“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” 1 Peter 4:10
The earthquake that struck Port-au-Prince (PAP) on January 12, 2010 brought death and destruction to hundreds of thousands of people living there; and thousands remain living in tent cities today. The attached photo is of my pickup truck parked in front of Bon Barger Evangelique Lutherienne in Caredeux which is a suburb in the eastern part of PAP. This Church was built with the support of faithful stewards living in Michigan, and the school which is behind was constructed with support of faithful stewards living in Nebraska, South Dakota, Washington and Canada.
The photo was taken in 2001 and the only damage that was sustained by the earthquake was to a portion of the north security wall. The congregation worshipped outside on the south side of the church for a couple of months until the government allowed them to return as the buildings on this property were determined to be structurally sound.
Bon Berger was my Church home while living in Haiti and worshipping there always made me think of what Heaven must be like. The two hour long services, the joyful music and the hope of a Risen Savior that was etched in the smiles of the members will never fade from my memories. I heard a Bluegrass song recently by the Stanley Brothers called “The Prettiest Flowers” and that brought back what it felt like in Haiti and what it might feel like when we all are together in Heaven.
“I know there is a land of beautiful flowers where we’ll meet again when life is over where we’ll while away the endless hours on heaven’s bright eternal shore. The prettiest beds of flowers will be blooming by the prettiest treats our eyes will ever behold where the beautiful tree of life for us is waiting by the prettiest mansion made with purest gold. I want to meet you by that beautiful river on that eternal morning in the sky where we’ll live in peace through endless ages where we’ll never say goodbye. The prettiest robes and crowns we’ll all be wearing in the city four square beyond this world of strife and the prettiest songs of the angels will be singing on the beautiful morning by the river of life.”
Thank you for sharing your prayers and support for the Trinity/HOPE feeding program at Bon Berger as they children attending school are being prepared to go out into the world and share the reason for their hope. Neither, earthquake, being homeless or hungry will separate them from the love of Jesus Christ.
Dear Heavenly Father, you have called your servants to ventures of which we cannot see the ending, by paths as yet untrodden, through perils unknown. Give us faith to go out with good courage, not knowing where we go but only that your hand is leading us and your love supporting us through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Amen.
May God be with you…Jay