The privilege of sharing

2 Corinthians 8

And now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints. And they did not do as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us in keeping with God's will.

Since I've been home from Haiti, I've often ponder how the people could seem so happy and content while living in the terrible conditions that they live in. We visited an orphanage that had 44 children to care for in Port au Prince. Amidst the poverty that pledged the city, they cooked lunch for us (a group of about 40 ourselves!). They welcomed us into their home, sang to us with great joy, fed us and lifted our very spirits. God will make a way when there seems to be no way. I guess there is a peace that surpasses understanding!

This little guy got a JD cap!

Well, I now can say that I've been to Haiti!!! What an experience it was! I just cannot get over the absolute poverty of the Haitian people and the saddest thing to me is, if solutions were found this evening for economic growth and prosperity in Haiti, it would take many years before the effects would reach the common people. My heart goes out to the many, many children and their parents that I met in Haiti. But the Haitian spirit is not broken. Somehow they survive and while we were there, we got to witness a celebration of that spirited people. Just outside our hotel the first evening in town - a carnival with what must have been close to a million people! They want to speak to you and laugh, sing and rejoice in the Lord when they worship! The children want to play and learn - education is a privilege to them! I made so many Haitian friends this past week, ones that I will never forget and I feel so blessed that God allowed me to reach out on his behalf to people in such dire need. I'm sold on helping those children and I will go back, hopefully again and again!

Hope for Haiti's Children is a wonderful organization. Having traveled with it's president, founder, several board members and VP of Haiti operations I must say I have no doubt that these people are sold on doing everything within their power (and they have the power of God behind them!) to help the children in Haiti.

PS: BTW, I lost that cap (one of my favorites!) to a Haitian with a mo-ped! but next time I'm there, I'll buy it back from him!


From the organization website www.hfhcministries.org

Become a Sponsor Today!
Sponsoring a child is a great way to provide essential help to some of Haiti's most vulnerable children. Your sponsorship will make an lasting difference in the life of a child in need. Your child will receive the following benefits from your generous support:
Paid Tuition School Uniform Food Supplements	Pencils, Books, School supplies Book Bag Periodic Basic Health Care
As a sponsor you will receive the HFHC Newsletters, your child’s annual health report, a current photograph and an annual letter from your child. The cost of sponsoring a child is $32.00 per month. Your sponsorship can be paid monthly, quarterly, or annually.

Haiti Pics I've found

Here are a few Haiti pictures I have found from a guy that is in the peace corps there.




Interesting indeed.