Isael and I have known each other since 2013 when we first met at Bible school. We reconnected my first full day in Haiti this summer. We played some catch, caught up on what was happening in each other's lives, and gave each other quite a few hugs. His mom was a joy to meet. She had one of the most beautiful smiles I have ever seen. Thankful for this family that has so graciously allowed me to be a part of their lives!!! Isael and his family live about an hour outside Port-au-Prince. On my next visit I am hoping to visit their home. Mrs. Hyppolite told me that she prays for and thinks of me often. This was one of the most humbling comments to hear.
Fedrick and his family took in several children who lost their parents in the 2010 earthquake that ravaged Haiti. We spent most late mornings with these children. Fedrick's story is amazing to hear, and one can see the handprints of God all over this home. HaitiAwake partnered with Fedrick this year in providing a home and support for the 13 children under this roof. The greatest opportunity the Graves family (the directors of HaitiAwake) has given to these children is the constant proclamation of the gospel and theological truths from God's Word.
Joseph is the boy behind me. He had a very sore ear that was bothering him. After I put some neosporin on it, you would have thought I had healed every ache and pain in his body. He didn't leave my side after that.
God answered my question with the simplicity of His word as He directed my mind to Psalm 1, 1 Corinthians 13, and Galatians 5:22-23. When my roots are deeply planted into God's Word then I will be like a tree that "brings forth fruit in its season" and my spirit will not wither (Psalm 1:3). The appropriate fruit of the Spirit blooming in my heart, attitude, and actions at the appropriate time will be evidence that God countenance is shining in my life (Galatians 5:22-23). My love for others that resembles the love of God toward me (1 Corinthians 13). When the storms of life come and despite the tears, heartache, and struggles of faith in the soul, the soul still says "Lord, I so desperately want to trust and believe You. I want to exhibit You fruit because the fruit of my own sinful heart is evil. But, God, I have only a little faith, please help my unbelief!" As God hears the desperate cry of His child, He shows His approval of my dependence on Him by giving me the appropriate fruit in the appropriate season which in return points all who are watching back to God.
Want to know if your life has God's smile of approval on it? When was the last time you faced a storm in dependence on God, and He gave you the appropriate fruit of the Spirit at the appropriate time so "your leaf did not wither" and the works of your hands prospered during the storm (Psalm 1) so others were encouraged and challenged by God shining through your tears and heartache? God's approval or disapproval in my life has nothing to do with where I was born or where I live, but everything to do with His fruit being manifested in my life.
I worked alongside Haitian believers this summer whose fruit bears witness to the fact that God is smiling down on them. They are serving our God full-heartedly and God has not nor will He allow their leaf to wither and "whatsoever they do, He will and has prospered."
So many lessons to learn from my brothers and sisters across the world. So grateful for the privilege of visiting these brothers and sisters and learning from them!!!