Report by Rachel Robb
Jesus brought me to Haiti to go to Church. I haven’t been able to step foot inside a church building since my father (who was also my dearest and most favorite pastor) died 3 years ago. In fact, I’ve participated in not just 1, but 2 church services since my arrival here last week! This morning as Bro. Chuck spoke about forgiveness, I was moved to conclude that I have some heart work to do in regard to the church as a whole. Church…you have let me down. Church…you have left me alone. Church…you stole precious time away from my dad and me. Church…you have taught me incorrectly.
Apparently God knew I would need to travel a long, long way from my home and family to hear this message presented today: to forgive, as I have been forgiven – to love, as I have been loved. So…Church…I forgive you, and I will love you and accept you as you are. May we all do the same. Thank you, Bro. Chuck, for your heart’s message, and thank you for your work here in Haiti. I have felt more at home here in this church group than I have in many, many years. Interesting also is that my dad was one of the first men to come to this very area…and here I am walking where he walked and praying where He prayed. It has been a treasure to me I will never forget, to be a small part of the plan God has in store for the Haitian people here!
Today our mission team visited an orphanage up the mountain. I had expected to be overwhelmed with some kind of grief and sickened by the poverty; however, what we experienced was just what we’ve experienced throughout our stay here at the mission house…we experienced joy and peace among the people. Sure, there are material needs and there will likely always be poverty, but I will tell you one thing…these people have taught me about being content with what you have. They are survivors. They are brave and tough and, though they daily face adversity, they are to be commended for their love and joy. A friend of mine once told me, “Americans are so rich…all they have is money.” All these Haitians have is Jesus…and He is enough.