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.
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.
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.
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.
Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in faith, in love and in purity. 1 Timothy 4:12
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.
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.
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