Yesterday was the Day of the Dead here in Haiti. It is considered a holiday so no one was working and kids were out of school. We went to a graveyard to see a voodoo ceremony. Witch doctors and voodoo followers gathered in the middle around a black alter, making sacrifices to a demonic spirit and praying to their dead ancestors. We didn't stay long, but it was long enough to see what goes on physically and spiritually at a voodoo ceremony. It GRIEVES the Father's heart that His children choose Satan and demons over Him. He LOVES them. Satan is out to steal, kill and destroy. HE does not want that for any of His children, and it breaks His heart to watch them do this to themselves, when He just wants to love on them.
On a happier note, the YWAM base we are staying at is a 5 minute walk from a tent city that has about 3,000 people living in it. Every morning, we walk there and just hang out with them, building friendships and understanding the culture more. I love walking in and seeing the children run up to us, with big smiles on their faces. They don't want anything but love and attention, and we are happy to give it to them. Today, Lola ( a team member) and I led a woman to the Lord with the help of a translator. I don't think I have ever done that before and it was amazing to see, knowing that I will someday see her again in Heaven.
A hurricane is on its way, and it is supposed to hit Haiti hard, starting late Friday night. This country has had more death and destruction in the last year than anyone should ever have to deal with. I wish I had the strength that these people have. The strength to carry on, to praise the Lord, to be kind and helpful to others after everything they have has been ripped away, and what little they have now has the possibility to be destroyed in just a few days. Today, I prayed for a woman in the tent city who has 6 kids. Since there is only 1 bed, they all sleep on the gravel ground. She has major health problems and sells bagged water to make a living. As a thank you for praying, she gave me bagged water, and would not accept money for it. It broke my heart to see her smile and thank me, when all I did was pray for her. She has more faith that my prayers work than I did. I pray that I have that kind of faith.
Please be praying for protection for the people in Haiti! Thank you and love you all!
My dear Kristi,
ReplyDeleteThe Lord asks us to be 'in' the world and not 'of' it. He is giving you a good world view of what is out there.
Isn't it comforting to know how great and BIG our God is and that He has set in motion the visit of 10 young YWAM ministers to Haiti to plant seeds! You are a seed planter Kristi! I will be praying that the Spirit flourishes against the attempts of the evil one to rob the Haitian people of their salvation. I know you must be radiating His love.
Blessings to you, stay safe,
Love you very much!
Mom
Dear Kristi, how wonderful that you and your friends have touched this woman's life.You and your team are making a difference in the world. Praise to Lord for all of you!! Hunker down in the comming days stay safe and no kite flying.We will be praying for all of you.
ReplyDeleteGod's blessings and lots of Love
Uncle Randy, Aunt Annie and XiXi
kristi,
ReplyDelete2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 is my prayer for you all...but you specifically.
"Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, comfort you hearts and establish them in every good work and word."
I read that and was like, Yes I have to share. Be ready for some sucky times (i'm sure you've experienced enough to be somewhat prepared) but always remember the comfort we can receive through our Lord Jesus Christ and Great Father who gave us ETERNAL COMFORT AND GOOD HOPE (not just regular hope!) Love you sis, be encouraged in your good works and continue to lead people to our Jesus! *I'm pretty sure I heard the Angels celebrating!!!