1 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, 3 though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. (Psalm 46: 1-3 NIV)
I want to share with you parts of an e-mail that I received from Bill Nealey, Jr. who just returned from Haiti in mid-February.
“Thank you for your prayers during the trip to Haiti last week. We were able accomplish much, and help many people with food and supplies. Friday was the 1 month anniversary of the earthquake in Haiti. Pastors used this time to pause for a day of fasting and prayer. By early Friday morning, churches began to gather in open areas, under trees, or in those sanctuaries that are still standing. Hymns and praises could be heard everywhere.
Junior asked me to attend his church’s gathering. When we arrived, one of the lay leaders was praying. With great fervency, he prayed and asked the Lord to forgive Haiti of its past sins and draw the nation unto Himself. The people joined in with heartfelt amens and praises to the Lord. The sincerity of everyone was evident. It was truly moving.
From there, we went downtown to see the mass gathering of people around the ruins of the Presidential Palace. Thousands of people had gathered to find solidarity and be resolved that this tragic event would not defeat Haiti, but rather, it would be the birth of a new day for a country that has suffered so much. That night, we went to one of the tent cities in the area to distribute food. By flashlight, we gave food to families living in tents made of sticks and sheets. Saturday morning, we loaded our rented truck to head for the villages of Gallette Chambon and Joineau to deliver food. When we got to Gallette Chambon, the families were waiting for us. One by one, members of each family came into the church and took their place. We shared with them Psalms 46:1-3 and had a word of prayer. We let them know that many Christians are praying for them, and wanted to help by providing food. As the Haitian people do at events like this, many were dressed in their Sunday best. But a few of the men looked as though they had just come in from the fie lds. One man caught my attention. With his machete in hand, he received his beans and rice, and gave me a warm smile as I took his picture. We truly had brought help and relief to him and his family on this day. At Joineau, the families were called in by name to the church to receive their food.
Junior’s uncle, who is an officer in the Haitian Coast Guard, came with two of his enlisted men to help us organize the throngs of people. Everyone was orderly, and it was good to have these men along. Smiles and words of thanks were plentiful as family members stepped up to receive their beans and rice.
By the end of the day, we had given food to 500 families. Since the earthquake, we have been able to provide 32,000 pounds of food for 1800 families, representing thousands of men, women, boys and girls. We appreciate your faithful prayers and support, and ask that you continue to keep Haiti in your thoughts and prayers. Lord willing, we will return soon to continue giving food and providing help as the Lord allows.
There is still much to do, and we are committed to helping the churches, schools and communities recover.”
Our Haitian brothers and sisters have been a strong witness during this dreadful period in their history. They have let their light shine.
Standing in the SONshine, Terry
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