Did you know that over 50% of Haiti's population still practices voodoo today?
In your lifetime, you have been the witness of "this is the way that we've always done it" and even said that with your own life at some point or another. We need to rethink that statement.
I was in a conversation the other day where I was listening to two men talk about Haiti. One said, "It really is the armpit of the world" while the other replied, "It's the hardest place that I've ever been; the dirtiest, saddest place on earth."
That conversation went on and one of those men proclaimed, "They need a lot of help." The other quickly replied, "No, they need to change their mindset." This got me thinking…
The Apostle Paul talked about our state of mind in Romans 12:2. We are to change and renew our minds before the next step of progress happens, before we discern the will of the Father and move on. We can't sit in our mess and expect things to change. We can't wade in the excuse that "this is the way that we've always done it, so we're gonna keep on doing it" anymore. That just doesn't cut it.
So what about Haiti? Are they drowning in their mess? Some would say so. Are they continuing in their ways? Some would agree with that as well. So what is to be done? How do a people change their mind?
Do we hand out goods to satisfy their immediate needs? Does that renew a nation? Do we rebuild their structures and get their economy back in line? Will that do it? Do we go in and help them with what they already know? That must be the answer, right? No. Those things are great and helpful, but none of them will change a nation from the inside out. There's more to it…
What changes the mind of a son that's been in trouble and wailing in his own shame, fear, and pain for so long? The love of mom and dad saying with open arms, "It's ok. It doesn't matter where you've been or what you've done, I want to show you that there's more – a better life for you." Mom and dad don't leave it at that, do they? They teach their kids what to do next, what they need to improve, and how to move forward. They love them to newness. Initially, it was love that broke the mold – redeeming love in this relationship that propelled them to new heights and future fruits.
This is where you come in – people like you, families like yours, and churches like Grace Community Church in New Hampshire who are participating in a Church to Church partnership who get to take part in this transformation – bringing the experience of the God of ensuing love to Haiti. It's through real relationship, continual redemptive love, encouragement, and equipping those with the right tools that change the mindset of a culture – the heart of a country from the inside out. It takes time, right mom and dad?
A nation overtaken by voodoo is not a nation rendered hopeless. Through the open arms and contact of redeeming love and a relationship built on the firm foundation [Jesus Christ], one can reach, teach, and love a nation to renewal… or life for the first time rather.
Tomorrow, yet again, I depart for Haiti on quest for a nation to come alive.
