(Haiti)ing that We're not There

I promised a series about blessings and I'm not forgetting about it, but I cannot let an opportunity pass to share what's heavy on my heart.

A 2 hour and 48 minute plane ride away, a completely different climate, and way different culture is Haiti. On an island with the Dominican Republic is an extremely poor country that is still struggling to recover from an earthquake. Although governmental unity may appear to be lacking, Jesus' presence is definitely not.

I had the privilege of serving this weekend on my second international mission trip. I've been praying since the summer that Jesus' uses us in big ways over a short period of time. We spent exactly 58 hours in Haiti and I truly believe the Lord used us exactly how He planned to do so.

I can barely contain my excitement as I write this all out because I am SO excited about the potential we have as a school to make a difference in a place that seems so foreign.
One of the major things that Haiti and King's Ridge have in common is the faith in Jesus' plans for our lives and that was very evident this weekend.

Our adventure this weekend was all thanks due to Luke101. The mission statement is "to support groups and individuals working to spread the Gospel of Christ around the world." Doing just as they say they will, Luke101 supports 3 local Haitian pastors who are working to spread the Gospel in Haiti. Pepe, Alix, and Jusme are all faithful to the Lord's plans for their lives.

Soccer teams in Haiti, especially the ones coached by Alix, Jusme, and Pepe, are a major privilege and honor. Students selected to be on this team are leaders within their communities, consistent school goers, and faithful followers of the church. Over the weekend, we were able to hand out cleats to 2 teams that are fully sponsored by families or groups here in the United States.

On Sunday morning we went to a church in Canaan. Canaan is a community all situated on a mountain. The lady who started the church prayed at the site of the church and felt that Jesus had called her to have a church there. Lots of prayers later she decided to build it, if she built it, people would come. We experienced Sunday morning church at a local Haitian church and it was one of the highlights of the trip. At Canaan, we handed out 2 bags of rice and beans to the congregation and challenged the people to invite someone to church and bless them with the 2nd bag of rice and beans. All of that was extremely powerful, but the part we're still thinking about today is the fact that the community's children had an hour walk down the hill to school. There has to be something we can do about that. Building a school might seem completely ridiculous, but it is so possible!!

Above are 2 ways that we could make a major different in the communities in Haiti.

As you reflect and consider where you want to serve this year, consider all that I've told you. Haiti along with many other places have great potential for impact this year. Pray that Jesus calls you wherever He wants you to go and follow him. Join KR in serving through Luke101 in Haiti.