tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8647193623981061693.post7951332572029598307..comments2018-10-28T14:38:11.517-04:00Comments on The H.A.I.T.I. Chronicles- St. Marc, HT: LifeUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8647193623981061693.post-56112849896563552892013-01-20T09:06:35.439-05:002013-01-20T09:06:35.439-05:00A religious or spiritual message without a cup of ...A religious or spiritual message without a cup of cold water is a hot, dusty wind to a lost and parched soul. The opposite is also true: humanitarian help without the gospel is a kind moral gesture, but fails to meet the essential need of us all, rich or poor, waters of eternal life through Jesus Christ. Humanitarian aid is temporary. Sin’s stain of suffering on this world is permanent. The gospel is eternal. I am told that despite her tireless lifetime efforts to help the poor, Mother Teresa died in fear and doubt about her own salvation…were her efforts good enough? In his conversations with me and in his actions, Pastor Robinson has shown no less compassion than Teresa for human suffering. However, he has clearly demonstrated greater Biblical understanding. We all know how he sacrifices his own health and well-being, and he works to exhaustion, in his efforts to help his people. However, all of his obedient human effort: is in close connection with, directly points to, never gets confused with, and never replaces the gospel. <br /><br />The last day we were in Haiti, I had the opportunity to talk with Pastor Robinson in the Toyota while we were running medical errands. I came to tears as I told him I wished I could stay and help longer, and that I would miss him so much having come to know him well over the hours here in Traverse City and on our trip. He reassured me that I have a calling back in the USA that I must honor, a path I must follow. He told me to be faithful where God had placed me, that all of this is passing, that it is the eternal that matters…and the eternal will be good because Christ has made it so. I immediately thought of something he had said to me riding to Lake Michigan in the car this past summer: that all of the riches of the USA are also passing, that it is the Kingdom of God that matters, and it is worth our every investment. Those two dots connected in my mind, and I have been comforted ever since.<br /><br />Pastor, I share your achingly beautiful but achingly painful emotions as I settle back in to life back here at home. Let us all be re-energized to serve the Lord together where He has placed us, not out of guilt or in an attempt to earn God’s favor, but out of deep gratitude for what He has done for us in Christ. And let us take comfort in Pastor Robinson’s own example and words.<br />My heartfelt thanks to all the team members for their sacrifice, work, and love. It was a privilege to walk this part of the journey with you all. Love you.<br />Ethan<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com