“When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.” Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.” The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep. Very truly I tell you, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, “Follow me!” John 21:15-20
It has been a few months since I last sent a message. It’s been a rough two months along my journey. My journey is pale when held alongside our Savior’s journey. After reading the above verses, there are a few simple truths from our Savior; ‘seek and save the lost, feed my sheep and follow me!’ When you travel to Haiti with a Trinity HOPE mission team you will see living evidence of these instructions from our Savior. You will see the vodou flags in the neighborhoods and know that the presence of satan is within your reach. You can see it, smell it and hear it in their neighborhoods; it has been there since 1804 when Haiti became a country and continues to try to lure His children into the snares set with lies and fear.
If you ever get an opportunity to visit one of the 301 Christian schools throughout Haiti with a Trinity HOPE feeding program you will sense the need to ‘feed my sheep’ as you see the children who are not eating daily bread and hear their responses to the questions; “did you have anything to eat last night before bed or this morning before school?” There is no fridge in their home with meat, cheese and crackers or cupboards with pop tarts and cookies. Their families live from day to day not knowing if there will be food on the table.
When you witness their class learning about the Apostles Creed, or listen to their meal prayers you will better understand the pressing command to ‘follow me!’ These are the children who will be the next generation of missionaries in Haiti, taking the love of their Savior out into the streets and pathways, sharing the message of salvation with the lost.
A few months ago on March 9, infection in my right leg made it necessary for another amputation. My right stump goes by Job and my left has been named TAP. That is an acronym for The Apostle Paul. Two men who walked closely with God while enduring many challenges. Like the Haitian school children, Job and Paul; we have all faced at least one difficult challenge along our journey. And, we weren’t alone; whether or not we realized it at the time. Whatever the challenge, get up and follow HIM. HE is always with us. Yes Lord, I love You. Please join me in feeding His sheep.
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