The Body Of Christ…

We moved to Mole St Nicolas a few months after the earthquake in 2010.  I was leaving our main campus which is where I grew up. It was really scary but I knew this is what God wanted. Before we had even visited the village – we accepted the call to plant a church and orphanage in the Mole.

When we first arrived our church only had 10 members – mostly children. A year later and we were booming with nearly 200 members.  We felt like we were on a honeymoon here – everything fitting together so perfectly. The church was booming. I had a small clinic I was running and the orphanage was finally open. Though there were difficult moments – everything seemed to be running as best as it could – all things considered.

But this time last year we had to ask our pastor to leave. The fallout that came from that decision caused so much heartache for our staff, friends, and family. I honestly wasn’t sure if we could recover. I began to question my own calling here.

Pastor Agenord came to help us this past January. Not even a year later and our church has seen more fruit this year than the other 3 combined.  I’m not sure I even recognize our church. Even now I feel the tears forming in my eyes….Jesus – You are the Miracle Bringer!

Our women’s group has nearly tripled in size. We are winning more people to Christ in our village and surrounding villages like we never have before. Our youth group is thriving and reaching out to the schools. Agenord is on the radio every week sharing the word of God!  Our church is no longer just filled with people….we’re the body of Christ. We work together – not seeking personal agendas. We love each other despite all of our differences. It’s one of the biggest miracles I’ve ever seen here.

Our church still meets in a military tent. It’s dirty and it’s so very hot. There is little ventilation even when you roll up the sides of the tent. The front and back ends of the tent have been burned…a constant reminder of past-drama. Yet even still – our benches are full nearly every Sunday.

Our church held it’s Women’s Revival in the cafeteria this past November. The breeze was amazing. Looking at the garden that surrounded us was so peaceful. The space allowed for us to use all the benches from the church, picnic tables, and fold-up chairs. Every seat was occupied…..Glory to God!

The congregation has been asking for help to build a church since we moved here. Haiti is like the American churches of yesteryear. The building holds cultural and significant value here. Our mayor and other townspeople have actually teased us because we are still meeting in a tent. It is their belief that we must not be “genuine” if God still hasn’t given us a church.

Pastor Agenord told me some of the people were feeling depressed that God would never hear their prayer. I told Agenord – maybe God is just waiting for the church to step-up and step-out. We both believe that God just wants to see us willing to sacrifice and work for the Lord. (We just weren’t sure whether the rest of the congregation would believe that as well).

Do you know how hard it is to get someone to work for free? Especially if there are American involved in any way? This would NOT have happened a year ago. This is how I know we are bearing GENUINE fruit!

Below are some pictures Miss Beth took of our body of Christ – working together – in the hot sun – young and old – men and women – for the Glory of their God….who just so happens to my God….Jesus Christ!