Seminar Day One - Jesus was moved with Compassion

First Day - about 167 attending

Today was the first day of the conference.  Not everyone showed up due to a demonstration in the streets. Many of the people want the current president Preval

to step down, and not remain in power until the March elections.  It could continue into tomorrow, but other than rocks being thrown at the palace, and we stayed clear of that area, things were quiet driving in – just LOTS of traffic. 

We started quite late as a result of the traffic, and got off to a bit of a tough start. We have some hard core believers that cannot grasp the concept that fear and faith can coincide, and see a demon behind emotions.  People are people no matter where you are – we’ve been there.  Being seasoned at this kind of thing by now, I got pretty fired up and by the end of the day, I was told day one went well and everyone was looking forward to tomorrow, and was very thankful that we came. I constantly reminded them that Jesus wept - that he suffered many things and He showed emotion, that He was moved with compasion. I desire to be like my Lord in his suffering and emotions so that I can "comfort others with the comfort I have been comforted with. " The pastors are solid and eager to learn.  When Dave speaks it is with a booming voice, filled with the Holy Ghost and power, and he gets applauded.  (I am getting a complex.) Tomorrow I will continue by reminding them of David, Elijah, Jeremiah etc. and all the emotion they displayed as we talk about "Wounds of the Heart"

Pastor Daniel - my translator, and friend.

This is my translator Pastor Daniel. I have absolutely fallen in love with Daniel, and will most likely sob when I leave. I want him to be my son in law at least, if not a son.  (I would have been a young mother) He is a wonderful, intelligent man with a passion for Jesus, to learn, to grow, filled with kindness and integrity. You see Christ in Him and feel his compassion. He is teaching me Creole as I find I want to know the people in their language.  Not only does he translate my words, but I believe he tries to translate my heart – which is what this work is about – a work of the heart. 

I am challenging the people to really think and learn and tomorrow we will cover the brain (mind) as an organ like the heart, that can wound and need to be healed.  We encouraged them to today to think about what they believe and live it – to reach Haiti for Christ – their only hope. 

Their faith and resiliency is amazing, and even in the earthquake they rest in the hand of God that He is in control of all things. Oh that I would have that kind of faith at all times.  I am praying that they can understand it is not a challenge to their faith to admit they have emotions. 

One woman came up to me crying, and tried to express that she was “so happy you are here. I have been waiting for you. Thank you.” She is a pastors wife and ministers to many.  

Oh, and last night we had goat for dinner – and it was wonderful!  The food is amazing.  I don’t know how I will leave Haiti, without trusting that God will be bringing me back quickly. I have fallen in love with the Haitian Christians and their sense of community which I miss so much.

As I am writing, Guerda, the Superintendant's (our hosts) wife brought me the tea I am enjoying so much. They bring new meaning to the scripture, "given to hospitality. 

Please continue to pray for safety for all, peace in Port au Prince, health and strength. Dave has been badly attacked with allergy type symptoms for over 24 hours now that are causing intense headaches and a sick feeling.  But we press on towards the mark and run the race, not only with endurance, but with the peace and love of Christ as our banner, and the faith of the Haitian Christians as our strength.