From PVBC:
Jody (the missionary here) tells the story that when the earthquake hit, CNN was filming and in the background while they filmed, some of the Haitians were singing this in the midst of their loss and devastation.
Tout bagay deja byen -Depi Jezi chita sou thwone
Which means –
Everything is already OK – Because Jesus still sits on his throne!!!
I have to ask myself, is that my song in the midst of crisis? Is that my song all the time? Is it your song? Would you sing that if an earthquake swallowed up everything you own, your family, your children, life as you know it????
Today the men worked tirelessly to finish up their triple tier bunk beds….these men are amazing! Sharon, Andrea, and Cindy you would be brought to tears if you could see your husbands work diligently at construction…. and at the same time instruct the Haitian workers. Not only are they working together side by side, but they are building lasting relationships that will forever impact both us and them.
The ladies gracefully hiked their skirts up and stepped into boats this morning. We enjoyed a beautiful and breezy ride with the sun in our faces and the Lord in our hearts. We headed to a fishing village 2 to 3 miles by boat across the Bay area. Kim presented the Gospel with the power of the Holy Spirit upon her. We all spent time with the people of Preskul fishing village, handed out snacks, and enjoyed some fellowship together.
We all spoke with a man named Alex who was sure that God cared more about the white people then Asians and blacks. I encourage you all to ponder that for a minute ….. that is something we should all let set in. In the book “Hole in our gospel” is something like this (I don’t have the book so this is just my memory)…If all the Christians in the USA would truly give the 10% God asks us to, we could rid the world hunger epidemic (again….I hope I am remembering that stat correctly…but still, you see my point).
Is it our fault that Haiti is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere? NO, but are those of us “seemingly fortunate american’s” showing the love of Jesus? Are we being His hands and feet? I would say as a collective unit : WE ARE NOT! If we were, would men like Alex wonder if God loves America more than Haiti?
In a Bible study that NWHCM gives us, it defines poverty as: a consequence we have due to sin which leads to broken relationships, and separation from God due to sinful decisions. So, I am guessing since we are all sinners, many of us in America are suffering from poverty…poverty of joy which comes from being in a deep fulfilling relationship with Christ. In that definition, many Haitians are very rich!!! Bringing it back to the song I listed above….I ask you again…..are you so rich, so prosperous, so wealthy in the Lord that when crisis hits in the blink of an eye that you sing:
Everything is already OK
Because God still sits on his throne!!!
Happiness and Blessings,
Mendy Shirver
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From Black Mountain: well today was an exciting day. David gave a great devotion this morning. we took a 40 minute boat ride to a remote fishing village where Kelly led a vacation bible school and painted nails. the ride back was quite an experience. we cut out some more parts for the boat, it has been a great experience working with a Haitian boat builder.
my life has been changed this week, i cant belive how much this trip has been an eye opener cant wait to share see y’all soon. Austin
Today we went by boat to the fishing village and told the parable of the lost sheep. So cool to tell the story and hear it being told back in Creole. All of the houses were thatch roof. They had fishing nets all around with snapper, conch and parrot fish. It was like you would see in the movies! Such an honor to tell the story and to be reminded of how God searches for us. He knows each of us by name- if we wander away He knows and will search for us until we are found safe in His arms. Then snack and then some played soccer and some painted toenails for the women. It was so sweet to hold each foot in my lap and pray for each one. I asked them to sing and they sang in creole about the joy in their heart. They have not seen a white person since August. The boat ride was interesting – a combination of splash mountain a wet t-shirt contest (Aaron won!) Tanners- thanks for loving Rayney. Wondering how she would like it down here…
Faith your husband rocked the worship yesterday with a guitar – thought you would want to know.
Austin and David have done the devotions for our group, Jacob is going to sing Prince of Peace. Funny that the men of our group have shied away but the “up and coming” men have been impressive. They will be incredible leaders.
John has learned Miss Mary Mack with style. Richard is getting worked by the kids in basketball and soccer. Jason and his quiet thoughtful way is always there to help and speak encouragement to those around him. Wes is straight out of M.A.S.H.. He has got some of the best one-liners. My kids are amazing. Gray now has a machete and a whip! (it is Mardi Gras down here and all the boys are popping them in the street) Pray that we don’t end up in the clinic. Willa is jumping rope like a mad woman and Miss Mary Macking ad nauseam… My husband is my hero. It is because of him and his willingness to lead that we are all here. Thank you God for that man! Feeling blessed and tired. -Kelly
PS Kari thanks for not waiting for the billboard- we might not be down here! Your little sister is proud to walk in your footsteps.
Family, thank you all for your support. I love you and miss you. I have a lot of great stories. John
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Garden, Goats, Chicken, Clinic Team
Up at the crack of dawn to plant beans, corn and melons. Then to water goats in the stream, stubborn little guys. The goats taught us that there is always a leader and most will follow if we figure out who it is! The chickens were sorted and sent off with families to live. The chick coops are well made and have a lot of character. The clinic was so full this afternoon that we had to send 32 home to return in the morning. A noon dip in the sea refreshed us all and the afternoon flew by. Our team is quite the group and we are all very motivated to do our work. Surely the Lord is in this place.
