Sunday, April 1, 2012

Makeover


How do I describe today? Emotionally charged, moving, empowering, life changing. As we arrived at the church this morning, we found the usual packed house. So many faces, it warmed me to see what is happening here in ministry. Our greater mission has always been about the delivery of the magnificent message of hope, that which will truly change a person's life, and that is being done in a marvelous way through the church family we continue to support with our efforts on the ground here. We spoke this morning through an interpreter about the church, what it is made of, what it is not, and challenged the people to not be on the sidelines of service in the church, but to sign on to what God is doing and build on one another. It was well received. But prior to that, there was a very special moment when a young man who had been in the orphanage with Rob years ago had made a commitment this week to get his family back in church. I have worked alongside of him for years now, he has been a part of many church projects, he is an amazing mechanic, fixing things at the parsonage, at the orphanage, worked with us drilling for water, and has just been an amazing friend. You cannot fathom the joy that filled the church and myself this morning when he arrived with his family, wife and three children, and had made the determination to come to church! An orphans long struggle has found rest today, he is home, and we are thrilled, it makes everything worth the effort, expense, and toil. It is the crowning moment to everything else.

On top of that we delivered Krystle's package of gifts to her family she had taken on her heart while Kelly was drilling in January. I cannot fully describe the tranquility of the moment that we became part of, the sweetness and tenderness were sublime. We took some pictures as the gifts were handed out to very, very grateful children. It was a magical, powerful, delightful moment. On top of that, they raced off to their house and all the children that were there dressed up in their new clothes, shoes (yes Deloris they ALL worked) and carrying their new toys. If I could transport you to that moment when the first teenage girl came out of the house, well... lets just say; "Extreme Makeover" move over! There was no reveal quite like the one we received this afternoon. As we stood there admiring and shooting photo's, Beth took a few tender moments to share the message of Christ with the family, and the reason for our being there in the first place. The atmosphere was radiant! It was a piece of heaven in a horrific land! I wept at the scene as it unfolded, and wondered that I could be counted worthy to partake in something so beautiful. Krystle was so happy! A special thanks to the many who contributed both large and small to her mission, I can tell you, it was well worth it, a hundred times over! We arrived back at the house, have had dinner, I am going to send off this post, and then we will head to the orphanage for the night. Another amazing day in Haiti! Blessings to all!

9 comments:

Deloris said...

My heart is racing reading this post! I can picture it all so clearly. Arcen and his family in their new church clothes, there to share in the service instead of just being there to help fix things. He is such a wonderful man and I am so happy that he has come to the Lord. His life will surely be blessed by his decision, and his family will reap the benefits of knowing God too. Such a blessing!!! And then to witness the family of 10 children being surprised with the new clothes and shoes and gifts must have been overwhelming. Probably good that I wasn't there because I would still be bawling. I'm sure that family will never forget this day and neither will any of us who have a heart for Haiti. This is truly the best news I've heard in a long time. Thank you all for your work, your love, and your service to these wonderful deserving poeple. I am so proud of all of you!! So now hurry home because I need a hug too!!! Love you guys!

Anonymous said...

Wow that filled my eyes with tears as we read the post. God is amazing!! Thanks for taking the time to listen to God and putting what was impressed on your heart into action. Life changing, we will pray that words and actions will penetrate the souls of all. Thanks for your service. Hugs The Reyhl's
PS. Any Pics? :)

Heidi said...

What an amazing day! I am teary hearing about the man who brought his family to church to worship...and even more happy tears fell hearing about Krystle's dear adopted family in the village. Thanks so much for the before and after pictures, Ethan--truly, this is the most beautiful makeover I've ever seen! Beth, the outfits look spectacular! My prayer is that their hearts will have makeovers, too--brand new life in Christ that is so abundant. How precious they are! Thank you for seeing a need, Krystle, and listening to God's voice propelling you to make a difference. Team Haiti, I can't believe you're getting ready for your last full day--press on to the finish line! We are cheering for you, praying for you, missing you, humbly grateful for you. Bunches of love to y'all!

tkaugust97 said...

This is such wonderful news! Your post blends so nicely with the message our pastor taught in church today. He taught on Luke 19:28-40. His main points were that 1. Jesus IS the Messiah, King of the scriptures (important to know in a world filled with much skepticism); and 2. Jesus IS the King who came to die, He HAD to die. There was no other way to bring us peace. In final application, he pointed out that we need to be studying the scriptures everyday to feed our souls . . . everyday! Also, we need, in light of the culture of Jesus's day and ours, to be able to give a reason for what we believe. He encouraged us, since we have been given the greatest gift the world has ever known, to share it with others. In the end, Pastor added on Luke 19:41, "When He approached Jerusalem, He saw the city and wept over it." Jesus was moved with compassion and we must be moved with compassion also. It was Pastor's prayer for us that we have the certainty that Jesus died for us and that we let our lights shine so others can have certainty that Jesus is their Savior also. While I know we can be "missionaries" everywhere God puts us, I did especially think of Team Haiti and how you all are so unashamedly sharing the reason you have hope and why you are sharing your love with them. I see the compassion you have, the gospel message is being shared, and God's love is being poured out through all of you. You have worked so hard because you love God. How can anyone listen to your testimonies and NOT believe in God?!

Your work there is not yet done. In all that you do, share God's love. Don't ever let your guard down. You (we) represent God at all times. We'll be praying for God to bless all your efforts whether it be in work or relaxation.

We love you guys.
The Gibsons

tkaugust97 said...

PS--Thank You for the pictures!! They are wonderful! Thank you!

Jake T said...

How amazing, God's grace flows from everlasting to everlasting. It is so awesome what He can do,when He is on the heart of someone of faith. What a testament of faith at work. If we reach out to God in prayer, and reach out to our fellows, God can use His church to work miracles. It sounds to me this makeover was another one of His miracles, He is so very good. Love and prayers from TC.

Anonymous said...

Hello Team! Sorry for my lack of posts..... Not that I have not been thinking of you all! I sit reading this post and teared up with Happiness hearing about Arcen! How awesome that is! I know Jim and I pray for him and his family often! Jim's always talking about him to "the guys" at work! I'm so glad to hear things are going so well! Enjoy your last moments there in Haiti.... This is always the hard part! Please give my love to Robinson, Naromie and the family..... The Orphans... the Church... God will continue to bless the remainder of your trip! Look forward to hearing about your trip! I love you all! Miss you Dad, look forward to hearing from you! God bless you all! Alisa

Anonymous said...

Tell that person I think of him very often and miss them all I don't post much but u all know I reading daily and there with u in heart keep up the great job team......Jim g

Brandon Cary said...

So cool , gotta save as many as we can . That's the real reason to go on a mission and be a "follower" . I have really enjoyed following the teams journey through Doyle's words . Love you team Haiti