My time in Jeremie, Haiti has been nothing short of a miracle from God. I was blessed to have had the opportunity to come for one week in June with my church from Cleveland, Ohio. Throughout that week, I felt God was laying it on my heart to come back. Never did I think I would return so quickly or for so long. God made it very clear within a matter of two days that I was to return for the month of July as an intern. Within those first two days of being back in the states, I had enough money to return for a whole month! God provided in such a big way, making my decision very clear.
Throughout my time in Haiti, I learned so much about the Haitian culture, as well as what faith truly is and what it should look like. One of the moments of this past month that rises above all the rest would be when we painted Pastor Marc’s house. While there, we walked up the hill to where Magnus and his family live. Magnus, is the worship leader at the church plant in Te’Wouj.
Magnus has barely enough food to feed his family, a roof that leaks and a kitchen that they cannot use when it rains. Yet when we walked up that hill to his house, he had the biggest smile and was so proud to show us his home and the bathroom that he had built. Before we left, he gave Pastor Marc eggs. He was giving everything he had. To me, this is a true example of what God calls each of His followers to do. We need to give abundantly from our hearts, having faith that God will provide in all aspects of our lives.
Over the last month, we’ve had a chance to get a little taste of the life of a missionary. It’s not always easy! It also doesn’t necessarily mean that you are preaching or even teaching all the time. It is defined by the relationships one builds with those around them. It means reaching out to people who others have abandoned and considered “worthless.” It’s about focusing on each day as it comes and allowing God to speak to you and through you in every aspect of your life.
Since being back in the states, I have had a lot of time to process and think about my time in Haiti. I thank God for the amazing opportunity to not only meet so many amazing people, but to really get to know them and serve alongside them. I have learned so much and hope to return soon. Through all blessings and trials, I know that God is my strength and I give Him the glory for making me stronger in the process. This place will forever hold a special place in my heart.
In closing, I would like to share a verse that I feel really embodies what HBM is all about, not only reading God’s word but putting it into action.
“22 But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. 23 For if you listen to the word and don’t obey, it is like glancing at your face in a mirror. 24 You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like. 25 But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it. 26 If you claim to be religious but don’t control your tongue, you are fooling yourself, and your religion is worthless. 27 Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you.”
James 1:22-27 (NLT version)
