There are so many accounts I could share about the fulfilling experience, like watching my daughter hold a little Haitian hand as I thought about how in God’s divine appointment on January 10, 2011, our television station was on Nickelodeon when a random show about the earthquake played.  I’ve never seen the type of children’s documentary on that station again.  As I looked at Mackenzie and the child’s fingers intertwined, I thought about how God sparked a passion in Mackenzie’s heart that day and how He used that passion to provide for the student whose hand she held.  And I praised Him for his loving kindness, which allowed us to be a part of His story and to watch His provision and His power in all its fullness.

But the beautiful thing about God’s story is that He has not made me simply a spectator to someone else’s plot.  This trip was not just about watching Mackenzie experience Haiti.  God had something planned for me too; something He wanted written on my heart.

Each afternoon in Haiti, our team split into groups of two or three and traveled on foot throughout the village.  The purpose was to get to know the people of Bigarade, showing them that we are invested in their community and that we are there because God has called us to show His love to them.

On our second day to walk the streets, Mackenzie, my mom, Valme (our interpreter), and I came across a group of ladies and a street vendor selling alcohol.  The ladies made eye contact with us, smiled and said “Bonswa.”  We replied likewise, and Valme gave me the eye as if to say, “Are we talking to them?”  So I dove right in.

He interpreted my typical explanation that we had come to Bigarade to work with the kids at the school because we wanted to share the love of Jesus.  Then I asked the group, “Do you love Jesus?” 

“Wi,” the ladies replied.  The man echoed their sentiment with a nod and a “wi.”  The ladies started laughing.  “What’s so funny?” we asked them.

The man explained that he misspoke, and instead he worshipped Satan.  I took that opportunity to share with him that the Bible says, “Every tongue will confess that Jesus is Lord,” and I believed perhaps that is what he had just done.  He insisted that He understood the Gospel message, and he also knew he had a choice.  He was choosing Satan because the devil was giving him everything he needed, and he was comfortable.  The problem is he was also shortsighted.  

Our conversation ended when our tap tap pulled up and offered us a ride back to our group’s meeting place.  On the tap tap, Valme said, “Alison give me your Bible.”  He wrote the man’s name in it.  Every day I pray for Examo Remy.  I pray that God will reveal himself, making him uncomfortable if that’s what it takes to see that eternity is far more important than comfort on this earth.

On Wednesday evening we invited the interpreters to the children’s home to share ice cream and conversation.  The topic turned to our encounter with Examo.

“What did you think about that?” I asked Valme. 

“I think Satan was giving him what he wanted on earth, and he is going to pay the price for that for eternity.  It’s very sad,” Valme answered.

Satan giving him what he needed.  Ugh, I thought that can’t be right.  I have been in church all my life, and every good Christian knows God provides for our needs.

“No, Valme,” I said, “It’s not Satan giving him what he needs.  It’s God providing for his needs, then Satan lying to him and telling Examo it’s from him.”

“No, Alison. Satan can give people things on this earth.”  I looked to my group for help.  Surely this American crowd would take my side.

But no, Bob reminded me of the time that Satan tempted Jesus and offered him the city in return for His soul.  It was Satan’s to give because he is prince of this world.  Then Bob said he often sees Americans who want to live in this bubble and believe that Satan has no power.

Yes, I thought that’s the bubble I want to live in, thank you.  But God is in the business of popping bubbles.

Phillip leaned forward, looked me in the eyes, and with pain in his voice said, “Alison, it’s hard to be a Christian.”

Pop.

He reminded me that Haiti gained her independence when military leaders sacrificed a black pig to Satan and promised the country to him if he would help them win their independence from France.  Many people in the country still practice voodoo.  They invite demons into their bodies.  If they give their heart to Jesus, the demon threatens death.  And if the demon doesn’t take their life, their families might when they learn of the conversion.

It’s hard to be a Christian.

I felt so ashamed because I don’t think I really believed that.  Or maybe I didn’t want to believe that there is a cost to follow Jesus.  

This week, I noticed a church marquee that reads “Free ticket to Heaven.  Details inside.”  I understand the point…you can’t buy or earn your way to heaven.  It’s a gift from God.   But how often have I taken that a step further…”Free ticket to Heaven.  Say a simple prayer and get a comfortable first class pass to a cushioned seat that leads straight to paradise.”  

I want the ticket to heaven, but without the deny yourself, take up your cross and follow me part.  

We are very blessed to live in America, where most of us do not risk our lives when we give our hearts to Jesus.  Our costs to follow Jesus may look different, but if we are serious about living a life that is set apart from the world around us then we should also understand that it is hard to be a Christian.

So this is the story God wrote on my heart in Haiti…if being a Christian is easy then I am not living any different than the world around me.  Satan wants me to stay in that bubble of believing that he has little power because I won’t put much energy into fighting him.

God has called me out of that bubble.  I don’t know where He is going to lead me, and I don’t know how uncomfortable the journey will be.  But I want the passion I saw in my Haitian brother’s eyes.  I want to take risks to follow Jesus.  I want to sacrifice to proclaim His name to the nations.  I want to understand that it is hard to be a Christian.  

We were so blessed that my sister-in-law, Laurie was able to come on this trip.  She really stepped out on faith to take this journey.  She told God she would do whatever He wanted her to, and as a result He blessed our team, our friends in Haiti, and her.  Laurie has a beautiful voice and a sweet spirit. It is evident in her life that God created her to be a helpmate to a pastor because she is so at home in God's house and among God's people.  It was a joy to watch her be used by God in Haiti.  Here is her story in her words…

As I look back on my time in Haiti, words cannot express the feelings I had and the treasures I took away from the beautiful country and it's people.  Before stepping foot on Haitian soil, the words from the song, "Spirit lead me where my faith is without borders" played over and over in my head.  I stepped out on faith but still doubted that God could provide all of my needs for the trip.  However, with God all things are possible, and when my faith was weak, He showed me over and over again that He would not call me to follow Him to Haiti and not take care of each and every detail.

As the trip became closer, I began to pray about what songs and devotion He would have me prepare.  I was unclear the morning that we set off for our first church service.  After hearing a few of the Haitian songs it was if the Lords whispered in my ear, "Laurie, sing Alleluia.  They will understand and worship with you."  I began singing, "I Love You Lord," a chorus I had been told they knew.  Mack signed it beautifully.  When we finished we were all singing "Alleluia" together in unison.

Oh to hear them sing it again.  They sang with passion from their hearts as we all worshipped standing there on holy ground.  You see, sometimes we think we have it all figured out, and we want our worship to go just as we plan for it to with no mistakes.  That day looking into the faces of our new friends, I thanked God for that whisper in my ear and for showing me once more to rely on Him for my steps.

Walking into the school where the children were doing their lessons made a huge impression on me.  It is one large room where children and teens all do their work.  They were intently doing their studies, and the room was filled with smiles and laughter.  They all watched and listened closely to what we had to say about Jesus.  I loved witnessing the impact that Mack had on them.  They had never had the opportunity to talk to an American their age before.  They were so thankful for her heart for Haiti and what she was able to purchase for the school through her willingness to serve and obey God.  The students loved all the crafts we did and watching their faces light up as they put a handmade cloth head band on was priceless.

The Haitians were content and happy in their small concrete houses of one to two rooms.  Seeing them in their villages made me ever so thankful for my home and my community.

Each afternoon we went from house to house to get to know the people of the village.  Our amazing interpreters, Jessen and Ariel, shared bold with them and walked with us to be our voices.  Were were able to get to know them well and to learn more about their culture and in return they did the same.

Walking into the homes we saw things we had never seen before.  Many times I held the tears back as mother after mother told us they needed jobs and had no work.  Our team worked together, and I am so proud of Caitlin, Jenna and Ashley for their willingness to take themselves out of their comfort zones and to pour their lives into the people.

I will never forget the poverty I saw and the happy faces etched in my memory as we drove out of the village for the last time.  We were several miles from the school when I heard a voice in the distance yell Mackenzie's name one last time.  She touched those children in a way that we never could, and I'm so thankful that I was able to be just a small part of what God is doing in Haiti.

Thank you Lord for allowing me to experience your work in Haiti.  I pray that others will see your vision and take part in reaching the nations in years to come.  I'm forever grateful for the opportunity to see Mack meet our friends for the first time.  It's goodbye to Haiti for now, but I know I'll be returning again.

Ali, thank you for embracing Mack's love for Haiti and for all your hard work to make this mission come together.

I'm so thankful to have been able to take this journey with my family!

To read Mackenzie's Story, click here.

To read Nana's Story by Mary Russell, click here.

Our week in Haiti would not have been the same without our leader, Bob Elmore, and six other beautiful women who God chose to take this journey with us.  Each of them played a part in God's story this week so I want to share their stories with you.  This first one is Haiti through my mom's eyes.  My children call my mom, Nana.  She also goes by the name of teacher.  She is a very gifted teacher who has taught hundreds of children in our community, making a life long difference in countless lives. Now God is sharing her with the children of Haiti, where she is making amazing impacts for Christ there too.  

Thank you Mom for your love, your support and for sharing your story…

This story that has been told about a little girl from Texas who answered a call from God to reach out to the Haitians with the love of God has involved so many.  Mackenzie is my oldest granddaughter, and because of her obedience so many have joined this story.  As for me, my journey begins with this verse.

I have been a teacher for over 30 years.  Many times I have shared the Gospel with my students, and I knew my words were weak without action.  I know it is important to be doers of His Word, not just hearers.    When Mackenzie began to hear God's call to help the people of Haiti, no one knew what was in store for us all.  As her desire to get involved grew, her enthusiasm was contagious.  I am so thankful God placed me in this story.  

In August, Alison and I went to Haiti, not only to share God's love, but also to find confirmation from God as to whether Mackenzie was ready to take this journey so young.  It was a physically difficult task there, but we both returned with a full heart.  We were blessed with the love of the people and were sure that was God's will for Mackenzie as well.

The day we arrived I knew it was meant to be! Each day there were moments that I felt so full of thankfulness that tears welled up in my eyes.  I watched my daughter teach the children and my granddaughter interact with the children.  I have been blessed beyond measure.

Every day we were there I felt God's direction and watched as our entire team used the gifts He had given us to share His Good News.  I watched children light up with excitement when we arrived, greeting us with smiles and hugs. I saw people who have what seems like so little, share so much.  I experienced God moving among us all as a song started by two spread throughout the entire school in offering of praise to our Savior.

I loved hearing the children laugh as we shared a skit, seeing the children wear their new crafts, and feeling their tiny fingers wipe away the sweat on my face.  I will be forever changed because of their displays of love and Mackenzie's obedience.

I feel like God is calling me to share His love by walking alongside of my Haitian brothers and sisters, encouraging them to press on toward the goal as they encourage me to stay the course until our Savior returns.  I look forward to the next chapter God has planned in this story and who else might be involved.  Maybe you!

To read Mackenzie's Story, click here.

As we reflect on our time in Haiti, we do not want to just focus on the weather or the food or some other obvious part of our journey.  We want to tell God's story, what He revealed to us and what we believe He wants us to share with you.  I will post my story tomorrow.  Today I thought you might want to hear Mack's story…

Before I went to Haiti, I knew I would like playing with the kids, but I didn't know how much I would love them.  The children in Haiti are poor because they don't have a lot of things but they are kind and happy.

I went to Haiti for six days.  The first day we got there I liked playing with the kids in the soccer field at New Life.  They like to play frisbee and they know how to play "Little Sally Walker."  The kids at New Life Children's Home are kids just like me.

My favorite thing we did in the school was feed the kids and the teachers beans and rice for lunch.  The kids in Bigarade don't get to eat lunch so when we fed them it was special.

The last day at the school it was very sad because we had to leave.  Some of the kids cried, and I cried a little bit too because I had to leave them.  They sang songs and prayed for us.  It made me feel special and loved. There was one little boy that really liked me.  He wouldn't let go of me, and he cried when our tap tap was driving off.

Kids in Haiti like soccer so our last night at New Life we gave them four balls that Mrs. Allisen brought.  The balls were special because they had Bible verses in their language on them.  All the kids had a big smile across their face.

Thursday before we left Thomas, the principal at the school, came to New Life to tell us bye and he brought us some mango and sugar cane.  It was very nice of him.  We ate the sugar cane and the mango.  I think Thomas is a very nice guy because he spent his own money on mango and sugar cane for us.  I think he is a good principal because the kids all think he is a good role model.

I want to go back to Haiti to see all the kids again.  I want to write another book too to get more money for them so the kids can keep going to school.  I am glad God let me go to Haiti.

Today in Mack's words...we got off the tap tap and went into the school. All the children ran up to us.  Mrs Allisen gave a devotional then we showed the quilt that my class made.  Then the kids decorated a square to make a quilt for my class.  We also helped the girls make headbands and the boys make necklaces.  I think they liked it and I liked it because because we got to help them braid the headbands. It was very special.  Lulu gave a devotional about worship then we made maracas.  The Haitians call the maracas "cha chas."   The grown ups played boom whackers for the kids and I did hand motions to the songs.  

Thomas the principal spoke to the kids about me.  He wanted to tell them that could do things for other people too.  They sang a thank you song to me and I felt happy because I knew that God used me to help them.

We fed the kids lunch again.  Then we left to go house to house visiting with people.  We talked to a man that believed in the devil.  My mom tried to tell him about Jesus. She referenced verses in her Bible. But he still said no because he like his life and he thought the devil was the right choice for him. While they were talking I was scared because I didn't really understand what he was saying and I think he made the wrong choice.

This is Mackenzie and the school administrator thomas.  He told Mackenzie he loved her.  I was touched by his affection for her. Love in Christ among brothers and sisters all over the world is such a beautiful thing.  


Today in Alison's words... Today was such a full amazing day. I don't know if words could do it justice.  The kids were so excited to see us again. They cheered when we walked in.  They loved every craft we did today.  It was neat to see all of the girls proudly wearing their headbands.  Even the teachers made one for themselves.  They also loves the quilt that Mackenzie's class designed and made squares for us to make a quilt when back in the US.

Many of the kids in Bigarade don't have a chance to go to school because their parents can't afford their books and uniforms.  God has used many people to help provide for the school through their financial support of Mackenzie's projects for Haiti.  Today Thomas told the kids at the school that Mackenzie helped to provide for them. He wanted them to be inspired by her age.  They sang a thank you song to Mackenzie. It was very touching.  Many of us cried because we are so thankful to God that he chose to use her.  and we are proud of her for being obedient.

Today after we fed the children beans and rice there was a little left for us to share with a few of the kids in the village that don't go to school.  Some of the brought in little tupperwares to put their portions of beans and rice in.  I know it's because they are brining home to share.  I wish we had enough to feed every mouth in the village.

After lunch we went to visit families. We came across a man who said he believed in Satan. My friend and interpreter, Valme, and I shared Scripture and Jesus with all our might but this man was comfortable in his sin.  We felt God was bringing us to a conclusion in our conversation. I asked the man if I could pray for him and he said no. I told him I would pray for him anyway in my own quiet time.  Valme wrote his name in my Bible.  I know God can save him.  

When we got back to New Life we were all spent except Mackenzie.  After supper she was anxious to play with the children who live at New Life. I really just wanted to rest but I walked over there with her anyway.  We loved on the toddlers for a little while then Mack and Ashley took Luna for our stroll in her wheelchair.  The evening concluded with a praise and worship dance party led by a group of 15 youth from Miami staying here this week and working with the kids at New Life. 

Mackenzie was in her zone.  I introduced her to my friend Marilyn, who I played cards with each evening I was here in August.  One evening as we played, Marilyn begin singing "I am not forgotten, God knows my name." When her words met my ear I was overwhelmed with emotion.  I told Mackenzie about the experience and she choreographed a dance for her school reflections contest  to that song in Marilyn's honor.  Tonight Mackenzie performed it for her. Marilyn loved it and tried to learn it.  It was so touching almost like a dream how God is brining things full circle in such an amazing and fulfilling way.

This has been a day I will never forget.   A day that has changed me and a day that I pray will shape my daughters character as she grows in wisdom from God and in Love for his people all over the world.  Thank you Jesus for brining us on this surreal journey.

Today in Mack's words... Today we went to the school.  I read my book to the kids. I think they liked it. We also made some crafts.  Some of my jobs were to help kids with their craft, pass out the bags with the salvation necklaces, and pick up the chalk. After the crafts, we fed the kids beans and rice.  It was cool because they got to eat lunch. Kids in Bigarade don't eat lunch.  After lunch we went to people's houses.  That was hard because I wish they could have a nicer home.  So far I think that haiti is a beautiful place and the people are very nice and kind.

In Alison's words...We worked in the schools today. It went so great. The kids loved hearing Mackenzie read her story.  Bob said that she is probably one of the only American children they have ever seen.   ThEy also liked the crafts we planned.  While the teachers were setting up for lunch, some of the boys challenged Mackenzie by asking her to solve a math problem.  They couldn't speak English but one boy wrote a problem, pointed to Mackenzie and pointed to the board. She solved the problem and challenged them back. It was fun to watch them interact even without words.  

Serving lunch is always very touching because the kids eat every grain of rice on their plate with no spills or complaining.  

After lunch we went to visit Families in the village. In Haiti they are so hospitable. Most of the houses we walk up to invite you into their homes. Mack was very uncomfortable.  After our visits, I asked her what the matter was. She said it was very hard to see how the people lived.  Bob and I assured her that although their homes are very different and simple, the people are happy there.

Thomas, the school administrator wants Mackenzie to talk to the kids about the projects she has done for Haiti. She read them her story but we didn't tell them how her efforts benefited the school.  He believes she can inspire them.  I pray that she provides inspiration without taking glory from God for what He has accomplished through her.  I am so proud of how she is showing Jesus in a place that I know is uncomfortable for her.

I am so blessed by not just Mackenzie being here but the whole team. I know that He called each one of them to this place for this time.  He is doing mighty things in Haiti and He is doing mighty things in our lives too.

Church from Alison's eyes...I loved being in God's house today with my Haitain friends and my American friends! The church we attended is held at the school in Bigarade so that made it extra special. The Haitians welcome us so warmly. We were given seats of honor in the front facing the rest of the congregation. They had each of us introduce ourselves, and even Mackenzie spoke. Laurie also sang a beautiful song. She is so annointed and you can tell God created her to be the helpmate to a pastor because she is so at home in Gods house with His people, no matter their color or language.   Mackenzie loved that she could dance in church. Pastor told her next time she comes he wants her to sing and dance.

Tonight we have been invited to attend church with Thomas. He is the school administrator and he goes to a Baptist church in a village next to Bigarade called Damien. It is an honor that he wants us to be his guests tonight and I am excited lot worship with him. 

Our team is having so much fun together. Bob our team leader isn't sure what to do with a team of 8 girls but he is managing to stay sane so far. Ashley Caitlin and Jenna have a lot of energy and affection for the children and of course my mom and Allisen are just naturals with the kids.


Today right before service my mom looked out of the school door and into the mountains. She said that psalm 21 was on her heart, "I lift up my eyes to the hills. For where does my help come from. My help comes from yhe Lord." Pastor Estaphat in divine coincidence also recited that verse during the service. He said thAt in Haiti only 1 in 10 people have a job. They don't jhave work he explained but they do have time. Time to pray!


God hears their prayers. I felt His presence in their body of believers today and it was a joy to worship with them!