Today is our last day in Haiti. It is hard to believe we have been here 10 days - feels like we just got here yesterday. We have seen so much, and met so many wonderful people, that it is hard to put into words what I am feeling right now. The simplest explanation is that I am not ready to go.
As I try to capture my thoughts, I struggle, since I am scattered and overwhelmed today. I am trying to process everything and be rational, but am quickly learning that when you come to Haiti, be prepared to have your heart broken in inexplicable ways. It defies reason and it defies logic. I can say at this moment that I don't like the feeling. Most likely because it is out of my control - and that makes me very uncomfortable to say the least. I don't like sitting on the balcony of the guesthouse crying for no apparent reason - although I am sure baby Marie and the other beautiful children have something to do with it.
Spending time with Greg and Michelle and Dustin and Ashton as they serve the Lord has been an eye opening experience for us. We came to Haiti in the hopes of this being our first trip that would set the groundword for future trips. I am sure we came with a "plan" of what we might be doing, of what we might see - even though we had no idea of what to expect. Travelling around with them for a few days before the rest of the group got here helped us clarify how we might be used here in the future.
It is still overwhelming to me - because everywhere we turn, someone needs something. What we learned from spending time with Greg and Michelle, is that when you come to Haiti to do mission work, the first thing you have to do is throw your own agenda out the window. Follow God's lead, ask what He would have you do, and then do it. Only then will He be glorified - and that is the goal of any missionary - to bring the Father glory. It does not mean you can't come with a goal of what you hope to accomplish - it just means that you better be in tune with His will.
We are just getting to know the group from Church of the Cove in TN, and I wish we were going to be here to work with them next week. They are such a wonderful group who have such a heart for Christ, that they are just a joy to be around, and I know we could learn much from them were we to be here a few more days with them.
Bobby, Lourdie, Momma T and the rest of the workers at CHOH - what a blessing to have met them, to see love in action. To see the sacrifices they make for the children when they could very easily be doing something else that would be easier for them, is humbling to say the least. The children at CHOH are so full of love, and so respectful of one another, and so grateful for any attention they get. They simply blow my mind.
Haiti as a whole has captivated our hearts. Everywhere we turn there is one paradox after another. There is beauty amidst the destruction, joy in faces filled with sadness, strength in those who are broken. It is this very quality of Haiti that guarantess we will be back, again and again.
Showing posts with label missions. Show all posts
Showing posts with label missions. Show all posts
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Crazy Beautiful Haiti
So I have been thinking a little this morning - been up awhile with Marie Jane, she has decided she likes it when I do not put her down! :-)
Haiti. Unless you have been here you cannot possibly understand why someone would even want to visit. As you can see from the pictures I have posted, there is devastation and filth everywhere you turn. The daily scenes just make you want to cry, throw up your hands and go home. Homeless children and adults are everywhere you go. To the average American this would be a hopeless situation. Why bother, right? WRONG.
Hope is why we come, and it is also why we stay. The church service on Sunday was amazing, An armed guard was at the gate during worship. The "sanctuary" was packed - wall to wall and with people standing ourside. Worship was led by beautiful Haitian youth, who have seen God only knows what in their young lives. They sang, "Mighty to Save", "Halleluiah, God is Good," "I Just Want to Thank You God," and several other songs praising our God. They sang with such conviction and hope, that I was left speechless at their sincerity. They were filled with His joy. Their faces were radiant. They raised their hands, They did not get in their cars and drive to church as we do. They walked. From who knows what conditions to worship. They MEANT what they were singing. They are truly thankful in the midst of their turmoil and loss.
This is just one of the reasons you come to Haiti, and one of the reasons that once you are here, you don't want to leave. The people are beautiful and strong. Those who have faith in God, have it for real. You see it and you feel it. Their warmth and their smiles are contagious.
Humbleness. Paul has been to places here that I have yet to see, areas of extreme poverty where the faces of young and old alike are still radiant with joy. But even from my trips to the orphanage, it is evident that with so very little - in our eyes - the children are filled with love and hope. A level of poverty we cannot even fathom, that would destroy many of us, is just part of life. They have not been tainted by the world of stuff, and I pray that we Americans do not bring that to them. Part of what makes the Haitian people so beautiful is their ability to be content in their current circumstance. I am not saying that they do not wish things were different - they alone can answer that question - but their circumstances have not broken them. They have survived so much, and still they shine.
The lost. The other reason we must come is to reach those who are dying. Voodoo is real. The Catholic Church here has been infiltrated to different degrees by voodoo. It is so important that we provide the means and training and resources for local spiritual leaders to lead their communities to Christ. We cannot come here and effectively evangelize, but we can make it possible for the local pastors to meet the overwhelming needs of their communities.
I know that it is not reasonable to think that we can come down here and change Haiti overnight, maybe not in our lifetime. I do believe that by taking one step at a time, following the lead and direction of our Father, that if we take the time to invest in one child or one family at a time, we will impact Haiti, and our Father in heaven will be glorified. That is afterall, why He put us here. Those who have the means, are to help those who do not. That is what He calls love.
Haiti. Unless you have been here you cannot possibly understand why someone would even want to visit. As you can see from the pictures I have posted, there is devastation and filth everywhere you turn. The daily scenes just make you want to cry, throw up your hands and go home. Homeless children and adults are everywhere you go. To the average American this would be a hopeless situation. Why bother, right? WRONG.
Hope is why we come, and it is also why we stay. The church service on Sunday was amazing, An armed guard was at the gate during worship. The "sanctuary" was packed - wall to wall and with people standing ourside. Worship was led by beautiful Haitian youth, who have seen God only knows what in their young lives. They sang, "Mighty to Save", "Halleluiah, God is Good," "I Just Want to Thank You God," and several other songs praising our God. They sang with such conviction and hope, that I was left speechless at their sincerity. They were filled with His joy. Their faces were radiant. They raised their hands, They did not get in their cars and drive to church as we do. They walked. From who knows what conditions to worship. They MEANT what they were singing. They are truly thankful in the midst of their turmoil and loss.
This is just one of the reasons you come to Haiti, and one of the reasons that once you are here, you don't want to leave. The people are beautiful and strong. Those who have faith in God, have it for real. You see it and you feel it. Their warmth and their smiles are contagious.
Humbleness. Paul has been to places here that I have yet to see, areas of extreme poverty where the faces of young and old alike are still radiant with joy. But even from my trips to the orphanage, it is evident that with so very little - in our eyes - the children are filled with love and hope. A level of poverty we cannot even fathom, that would destroy many of us, is just part of life. They have not been tainted by the world of stuff, and I pray that we Americans do not bring that to them. Part of what makes the Haitian people so beautiful is their ability to be content in their current circumstance. I am not saying that they do not wish things were different - they alone can answer that question - but their circumstances have not broken them. They have survived so much, and still they shine.
The lost. The other reason we must come is to reach those who are dying. Voodoo is real. The Catholic Church here has been infiltrated to different degrees by voodoo. It is so important that we provide the means and training and resources for local spiritual leaders to lead their communities to Christ. We cannot come here and effectively evangelize, but we can make it possible for the local pastors to meet the overwhelming needs of their communities.
I know that it is not reasonable to think that we can come down here and change Haiti overnight, maybe not in our lifetime. I do believe that by taking one step at a time, following the lead and direction of our Father, that if we take the time to invest in one child or one family at a time, we will impact Haiti, and our Father in heaven will be glorified. That is afterall, why He put us here. Those who have the means, are to help those who do not. That is what He calls love.
Friday, November 5, 2010
First Impressions of Haiti
Well, we made it in one piece to Haiti after experiencing what the pilots called minor turbulance along the way! I call it something else entirely. The landing was less than stellar, but it was a landing at an airport, so that is definitely a plus! The experience at the airport was just that - an experience! Mere words cannot describe getting off the plane, being herded onto a bus and taken to customs, and then to the insanity of the "baggage claim" area - a giant room filled with men and luggage scattered everywhere - because by the time you make it through immigration - the baggage is who knows where!
You are immediately accosted by numerous workers wanting to retrieve your bags, put them on the cart and just start walking off with them - as they argue with one another about WHO is going to take them. It is a little unnerving, because these guys did not speak English, and we did not speak Haitian Creole! Pointing to the bandana I had tied around my carry on backpack, did make it so they could find our bags, since I had tied a bandana on all the bags. Yay me! :-)
Once we had finally made it through immigration and retrieved all 5 checked bags, we had to go through customs (all in a large overcrowded building with no air). I made it past the customs guy no problem - he looked at my loaded down cart, looked at me - hesitiated a moment and waved me through. Meanwhile this same guy stops Paul (as my guy is sprinting away with my loaded cart) and asks him what is in one particularly large (76 pounds to be exact) bag. Paul makes up some stuff which happens to be true, the guy hesitates and finally waves him on. Praise God, cause I was not ready to have them go through all our stuff and lose it.
We hurry outside with our carts and see a young man holding a sign that says "Paul and Melody." I breathe a sigh of relief, however, other men want to carry our stuff, I tell them we have it, they are persistant, our guy and the other guy are arguing....Uh OH! The two guys are racing off with the carts and arguing, and I am doing my best to keep up! Thankfully I spot Michelle in the distance and feel MUCH better about the outcome of this event.
The adventure continues after we make it to the truck...Suffice it to say that driving in Haiti is NOT like driving in the USA. I saw maybe one light. Let's just call it what it is - it's a free for all. No rules. Whoever drives faster and crazier wins. Cutting people off is apparently part of the driving process....It is an amazing experience to say the least. Add the "potholes" to the mix and you feel as if you are in a video game - continually dodging oncoming trucks, potholes, chickens, dogs and goats! Yes, they all share the road! :-)
After we had lunch, we went to the Children of Hope Orphanage and Hospice where we were greeted instantaneaousl with hugs and kisses from the childen, and then from Mama T and Lourdes. The children are precious, and so are these ladies who love them so.
As everyone knows, a hurricane was approaching Hait as we left, and it was suggested that we postpone the trip. Paul and I talked about it, but it was never a serious consideration for us, as we really believed that Haiti was not going to be hit.
Everyone we know sent up prayers that Haiti be spared more destruction. We just prayed and prayed and prayed. Even today we were under a hurricane warning. We got a little rain. It just shows the mighty hand of God answering the prayers of His children. He always hears and he always answers. He is so good.
This afternoon, Greg took us for a drive around the area. Pictures can not really prepare you for what you are going to see. And smell. The level of poverty here is completely indescribable. Our poor in the US are wealthy compared to what we saw today. Living in squalor doesn't even begin to describe the conditions. Tents, shacks, shantys, overcrowding is an understatement. The smell of the area close to the port was like nothing I have ever smelled.
So when you come to Haiti, your senses are overwhelmed, and you shake your head, and your mouth kind of falls open in disbelief. And you shake your head in disbelief at what you are seeing, thinking it must be a scene out of some horrible movie about what it might be like in the last days. It is NOT something you expect to see in 2012. Not when so many have the means to help - yet do not.
While your senses are overwhelmed by the sadness and destruction that you see, your heart is also filled by people who are still so full of love and hope that it is contagious. Their smile simply warms your soul.
You are immediately accosted by numerous workers wanting to retrieve your bags, put them on the cart and just start walking off with them - as they argue with one another about WHO is going to take them. It is a little unnerving, because these guys did not speak English, and we did not speak Haitian Creole! Pointing to the bandana I had tied around my carry on backpack, did make it so they could find our bags, since I had tied a bandana on all the bags. Yay me! :-)
Once we had finally made it through immigration and retrieved all 5 checked bags, we had to go through customs (all in a large overcrowded building with no air). I made it past the customs guy no problem - he looked at my loaded down cart, looked at me - hesitiated a moment and waved me through. Meanwhile this same guy stops Paul (as my guy is sprinting away with my loaded cart) and asks him what is in one particularly large (76 pounds to be exact) bag. Paul makes up some stuff which happens to be true, the guy hesitates and finally waves him on. Praise God, cause I was not ready to have them go through all our stuff and lose it.
We hurry outside with our carts and see a young man holding a sign that says "Paul and Melody." I breathe a sigh of relief, however, other men want to carry our stuff, I tell them we have it, they are persistant, our guy and the other guy are arguing....Uh OH! The two guys are racing off with the carts and arguing, and I am doing my best to keep up! Thankfully I spot Michelle in the distance and feel MUCH better about the outcome of this event.
The adventure continues after we make it to the truck...Suffice it to say that driving in Haiti is NOT like driving in the USA. I saw maybe one light. Let's just call it what it is - it's a free for all. No rules. Whoever drives faster and crazier wins. Cutting people off is apparently part of the driving process....It is an amazing experience to say the least. Add the "potholes" to the mix and you feel as if you are in a video game - continually dodging oncoming trucks, potholes, chickens, dogs and goats! Yes, they all share the road! :-)
After we had lunch, we went to the Children of Hope Orphanage and Hospice where we were greeted instantaneaousl with hugs and kisses from the childen, and then from Mama T and Lourdes. The children are precious, and so are these ladies who love them so.
As everyone knows, a hurricane was approaching Hait as we left, and it was suggested that we postpone the trip. Paul and I talked about it, but it was never a serious consideration for us, as we really believed that Haiti was not going to be hit.
Everyone we know sent up prayers that Haiti be spared more destruction. We just prayed and prayed and prayed. Even today we were under a hurricane warning. We got a little rain. It just shows the mighty hand of God answering the prayers of His children. He always hears and he always answers. He is so good.
This afternoon, Greg took us for a drive around the area. Pictures can not really prepare you for what you are going to see. And smell. The level of poverty here is completely indescribable. Our poor in the US are wealthy compared to what we saw today. Living in squalor doesn't even begin to describe the conditions. Tents, shacks, shantys, overcrowding is an understatement. The smell of the area close to the port was like nothing I have ever smelled.
So when you come to Haiti, your senses are overwhelmed, and you shake your head, and your mouth kind of falls open in disbelief. And you shake your head in disbelief at what you are seeing, thinking it must be a scene out of some horrible movie about what it might be like in the last days. It is NOT something you expect to see in 2012. Not when so many have the means to help - yet do not.
While your senses are overwhelmed by the sadness and destruction that you see, your heart is also filled by people who are still so full of love and hope that it is contagious. Their smile simply warms your soul.
Friday, October 22, 2010
The devil doesn't want you going anywhere
I was just telling my 20 year old son Destin about how I hurt my knee pretty badly yesterday morning. The first sentence out of his mouth was "go to the doctor, the devil doesn't want you going anywhere!"
How right Destin is. As soon as you make plans to go and do something for God, where you KNOW He will be glorified in the process, Satan is going to spring into action as quickly as he can to stop you! And he really does pull out all the stops!!!! It can be a very simple little thing to literally knock you off your feet...
Rewind to yesterday morning. My sweet husband was trying to help me, so he "swiffered" the house for me before work. In my haste to get dressed, I scurried into Shelby's room in my wedges, and all of a sudden....clumsy feet meet wet slippery floor...
You can probably tell where this is going - and you are right....
My left leg, which already has a screw holding the medial, lateral, and posterior cruciate ligaments in place from an auto accident some 20 years ago, went sideways - popping, crunching, and cracking all the while - as my right leg went in the opposite direction....
Needless to say, it was not a pretty sight, and had it not hurt so badly - I would have laughed at the comical nature of the event...HOWEVER - with our mission trip to Haiti only 2 weeks away, I was not laughing....crying in pain and frustration was more like it.
I made my way to work and quickly realized my knee was functioning far from normal. It hurt to walk, it hurt to bend over and it CERTAINLY hurt if it twisted in any direction....Walgreens is right across the road, so I hobbled over, got a sturdy brace and a bottle of Aleve, and said many prayers for miraculous healing of the knee.
Needless to say, the whole situation troubles me. The knee feels no better, and the entire outside of my quad muscle feels bruised...and I really cannot walk very well at all.
We have work to do in Haiti, and I cannot figure out for the life of me how this injury figures into God's plan. I know He HAS a plan for us, and I know in my heart that it involves the beautful people of Haiti.
I know that satan would love to stop us from going and sharing the light and love of Christ, so I ask that you please pray that we are protected from these attacks of the enemy that aim to stop us from serving. There is power in prayer, so we all have to remember to pray for one another each and every day we take a breath. The battle is already won....we just have to do our part as His soldiers.
How right Destin is. As soon as you make plans to go and do something for God, where you KNOW He will be glorified in the process, Satan is going to spring into action as quickly as he can to stop you! And he really does pull out all the stops!!!! It can be a very simple little thing to literally knock you off your feet...
Rewind to yesterday morning. My sweet husband was trying to help me, so he "swiffered" the house for me before work. In my haste to get dressed, I scurried into Shelby's room in my wedges, and all of a sudden....clumsy feet meet wet slippery floor...
You can probably tell where this is going - and you are right....
My left leg, which already has a screw holding the medial, lateral, and posterior cruciate ligaments in place from an auto accident some 20 years ago, went sideways - popping, crunching, and cracking all the while - as my right leg went in the opposite direction....
Needless to say, it was not a pretty sight, and had it not hurt so badly - I would have laughed at the comical nature of the event...HOWEVER - with our mission trip to Haiti only 2 weeks away, I was not laughing....crying in pain and frustration was more like it.
I made my way to work and quickly realized my knee was functioning far from normal. It hurt to walk, it hurt to bend over and it CERTAINLY hurt if it twisted in any direction....Walgreens is right across the road, so I hobbled over, got a sturdy brace and a bottle of Aleve, and said many prayers for miraculous healing of the knee.
Needless to say, the whole situation troubles me. The knee feels no better, and the entire outside of my quad muscle feels bruised...and I really cannot walk very well at all.
We have work to do in Haiti, and I cannot figure out for the life of me how this injury figures into God's plan. I know He HAS a plan for us, and I know in my heart that it involves the beautful people of Haiti.
I know that satan would love to stop us from going and sharing the light and love of Christ, so I ask that you please pray that we are protected from these attacks of the enemy that aim to stop us from serving. There is power in prayer, so we all have to remember to pray for one another each and every day we take a breath. The battle is already won....we just have to do our part as His soldiers.
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Our worst day is but a dream.....
Last night I was reading the blog of a missionary in Haiti. She had been working at a med clinic all day, when a young lady came in for a pregnancy test. She already had 2 small children, and was single. She had been on birth control, but something went wrong. The young lady's test came back positive, and in an instant she decided to abort the child.
As heartbreaking as this news was to the missionary at the clinic, she realized that there are not couples in Haiti waiting to adopt this child as there are in the U.S. - there are orphans everywhere. The government is corrupt and makes international adoptions a nightmare, and how is this young woman going to take care of another baby?
Who knows if she even has a "home." With 1.5 million people still living in tents in Haiti, with no jobs, very little food, unsafe drinkning water, what was this woman to do?
I am utterly ashamed to ever think I have had a bad day in my life! Right now it does not matter what most Haitians do, their tomorrow is going to look just like their yesterday, and it is going to be that way for a VERY LONG TIME! They cannot go get another job, or move to a better part of town. They cannot work harder to make it better. There are no jobs, and there is no town to speak of!
Haitians need the hope and grace and love that only Jesus can provide. I cannot imagine the feeling of getting up everyday knowing I was completely powerless to change my situation. As a Christian, I try to imagine that minus Christ. WOW! A feeling of hopelessness like no other overtakes me. What is it that makes you go on? How do you go on day after day amidst the darkness that is sure to try to consume you?
I imagine you pray to whomever for someone to come and help. To love you. To show you that there really is hope when you cannot see it for yourself.
This is why we must go. Our heart breaks for these beautiful people who continue to hang on depite all odds.
Help us help them, won't you?
As heartbreaking as this news was to the missionary at the clinic, she realized that there are not couples in Haiti waiting to adopt this child as there are in the U.S. - there are orphans everywhere. The government is corrupt and makes international adoptions a nightmare, and how is this young woman going to take care of another baby?
Who knows if she even has a "home." With 1.5 million people still living in tents in Haiti, with no jobs, very little food, unsafe drinkning water, what was this woman to do?
I am utterly ashamed to ever think I have had a bad day in my life! Right now it does not matter what most Haitians do, their tomorrow is going to look just like their yesterday, and it is going to be that way for a VERY LONG TIME! They cannot go get another job, or move to a better part of town. They cannot work harder to make it better. There are no jobs, and there is no town to speak of!
Haitians need the hope and grace and love that only Jesus can provide. I cannot imagine the feeling of getting up everyday knowing I was completely powerless to change my situation. As a Christian, I try to imagine that minus Christ. WOW! A feeling of hopelessness like no other overtakes me. What is it that makes you go on? How do you go on day after day amidst the darkness that is sure to try to consume you?
I imagine you pray to whomever for someone to come and help. To love you. To show you that there really is hope when you cannot see it for yourself.
This is why we must go. Our heart breaks for these beautiful people who continue to hang on depite all odds.
Help us help them, won't you?
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Everyone has the ability to help
As our day of departure of November 4 quickly approaches, I become acutely aware of how much "help" we need. I know that not everyone feels called to go to the "mission field," but I do believe everyone can help those who do go. Everyone has a God given ability to help send....
There are three impoertant ways in which you can help Paul and I in the coming weeks.
PRAY
I have always believed in the power of prayer, and I have seen God move in my life and in the lives of those I am close to. There is no doubt in my mind that those changes are the result of intercessory prayers - others praying for their fellow believers.
We are going into a country that has been devastated. Life for the most part is chaos. Voodoo is widely practiced and was actually acknowledged as an official religion in Haiti. I can only imagine the spiritual warfare that is present there. Prayer is critical!
So PLEASE pray for our trip, and pray for the missionaries who now call Haiti home, who try to shine the light of Christ in what I am sure can be a dark and dismal place much of the time. Pray for the Haitian people - that they are receptive to the Gospel, and that they have the strength to face the obstacles that are continually placed before them. I know that God hears, and God answers the prayers of those who pray in belief.
DONATE
I am very uncomfortable asking for financial assistance of any kind, but Christ tells us that we have not, because we do not ask...So that leads me to believe that if we are to do his work full time, we will have to have financial support of those who want to help, but do not want to go, and we will have to ask for that support.
It is our goal to be full time "missionaries" in Haiti. There is a need there that will never be met if we (Americans) do not leave the comfort of our lives and "go make disciples of all nations." With 1.5 people living in tents, and hundreds of thousands of orphans in Haiti, I think there is a lifetime of work to be carried out, and it is time to go and shine His light, and show His love to a hurting and broken nation.
I believe we do not have to be perfect, "holy," people to be called to action by our God, like so many of us think. All we have to do for proof of that is read His Word, and take a good look at the original 12. Isn't amazing how God can take a common, not so special, ordinary sinner and use him/her for His glory. I think it shows us just how awesome and powerful He is!
It is our desire to be obedient to the call that God has placed upon our hearts, and we need your help to do that. I know that if this is His will, then He will put it upon the hearts of family, friends, and even complete strangers to support our call to missions. So thank you for your help. :-)
If you wish to donate, you can click the DONATE button on this blog, or if you prefer to send a check, email me for details.
SUPPLIES
There are supplies that are needed in the orphanages and medical clinics all over Haiti. I have posted a short list on a previous blog, so if you are interested in helping with supplies for us to take down with us, e-mail me to see what we need the most.
Thank all of you who are already praying for us, and those of you who plan to sponsor us with the gift of a financial donation. Please be assured that all financial gifts will go towards this trip - and what we pray will be a semi-permanent stay in Haiti taking care of orphans.
God Bless all of you,
Melody and Paul
My email address - melody.neier@yahoo.com
There are three impoertant ways in which you can help Paul and I in the coming weeks.
PRAY
I have always believed in the power of prayer, and I have seen God move in my life and in the lives of those I am close to. There is no doubt in my mind that those changes are the result of intercessory prayers - others praying for their fellow believers.
We are going into a country that has been devastated. Life for the most part is chaos. Voodoo is widely practiced and was actually acknowledged as an official religion in Haiti. I can only imagine the spiritual warfare that is present there. Prayer is critical!
So PLEASE pray for our trip, and pray for the missionaries who now call Haiti home, who try to shine the light of Christ in what I am sure can be a dark and dismal place much of the time. Pray for the Haitian people - that they are receptive to the Gospel, and that they have the strength to face the obstacles that are continually placed before them. I know that God hears, and God answers the prayers of those who pray in belief.
DONATE
I am very uncomfortable asking for financial assistance of any kind, but Christ tells us that we have not, because we do not ask...So that leads me to believe that if we are to do his work full time, we will have to have financial support of those who want to help, but do not want to go, and we will have to ask for that support.
It is our goal to be full time "missionaries" in Haiti. There is a need there that will never be met if we (Americans) do not leave the comfort of our lives and "go make disciples of all nations." With 1.5 people living in tents, and hundreds of thousands of orphans in Haiti, I think there is a lifetime of work to be carried out, and it is time to go and shine His light, and show His love to a hurting and broken nation.
I believe we do not have to be perfect, "holy," people to be called to action by our God, like so many of us think. All we have to do for proof of that is read His Word, and take a good look at the original 12. Isn't amazing how God can take a common, not so special, ordinary sinner and use him/her for His glory. I think it shows us just how awesome and powerful He is!
It is our desire to be obedient to the call that God has placed upon our hearts, and we need your help to do that. I know that if this is His will, then He will put it upon the hearts of family, friends, and even complete strangers to support our call to missions. So thank you for your help. :-)
If you wish to donate, you can click the DONATE button on this blog, or if you prefer to send a check, email me for details.
SUPPLIES
There are supplies that are needed in the orphanages and medical clinics all over Haiti. I have posted a short list on a previous blog, so if you are interested in helping with supplies for us to take down with us, e-mail me to see what we need the most.
Thank all of you who are already praying for us, and those of you who plan to sponsor us with the gift of a financial donation. Please be assured that all financial gifts will go towards this trip - and what we pray will be a semi-permanent stay in Haiti taking care of orphans.
God Bless all of you,
Melody and Paul
My email address - melody.neier@yahoo.com
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
What do we really believe about missions?
I have been thinking lately about the words of Christ. There has been much discussion of late about whether Jesus really meant it when he said to sell everything, go make make disciples of all nations....Opinions definitely differ in the area of what the actual responsibility of the local church is when it comes to missions...
8But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." Acts 1:8
Here is where for some it gets sticky - why some churches think their part of The Great Commission stops at the borders of their local community. In so doing, they "deny Jesus' vision and command for His followers."
Some church "leaders make Acts 1:8 sequential and say they are focused on reaching their "Jerusalem," their own city or town, and perhaps extend their witness in the larger surrounding area of their "Judea." They have no responsibility beyond their locale until they have successfully fulfilled their local mission. Unfortunately this never happens!...Certainly God wants us to witness to the lost where we live and minister to the needs of those around us, but it doesn't exempt the church from responsibility for the mission of God to the ends of the earth. If a church sees responsibility for the mission of God as a set of concentric circles, they will never move beyond the narrow core and will forfeit the privilege of being a part of what God is doing among the nations."
from Spiritual Warfare and Missions
If we take the verse above at face value - it says we will be his witnesses in Jerusalem, AND Judea, AND Samaria, AND the ends of the earth. From what I can see there is no and THEN. He does not say once you finish in Jerusalem, THEN go to Judea, and once you finish there, THEN go to Samaria....and THEN perhaps once you have done that, THEN go to the ends of the earth for me...
You know WHY he did not say "and THEN go...." Because he knew there would always be a need in every town...we would get quite comfy and settled into "our Jerusalem," and we would never be free to go to the ends of the earth for him. So He simply said "go..."
I believe Jesus has given us the gift of salvation, and he has left the Holy Spirit with us so that we may GO and fulfill His mission to proclaim the gospel to those who have NEVER heard of Jesus.I am certainly not dismissing the great need for local missions - that is essential - just as taking missions all over the world is critical. WE are not to choose one over the other...it is not an "either/or" decision. Both are to be supported by the church.
"If every church that acknowledges the uniqueness of Jesus Christ as the way of salvation to a lost world, that recognizes all have yet to come to him in repentance and faith are lost and bound for an eternity in hell, and would be committed to the Great Commission of discipling the nations, the mission of God could be readily fulfilled, even in this generation. But Satan does not want to see that happen, so he convinces churches to be content with their provincialism and limited focus." Spiritual Warfare and Missions
I have to stop for today, but may pick this up again later. It was not meant to step on anyone's toes..Just meant to make us all think about what we believe is truth.
8But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." Acts 1:8
Here is where for some it gets sticky - why some churches think their part of The Great Commission stops at the borders of their local community. In so doing, they "deny Jesus' vision and command for His followers."
Some church "leaders make Acts 1:8 sequential and say they are focused on reaching their "Jerusalem," their own city or town, and perhaps extend their witness in the larger surrounding area of their "Judea." They have no responsibility beyond their locale until they have successfully fulfilled their local mission. Unfortunately this never happens!...Certainly God wants us to witness to the lost where we live and minister to the needs of those around us, but it doesn't exempt the church from responsibility for the mission of God to the ends of the earth. If a church sees responsibility for the mission of God as a set of concentric circles, they will never move beyond the narrow core and will forfeit the privilege of being a part of what God is doing among the nations."
from Spiritual Warfare and Missions
If we take the verse above at face value - it says we will be his witnesses in Jerusalem, AND Judea, AND Samaria, AND the ends of the earth. From what I can see there is no and THEN. He does not say once you finish in Jerusalem, THEN go to Judea, and once you finish there, THEN go to Samaria....and THEN perhaps once you have done that, THEN go to the ends of the earth for me...
You know WHY he did not say "and THEN go...." Because he knew there would always be a need in every town...we would get quite comfy and settled into "our Jerusalem," and we would never be free to go to the ends of the earth for him. So He simply said "go..."
I believe Jesus has given us the gift of salvation, and he has left the Holy Spirit with us so that we may GO and fulfill His mission to proclaim the gospel to those who have NEVER heard of Jesus.I am certainly not dismissing the great need for local missions - that is essential - just as taking missions all over the world is critical. WE are not to choose one over the other...it is not an "either/or" decision. Both are to be supported by the church.
"If every church that acknowledges the uniqueness of Jesus Christ as the way of salvation to a lost world, that recognizes all have yet to come to him in repentance and faith are lost and bound for an eternity in hell, and would be committed to the Great Commission of discipling the nations, the mission of God could be readily fulfilled, even in this generation. But Satan does not want to see that happen, so he convinces churches to be content with their provincialism and limited focus." Spiritual Warfare and Missions
I have to stop for today, but may pick this up again later. It was not meant to step on anyone's toes..Just meant to make us all think about what we believe is truth.
Sunday, September 26, 2010
This is why we go....
Lately I can't seem to get the upcoming trip to Haiti off my mind. At times I wonder if or how God can even use me down there. I am just one little person with not so many skills, so how I can I possibly make a difference?
Then I remember that when he calls you, and you are obedient to that call, he WILL qualify you. He will never leave you to "wing it" on your own....so "get behind me Satan!"
I have been trying to get current information about the situation down there, and read just the other day that there are 1.5 MILLION people living in the various tent cities. Sometimes a "tent" is simply sticks and old sheets put together - the bare ground is the floor. It is estimated that most of these same people will be in their tents for years - as recovery and clean up is beyond slow.
A day or so ago, a storm came through, (think along the lines of a tornado and torrential rains here), and those who were displaced after the earthquake once again lost their shelter. They already are without power, and food and clean drinking water...and now the "roof" over their heads is gone....again.
I wonder how many of them have Jesus to cry out to? I wonder how many wonder why this is happening to them? I wonder how many do not know that their God has them in the palm of His hand at this very moment, and that He loves them?
For those people here in America who think it is better to just send a check, or to take care of those in our own community and let "someone else" worry about the people in Haiti, I ask you this....
If your world as you knew it literally collapsed all around you, and you found yourself without, food, shelter, and water, and your only means of supporting your family had been stripped from you without warning, and you could see no end in sight to your suffering....Wouldn't you LOVE it if someone showed up to hold your hand, to offer a hug, to wipe your tears, to bring you a meal, or medicine, or shoes!
How wonderful to have a brother or sister come to you and not only TELL you of the love of Christ, but come and SHOW you His love...to share in your suffering. To simply love you through your pain...
THIS is why we go. This is why we can't NOT go. How will they know the love of Jesus if we do not tell them through our actions?
Then I remember that when he calls you, and you are obedient to that call, he WILL qualify you. He will never leave you to "wing it" on your own....so "get behind me Satan!"
I have been trying to get current information about the situation down there, and read just the other day that there are 1.5 MILLION people living in the various tent cities. Sometimes a "tent" is simply sticks and old sheets put together - the bare ground is the floor. It is estimated that most of these same people will be in their tents for years - as recovery and clean up is beyond slow.
A day or so ago, a storm came through, (think along the lines of a tornado and torrential rains here), and those who were displaced after the earthquake once again lost their shelter. They already are without power, and food and clean drinking water...and now the "roof" over their heads is gone....again.
I wonder how many of them have Jesus to cry out to? I wonder how many wonder why this is happening to them? I wonder how many do not know that their God has them in the palm of His hand at this very moment, and that He loves them?
For those people here in America who think it is better to just send a check, or to take care of those in our own community and let "someone else" worry about the people in Haiti, I ask you this....
If your world as you knew it literally collapsed all around you, and you found yourself without, food, shelter, and water, and your only means of supporting your family had been stripped from you without warning, and you could see no end in sight to your suffering....Wouldn't you LOVE it if someone showed up to hold your hand, to offer a hug, to wipe your tears, to bring you a meal, or medicine, or shoes!
How wonderful to have a brother or sister come to you and not only TELL you of the love of Christ, but come and SHOW you His love...to share in your suffering. To simply love you through your pain...
THIS is why we go. This is why we can't NOT go. How will they know the love of Jesus if we do not tell them through our actions?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)