Back from Haiti

It's been two years since Haiti was devastated by the earthquake. Having already been the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, the nation was catapulted into the spotlight and help came. The church that our team worked with spoke often of vision. Their vision for the nation of Haiti is very much like the vision that God gave Nehemiah. Long before the earthquake ever struck, they were called to "rebuild the walls."

Trucks, buses, food, water, tents... the donations have flooded in. This bus was meant to help a church plant 13 miles from the capital, but like many things, it did not last. It is a symbol of the brokenness of this place. It is a reminder of the needs that seem to know no end. It is a testimony to the generosity of the church. It speaks to me of the satisfaction that is only found in Jesus Christ.

There is a renewal - and true redemption - coming about in Port-au-Prince. The tent cities we worked in are starting to build homes. The school children we helped are receiving food everyday. The church is sharing the good news, inviting neighbors into a life of hope and reconciliation.

The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me,

because the LORD has anointed me

to bring good news to the poor;

he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,

to proclaim liberty to the captives,

and the opening of the prison to those who are bound;

to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor,

and the day of vengeance of our God;

to comfort all who mourn;

to grant to those who mourn in Zion—

to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes,

the oil of gladness instead of mourning,

the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit;

that they may be called oaks of righteousness,

the planting of the LORD, that he may be glorified.

They shall build up the ancient ruins;

they shall raise up the former devastations;

they shall repair the ruined cities,

the devastations of many generations.

(Isaiah 61:1-4 ESV)