Encouragment in Haiti

It was truly an honor to partner with Dr. Phyllis Kilbourn and her team from CCTI (Crisis Care Training International) to provide training for our partners in Haiti at the end of July. Based on her education, training and many years of experience, Dr. Kilbourn provided not only training and guidance to our partners in Haiti, but created materials specifically geared towards helping the children of Haiti process the trauma they have been through.

As Dr. Kilbourn talked about the many aspects of trauma and tools for helping children process their experiences, I was blown away by how hungry our partners in Haiti are for more information and specific answers to their questions. Over just two short days a lot of information was shared that I believe will be helpful to our partners: pastors and teams of volunteers that visit orphaned and vulnerable children in their communities. During that time it was evident over and over again that the volunteers are passionate about and committed to not just the physical care, but the emotional and spiritual care of those in their community who are hurting.

But the overwhelming reality…everyone is hurting. At the training we gathered with pastors and volunteers who want to learn how to better care for children, but there was not one in the room who isn’t in the midst of grieving pain and loss themselves. One in particular who stands out…a pastor who lost his wife and children, yet he still desires to care for those around him who are hurting as well. Praise the Lord that there are many churches full of believers who are placing their hope and trust in Christ and watching Him give them energy and strength to care for others in the midst of their pain. But the need for support and encouragement is great. Yes, the finances are a piece – funds are needed so the OVC (orphaned and vulnerable children) program can operate. But just as crucial is the relationship – for a church in Haiti to know that a church in the US is committed to them. Not only committed to helping with the funds, but committed to praying, to encouraging, committed to caring that our brothers and sisters in Haiti are trusting on a daily basis that the Lord will sustain them and guide them as they rebuild their lives.

This Night...

This night as I sink tired, yet comfortably, into bed I am overwhelmed by all those whose place of rest is so uncomfortable.

This night some sleep too hot, so hot it takes your breath away. Yet others sleep too cold. Some too dry, their bodies parched for clean refreshing water. Others too wet, the rain soaks their roof and walls and beds...takes away their comfort and threatens their safety. But their exhaustion drives them to sleep...but I imagine it's a fitful sleep. Sound sleep interrupted by questions of safety and wondering...wondering what tomorrow will bring and what will fill the empty bellies of the children.

So this night, overwhelmed with gratefulness for my safe and comfortable bed, I am reminded of my need for mercy. Why I have the safety and the comfort I do not know.

I am also overwhelmed with gratefulness that my acceptance by Creator God is based not on my work or my righteousness, but on the perfect righteousness of Christ. His perfect, saving, redeeming sacrifice.

So while I rest in being a child of the most high God through faith in Jesus Christ and nothing more, I am reminded of His words, "to whom much is given, much more will be required."

So this night I find myself sinking into my safe, comfortable bed begging that HE will allow me to be spent on behalf of those who are hurting - that they may know His redemption, not only in their hearts but in their lives.

Lord Jesus, have mercy.