Saturday, March 31, 2012

Saturday

I apologize for the redundancy of this post if you received this via email from Ethan, but for the rest of our followers i thought it provided different eyesight on the ground. Enjoy this post from Ethan simply titled Saturday. Good afternoon, my loved ones. Clearly the days are blurring a bit. Yes, yesterday was Friday despite the title to my email ;) What a beautiful ending to yesterday as we showed the movie "Courageous" at the church to close to 200 people using a computer and digital projector. I highly recommend this film for everyone including families. In it, real fatherhood is celebrated. Especially beautiful because Pastor Robinson, who shepherds this Haiti church, is a double orphan--abandoned by his parents, then again by his uncle. Now he is spiritually and practically a father to dozens of children, including our orphans, and to a couple hundred adults. This morning, I led devotions, reading from Colossians 2&3. I reinforced my previous comments on freedom (end Chapter 2). I encouraged the team to look for a common pattern in the New Testament letters: soaring passages of theology and doctrine, followed by the "so, therefore" of encouragement and admonitions. Faith coupled with deeds. Freedom with responsibility. Truth always translated through love. I encouraged them not to try to do (obey, reach out) to become, but to be who they are declared to be (orphans adopted through Christ) and go do. As always, we read the blog. "Ordinary" in the USA is indeed unimaginable here. After devotions, we hiked up the mountain through filthy alleys filled with trash and excrement, past the shacks that are homes here--dust flying everywhere. At the top, a pretty view and a breeze allowed us to dream a pleasant dream for a few moments. When I awoke, I thought: "Why is Haiti so barren and poor?" The answer is corruption and evil, especially in those who have led in this country. Untold money and supplies and more have poured into this country. Evil has wrecked it. Why are our hearts so barren and poor without Christ, even in the rich USA? Sin and evil. Pastor Robinson is the opposite: noble and true. He has carefully, diligently, and courageously used all of the help, money, and resources entrusted to him. He has used them well. He is bringing riches and life to this place. Today he told me about how is is training up the next generation of leadership for the future and "in case I die." He is a man of vision. I am privileged to count myself his brother and his ally. His picture is attached to this email. When we got back down, I inventoried my medical supplies and reviewed final tasks. Almost done. Tomorrow, church begins at 8am and runs 3 hours under the tent. These people are serious about their worship. What you are doing at home is essential--keep the emails, blog comments, and, above all, prayers coming. With tasks winding down, its easier to see the spiritual progress. My thoughts are beginning to turn to the future: to finishing , to saying goodbye, to regaining my luxuries, to reuniting with you all....but then....what? How will things change? How will I change? So many questions. My heart rests today in my Savior, my answer.

6 comments:

Jake T said...

Great words today Dr.VT. Getting people in touch with Jesus is so key to fixing Haiti or the rest of the world for that matter. Why would anyone want to do the work if they have no faith. How can we ask those who have never known or felt grace and mercy to have grace and mercy on others around them? Therein lies our battle, bringing the weak and weary to the foot of the cross to see the face of the one person who can make a real difference, Jesus. When these folks down there look at you all, the are catching a glimpse of the Healer, the Savior. What a great opportunity, I am so proud and grateful for you, our warriors on the front line for the Kingdom. Blessings and peace from back home. We will continue praying for you all.

Autumn said...

I know that I have been lacking in the commenting department, but what can I say, I'm a very popular individual and people require a lot of me :) Just kidding! God is truely using every one of you and who would have thought that God would have orchastrated such an amazing team! I guess he is just totally rock'n awesome! yayyy God Miss Beth I happened to be looking through the pictures and saw one of Ethan holding a small boy and it reminded me of my chubby baby that I held onto so dearly the last trip I went on! Please if you see him, even though he is probably changed in apperence, please give him a hug and a kiss for me! I Love each and every one of you brothers and sisters in Christ and thank you for doing what God has commanded of us by serving the poor! HUGS AND KISSES (can't wait to give you a big wet one Krystle.... and a big dry hug to you kelly :/ hahaha! I'm gonna stop now while I'm not ahead. Goodnight!

Anonymous said...

Hey team and Rob, just wanted to say thanks again for serving and living out the gospel of love "greater love has no man than this that he would lay down his life for a friend". I continue to pray that God will reveal his plan for the work in Haiti and that God gives Rob strength, wisdom and faith as He works through him.
Ethan, thanks for the blog, though I dont know you Im excited to see another player in the war against evil in Haiti. Doyle may have mentioned that we worship at West Side and that we are praying about its involvement in the work there. I havnt met your friend Dr. Collins yet but I know that Pastor John mention that he would like to see him go to Haiti, I can only sit hear and smile as I see the hand of God at work and excitedly wait to see how it all unfolds :) We look forward to seeing you all, lets do a big Haiti team gathering soon. God Bless Bro. Rick & Karen Family

Jared said...

What great insight, with each day that I read I wish I was there beside my friends not only helping but growing in christ. We love you guys and can't wait to hear more of the wonderful things you are doing with Gods grace. Have a great service and good rest of your day.

Heidi said...

Greetings dear team! Thank you for giving us all glimpses into Haiti, painting with broad and fine strokes so we can "see" what its like there physically and spiritually. I'm so inspired by your description of Pastor Robinson...what a beautiful heart he has--one that's been transformed by grace, for the great good of his people. He's having an amazing impact! And I know each one of you has had a significant impact this week too...with many results you see, yet so many more (perhaps in future generations!) that only God will see. This experience will undoubtedly change you; those of us back home love you and support you and celebrate God's handiwork in you. May tonight bring sweet rest and tomorrow morning joyful worship!

Brandon Cary said...

Sup a good post . I think the most important question I asked myself after I left Haiti was : what do I do now with what god has given me ? Such a "ah ha" place for people like us . God has been so good to us and for me I never really realized it until he sent me to Haiti . I'm so proud of all of you and look forward to meeting " The Doc " :) love you team Haiti

Peace out .