Encounter, Encourage, Empower…

Church2Church
Carrefour, Haiti
 

Upon arrival of Zion Lutheran Church of Clear Lake, Iowa, the level of expectancy was high and posture, low – the stance of submitted and empowered sons and daughters of God.

The plan was to awake, eat and head to the school for a VBS program but as we all know, plans don't always pan out. "Colby, we have a problem!" I heard yelled from the foyer, "Cathy, is hurt! Get the first-aid kit, quick!" "Tom, gather the team and pray over Cathy as we head out." Tom replied and moved with eyes of action, "We will. You got it!" After bandaging Cathy's leg from her fall on the rebar, we called a private tap-tap to take us to doctors without borders and It took some talking but we got her in quickly and taken care of.

Throughout the initial process, the ride and the hospital visit, we expectantly prayed healing and "no pain" over Cathy. It's already day two and Cathy has felt no pain!

Little did I know that Tom, who grew up Catholic, had never prayed publicly before. He acted obediently and spoke to His father in an unscripted way for the first time in his life as he gathered the team as a leader – one stepping more into his inheritance and identity as a warrior of the heart of God. How amazing and freeing it is – to talk to our Father as he call us beloved sons and daughters!

Throughout the rest of our first day, we loved on the kids in soccer games, creative interactions and exchanging words in each other's native languages. We were becoming each others, inside and out – a family in the Spirit.

We walked the streets with ears open, asking the Father to lead, and of all the stories that I could tell you such as the words that the Father had for his anointed, the baby that was relieved of her fever, and the songs that were sang over Haitians, but there was one thing that surfaced the most – these people, as any, desire to be listened to.

Remember when the value of your best friend was first noticed? You realized that they listen and love and that did it for you. Haitians are the same way, they desire our ears, not always our words.

The evening concluded with the leaders of Zion Lutheran speaking with Pastor Jean Philippe on the Lord's vision for "Straight Gate Church" (Pastor Jean Philippe's church) as well as creating some open doors for healthy communication. I stood tall in the Lord as lines of confusion and broken communication were mended, hearts were transparent, encouragement was rampant and grace was thick. It was raw and fruitful, not formal or scripted. Because of this, the relationship between Straight Gate and Zion Lutheran will continue to be healthy and they will continue to walk with accuracy as they remain faithful to the Lord and committed to this way – as men and women of integrity, obedience, and transparency – as ONE.

I couldn't be more proud and filled with joy that God's vision of Church2Church is being fulfilled!

Work with us as we seek to encounter, encourage and empower the Haitian people to reach their own with the heart of God! – E-mail me to find out how you can be a part!
 

Random Facts:

I have been able to use the little sign language that I know at the airport with guys that work there. They are deaf and mute and use that to their advantage.

I heard a large group of people violently worshipping the Lord in the village for a few hours last night starting at around midnight.

Evidently, as Americans have rodeo clowns, Haitians have hospital clowns.

I have learned from many cultures that if you talk about who is who's girlfriend or boyfriend, they eat if up! I now have many little "girlfriends" and they love it.