The last supper...

Well, we are now at the end of the trip - we spent the morning finishing up the tasks that were started this week... instead of a big open space on a second floor of a school, there are three classrooms... on sunday, the children from the church will be the first to use one class, and will be greeted by a sign from our team in english and creole, and cards that GLOW girls sent from hillcrest - with messages from the team written in them as well.  these classrooms will serve a variety of purposes - each one changing the face of Haiti. 

a few of the us have been asked to come into the ESL class to answer questions and talk with the class - God keeps blowing us away... sitting there, having young and old tell us who they are and why we would come to their poor country. Humbling.  Because we have to go where jesus goes.  we have to save people into a life of hope.  we care about their soul and how they will provide food for their 8 kids, too.  God is using an orphan from Haiti to return to his country to begin a ministry of raising up leaders who will change peoples lives... salvation from sin, hunger, despair, illiteracy, abuse, illness.  we talked with Sterling - a pastor in the area, who is learning english, but also teaching ESL to locals... this kind of thing is the mustard seed... that grows and grows - you cannot kill it - it is the kingdom of God - it will pop up here and there, but will always be growing. (like trying to kill a raspberry bush) You cannot control the Kingdom - once it starts, it will NOT BE STOPPED. that is why this country will find hope in Jesus - and be completely changed. God has done this in our hearts this week. from the inside out, we have been renewed. 

tonight, we packed up, and listened to Marc and Lisa share their story and vision... and we were challenged to bring this vision back with us - to see who will join HaitiArise in bringing hope and help to a country that needs it.  We have been blessed.  We will be a blessing to them... i know that as you read this, God is challenging all of us to join the God of the oppressed in making things right... so - think and pray about how you will be a part of this ministry. you have been blessed to bless others... how are you living that out?

we took some time as a team to have communion together - you know, the usual - red koolaid and crackers.... we prayed from each other and blessed each other.  we will never be the same. we will sleep... hot and sweaty again... tomorrow go to the Ruuska Village where Amanda and I are adopting our child from and see another example of the Kingdom... soon, we will be home - clean and cool.  we need hugs and kisses.  we need to NOT sweat for no reason.  but this country has wedged its way into our hearts. i don't think we will shake it... we know too much and have seen God use us in ways we never thought possible... we will be here again.

Blessed by a gracious and wonderful Daddy

jake for the team