telling the story...

This morning Tom and I had the privilege of sharing a portion of our time in Haiti with our brothers and sisters in Christ at our church, Good Shepherd Lutheran! Since I took over 1200 photos myself, as well as countless videos taken by Tom, Adrianne and me, it was difficult to find a way to condense this into a 20 minute sermon message.

The way we decided to tackle this was to discuss what "we" (us and our Good Shepherd family) were involved in while in Haiti, during the sermon message and then discuss what is next during the 1 hour Bible study time. It sort of worked. :)

We divided the sermon portion into 4 sections: Carrefour duClos, Children of Israel Orphanage, Jacmel, concluded with some of the beauty of Haiti in photos.

During the Bible study time we (ok, Tom, really) got into more detail about next steps...what's needed in Carrefour, for CIO and in Jacmel. It was wonderful to hear some of the questions that people had about how to further help these specific areas through time, talents and treasures! There is such a love and passion for Haiti within our church! What a blessing!

In the end, I think that the Lord worked through the messages and was working in the hearts of the people that attended, which was our prayer. We pray now that people are moved to want to get involved through prayer, fundraising and trip planning so that multiple teams can be created and head down over the next two years...hopefully each specifically working on an area where the members are gifted and passionate...teaching the children, construction, helping the ministry in Carrefour, gathering cotton, knitting needles, fabric, and the list goes on and on.

There is a meeting next Sunday, September 26th at 12:30 pm where we will, under Adrianne's leadership, discuss, pray and start those conversations. If you'd like to attend, you can comment here or email me and I will pass on to Adrianne.

In conclusion, this was good for my heart today. It has hurt to not be there any longer and to not even be able to communicate as we desire due to all the "things" that get in the way...on our end, work schedules and commitments, on their end, lack of internet and electricity.

And, there is much for story to be told! We have so many videos and photos that help describe life there and the work that needs to be done. Tom and I discussed on our way home that it is our prayer to find a way to share more of what we experienced to those that have a desire to hear and learn. We will keep our hearts and eyes open for such an opportunity.

I am thankful that God provided this opportunity to us. I look forward to what we can do for Him next in this area to benefit the ministry in Haiti.

To Him be the glory.