Called to Haiti

When I sit in quiet and wait upon the Lord, I hear him calling me to step up my walk, stop compromising, and stop playing games.  A natural reaction is to think that I don’t do any outlandish un-Godly things in my life – but not doing outlandish Godly things can be even worse.

I may not totally turn my back on God, but how many times do I purposely turn towards him each day?  I may not curse his name, but am I praising his name constantly during my day?  I know I should be doing something more, but am I seeking him to know what that is?

This past summer after my car accident, I was literally caused to sit, wait, pray, listen, and take a look at my relationship with my Lord, Jesus Christ.  Being home from work for months, and especially not being able to use this time to catch up with things at home or anywhere else, gave me hours upon hours of being still.  As I continued to heal, I prayed that the Lord would give me opportunities to grow in my faith and truly hear his voice when he speaks to me.

At the beginning of the year, I was given the opportunity to consider going on a mission’s trip to Haiti this summer.  Our church was invited to participate in a mission trip with the Children In Need Haitian Project, a small charitable organization that began out of a love for the Haitian people and especially the Haitian children.  Their mission is to help impoverished Haitian families by working closely with local pastors and community leaders to provide Christian education, medical care, and job training.  They are located in the area of L’Espinasse, Haiti, high in the mountains outside Port-au-Prince.

Members of my church were asked to pray on whether or not they felt they should be a part of this, and if so, each person should raise support for their portion of this upcoming trip.  I prayed and then I read about Haiti; its government, its history, its precious people.

This all happened very near the anniversary of the horrendous earthquake that took place in Haiti early 2010.  The anniversary resulted in many special televised presentations, documentaries, and interviews with the Haitian people.  As I spent time praying and watching many of these programs, I felt my heart cry for the Haitian Nation, its people, and most especially their children.  I remembered the sadness I felt when the earthquake had first hit Haiti last year, yet now my heart was grieving for these people so much more. 

The Lord had truly placed a strong desire in my heart to step out of my comfort zone and help reach out to those who are in great need in Haiti.  I was certain I was to go on this mission trip. 

Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send?  And who will go for us?”  And I said, “Here am I.  Send me!” – Isaiah 6:8

I put together a letter requesting support and sent it to family and friends.  Immediately I saw how the Lord was blessing my obedience by touching the hearts of many as support continued to pour into my mailbox, almost daily.  I received precious notes, email messages, and calls, with promises of prayers for both me and the team from my church going on this trip.

The Lord showed me that he had given me a chance to respond to a calling that is far beyond what is comfortable or what I felt could be possible.

I am excited with anticipation to see what the Lord will do through me in the lives of the many I will come in contact with during my time in Haiti.  I am so humbled and privileged to be given this opportunity to serve in His name.