Last day of missions - Barbancourt

Today was a joyous day of community celebration with our new friends at Barbancourt Baptist church. We had a big meal planned and provided all the supplies and clean water for the women to prepare. We arrived to see the entire church preparing and cooking for the last day. Some of our men helped a man cutting logs move a large tree trunk to his prep area. That saved him the labor of dragging that over the rocky ground in the heat of the day. 

I found Pastor Louissant, who was fluttering around with his big smile and fast hands making sure everyone had a job or was happy. I pulled him aside and asked if I could pray for him in some way. It took a few minutes for us to understand- he speaks some English and my Creole hasn't progressed too far this week. I think I surprised him by praying with him immediately for his church, his orphanage, his family and for his strength as a pastor. I know I have a new friend for life in Pastor Lousisant. 

After a few songs lead by Pastor Dorcean- including our new favorite "Deep Down Inside" we shifted to our final Bible story on Faith and Forgiveness using the story of Zaccheus from Luke 19. It was an uplifting story of taking the first step of Faith and the power of Jesus' transformation through forgiveness! We made sure we wanted anyone without Jesus to discuss with Pastor or any of before we left. Our small groups were the most passionate yet! Multiple stories of hurt and struggle to forgive. We heard so many sad stories and prayed for the strength that would be required to soften hearts and minds. I can say that was our best small group time of the week. 

Next we sang another song and prayed for our meal. What a meal! We passed out about 70 trays of black beans, rice and potatoes to those gathered inside the church and then we served our team and translators. All smiles and full bellies with plenty to share afterwards. 

We look forward to returning to Barbancourt again one day in the future to see our brothers and sisters. They will never know how they ministered to us this week. While we are blessed with material possessions in America- you have to wonder if what we call "blessings" are really what keeps us apart from knowing God better. I think the Haitians we met this week have so much less to compete against God's worship and I am humbled and inspired by their simple lives.  I encourage you to take another look through Matthew 25 as Pastor Bill encouraged us to do last night. The least of these is the most important. Merci, Haiti