Haiti with TRBC and Living Hope Mission is one of those occasions.  It is a privilege as well to be called to join in His work to exalt and glorify His name. 

While visiting Haiti in the midst of studying John, I was impressed how poignant Jesus’ teachings would have been for needy people as He ministered on Earth and certainly today for the Haitian people who struggle for mere existence.  As an American who has never struggled a day for basic needs, while I acknowledge my dependency on Christ, my experiences in Haiti broadened my perspective.  Haiti’s children walk for who knows how far with jugs to pump water for their family.  Adults hand-make charcoal to sell at market to buy food and supplies for their family.  Electricity and generators are luxuries.  Jesus IS Living Water, The Bread of Life and The Light of the World.

As happens often in our feeble attempts to serve God, rather than providing a blessing, I was blessed and ministered to by Haiti.  What I will remember is trash heaped on the sides of the roads in the cities, children bouncing up and down while pumping water, being awakened by roosters and goats, squishing through the mud to reach the school at Juchereau, Wilbert’s life story, yummy food, cactus fences, children waving at us as we rode down the bumpy roads in the back of a big truck, kids playing with balls made of wrapped twine, construction with no power tools except our bodies, the view of the stars from the roof of Living Hope Mission, being fondled by Haitian children in church, and local transportation-feet, donkeys, bicycles or if you have money a cramped taxi ride on a small motorcycle or a tap-tap. 

I was happy to learn from those who were revisiting Haiti after several years about the improved conditions they were able to see on our trip.  How could it be worse? - Impoverished Haiti suffering the crisis of an earthquake.  My sure hope is in the Lord and the Body of Christ!