Mission Focused

"Is materialism a blind spot in American Christianity today? More specifically, is materialism a blind spot in your Christianity today? Surely this is something we must uncover, for if our lives do not reflect radical compassion for the poor, there is reason to question just how effective we will be in declaring the glory of Christ to the ends of the earth. More pointedly, if our lives do not reflect radical compassion for the poor, there is reason to wonder if Christ is really in us at all." -David Platt

A pretty strong statement is it not? The first time I read it, I had to read it again as it cut to my heart and was almost offended by it, but when I really thought about it, I found this to be so true. It's like what King David says: "Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties; And see if there is any wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting." -Psalm 139:23-24

How many times have I heard this quoted but not really grasp the meaning of it. Going to Haiti over the past few years
has always taught me something new and I have wanted to incorporate what I have learned, into my faith. The Haitian people have a spirit about them unlike any I've experienced before. They really don't have a lot like we do here in America and while we are there, we go without the myriad of things that we have as well and for me, I find it freeing and realize we really don't need much. God provides enough for what we need in the moment. As He did for the Israelites with the Manna. He provided them with what they would need that day. No more and no less. They were to trust that He would do the same, the day after that and after. 

To have such a devastating loss as Haiti has had and for the people to still take it one day at a time, to worship the Lord, is nothing short of amazing and humbling. 

Trinity has been partnering with Mariani Church in Carrefour, Haiti for the past few years and I certainly hope we can continue to build and maintain that relationship between the churches and Pastor Emmanuel. What joy it brought to my heart to see him again and the progress that has been made on the church since it was destroyed in the earthquake. They are so thankful to have the help and most importantly, thankful to God for providing for them. They give their absolute best to the Lord come Sunday and each day after that, they trust that God will provide for their needs. Noticing a pattern here? 

 Unfortunately, with our unexpected and surprising three day delay in Miami, we were unable to go to the church service on Sunday, However; we tried to remain flexible and found ways to minister to others while we waited where we were until we could be re-booked for a new flight out. 

Upon arrival in Haiti and on our way to Grace International where we would be staying the next few days, the sights were familiar and yet unfamiliar at the same time. I knew where we were but so much has been slowly rebuilt that I saw little housing communities that didn't exist up until this year, as most people were living in tents by the sides of the roads. What a blessing and encouraging thing to see. God is good. 

For the next three days, we spent the time sifting sand that would be used to make cement, unloading cinder blocks and cement bags from the Tap Tap, creating an assembly line of people to get the supplies into the church and unto the roof, wherever they needed it. Water was drawn up from the well to aid in the mixing of the cement and how great to see it in working order as that was also a work in progress over the years. 

After a hard, labor intensive half day, we would then help with the Lord's Kitchen and serve food to the children. The Lord's Kitchen is something that Grace helps to run, however; they can only do it as funds are available or when teams come out to help with the ministry. Ideally they'd like for this feeding program to happen everyday but as of now, it may happen one to two times a week at best. A hard thing to hear for most of us as we could only imagine a child going without food for so long. 
One of the feedings took place at Lambi, a little village where the team a couple years ago helped one of the Haitian men, Delva, build his house. It's a sweet little community but they also have very little. The children came to the church there for food and they bring whatever dish they can find or have at home to be served and take it back home to their families to share. 
It was quite hectic as some mothers and grandmothers try to push their little ones in front of the line or through the door so they can be fed first, completely understandable, though our Haitian body guards and translators try to keep things moving in an orderly fashion. Babies and toddlers first before the older children and teenagers. It was definitely eye opening. 

This was our continued work schedule Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Breakfast at Six, ready to go to work by Seven. Church building and The Lord's Kitchen. We also visited the Boys Home and the Girls Home. We played with the children and most of them just want to be loved on. I notice this more at the boys home. Once off the Tap Tap, it's not uncommon that you will have a little one attached to your leg and/or hold your hand the entire time you are there. Although they certainly enjoy a good game of futbol, a lot of the little ones just want to be held. It is both heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time. 

At the Girls Home, we ladies on the team were able to go and visit. The girls can be a little more shy at first and won't come up to you right away. They like to observe and they open up to you more slowly. Once they do though, it's time to be prepared to play a never-ending game of duck duck goose where the typical rules don't apply and you keep running, not just in a circle but anywhere until you want to sit down. It is always a blast. Some will play jump rope and hopscotch and hand games. 
This sort of time with them reminds me that there is something to be said about giving and investing time into people and communities. As they would sit and sing "Bless the Lord O my soul" I am reminded that that is what it means to be "Mission Focused" and "Building Redemptive Communities in Christ." It can be hard to do this when we allow ourselves to be distracted so easily. I realize this is easier said than done, especially in the society we live in where we are more prone to be into ourselves rather than others but I have made it my mission to keep all these things in perspective and to be intentional when I am talking with people. Whether that be in Haiti or here in America, at work and wherever I run into people on a day to day basis. 

Let us ask ourselves as David Platt inquired, "is materialism a blind spot" in our Christianity?" Let us ask that God show us what is in our hearts as King David pleaded of the Lord. Let us be Mission Focused wherever we are because ultimately, it's not about us but about God and the furtherance of His Kingdom. We have the privilege to be a part of what He is doing, let's not miss out on any opportunities. 

Although I could go on and on in more detail of the trip, I will end this here for now. I have no doubt that God was working in us all, through unexpected delays, faith being stretched, the work in Haiti and also in the joys of all that we experienced. 

Thank you for taking the time to read this lengthy post. If you have any questions, please leave them in comments below, I'd love to be able to answer and get to know you.

Bondye Beni Ou - God Bless You