Can you hear the Creole chatter and incessant honk of horns?

Can you smell the raw meat and burning trash?

Can you feel the dust on your face?

Can you feel the beggar's tap on the hand?

Can you wonder where all these people are going?

Can you see the incredibly hard lives?

Can you see the naked children that run around--no longer invisible to you?

Can you feel the heat of the sun on the top of your head?

Can you feel the contrast of personal wealth to the poverty around you?

Can you feel pridefully patriotic knowing how blessed you are to be an American?

Can you wonder why you were not born here?

Can you find yourself praying for every set of eyes you connect with?

Can you?

Can you?

Can you?

August 4, 2009 Crossing over Again Today

Crossing the Border, Again Today

Came across the border today with a new group of young adults—17 of them that traveled from the Orlando area for a week of ministry with the kids. They are so excited—rode with them on the bus over from Santiago! You could just notice that they were all prayed up and were intent on accomplishing some kingdom work and making a difference in the lives of these kids! 17 High graduates and most just in college or just out of college. They desire to serve. They know they desire to serve and are moving out and doing something. A week of fun, sports, worship, and ministry are planned. It’s all here and ready to go. Having seen several groups now come and go—they just have no idea. They have no idea what God is going to speak to them about. It may have nothing to do with serving in Haiti but everything to do with serving Him.

What does the Lord have in store for us this week? For such a time as this?

We were walking through the village behind the orphanage today and I was walking with the Young Adult Pastor of the church as they are absorbing all the sites, sounds and smells. I asked him about those times when something is going on around you and get the sense that because of your present circumstances—your life will never be the same? I told him this was one of those moments, for everyone of the group that he brought with him. Regardless of what it may be or why—they will never be the same.

The other day when we were still in Santiago and were driving outside the city, but before we left town we drove in front of the Ochoa which is like our Home Depot/Lowe’s, and in front of the wall that created a perimeter around the store was a donkey and that drew an immediate gasp, picture snapping and squeals from the girls on the bus. A saddled beast of burden right in front of a store. It was a different site to see in the city Santiago in most instances—but we were nearing the outskirts it seemed, so not without reason to have a donkey there waiting on a shopper. Here’s the odd thing. Even though we have not been here that long, I did realize it nor did I notice it. Yikes. I think that’s more amazing than seeing the donkey. I did not think it odd enough to notice. Now—I have plenty of pictures of donkeys along the road. I have taken my share. But, it’s something I tend to miss now. I do find myself looking for the owner and seeing who he/she is. People have to work hard in a 4rth world country. The animals have to work even harder! But funny how I do not even notice some of the things I used to think were novel and new. I wonder what has changed back in NC that I may think is novel or new—probably not much in just a month, but you never know. The border is always an adventure.

Raising up a Generation of Hope!

These are the greatest kids! Even if one of them is mine--Blake would have loved to have been there but he was back in Santiago. All the kids there find themselves in an increible world of blessing in contrast to world around them. As they mature and continue to see what the Lord has for them, pray with us that they will be humbled by the contrast that they only can see vaguely at this point in thier young lives. Although, they have seen death, poverty rampant among thier families and community. Destruction that includes war and political unrest.

Robenson, Jocelyn, Ludridge, Francia, Fredland all have something in common with our Ethan and Blake . . . they are the Generation of Hope as the Body of Christ prepares herself to reach a world whose time has run out. To reach a world that has no hope outside of Jesus. To reach a world that will in epic porportions with increased technology and communication. It will be this generation that takes the Gospel to all people and groups around the globe. It will be this generation that realizes how small the globe really has become in every way.

Danita's prayer for all 76 of her children is the same for every parent--

"I could have no greater joy than to hear that my children are following the Truth." 3 John 1:4

Heading Back To Haiti Tomorrow;Ethan & Tim

Ethan and I are heading back to Haiti from Santiago tomorrow and Cindy, Blake & Levi are going to wait it out a few days still in Santiago. Praying for continued healing and peace.

Well, of all the things we have experienced in the past week--I can certainly say with unwavering conviction that Ouanaminthe absolutely needs a medical clinic. The simplicity of our illnesses were made incredibly complicated by available medical care, distance for medical treatment and then just overall availability within existing services from either Haitian or Dominican health care at the border. Levi had the worst impact with a severe case of bronchitis that resulted in breathing treatments, 3 antibiotics (one of which was an IV) and that was with a fever for 7 days!

Entirely treatable, but to the average Haitian in a 4rth world country, typically fatal. Wow. That's reality and that's the way parents in Haiti have to live. Wondering if their child or children with live from day to day. How can you have joy in your life if you have to wonder every moment if the food or water you have been able to scrape up has been tainted with a deadly virus or parasite.

I have seen the market. I have seen the meats on the used card board being used to cut portion and butcher goats. Flies are the least of your worries even though the thickness of them on the meat can make you nauseous--it's all the unseen bacterias that kill. The smell is deafening.

These are the same parents that worship on Sunday mornings and experience the love of Jesus in salvation. But what is the value of salvation to them? What is the value of supernatural joy to them? What is the value of Hope to them? What is the value of eternal life to them? What is the value of relief from the pain and knowing that He will help them carry their burden? What is the value of being lost in worship amid the chaos at the border? What is the value? Absolutely no pun intended. It is priceless.

It is a short 2 hour flight from Miami, but a world away.

I am angry. Satan attempts and has tried to totally discourage me personally and our family as a whole from Haiti and sensing God's direction and call. It should make the entire Body of Christ angry. I have no idea why God has allowed the fire of the past week to burn into our lives, but I do know that we have to become vigilant and non complacent about not just the needs of people but the active prowling of Satan--the days are numbered for him and he knows it. Don't get me wrong--it is a right-directed anger. Not at persons, places or things in the flesh, but at satan and his attempt to destroy.

The world sees orphans, but the Father sees His children. The world sees dying and destruction but the Father sees victory and redemption. The world sees everything, but eternity.

Get angry and obey what God is already calling you to do!