haitian hope

The Haitian people are deeply spiritual. This has been evident throughout the capitol region following the quake as groups have gathered together to pray, worship and give thanks to God. These events have not escaped the attention of the media, which has acted at times almost incredulously at the expression of faith expressed in the face of such great agony.

About 80% of the nation professes Roman Catholicism, while 16% engage in some form of Protestantism. And for many, their faith is evident in their daily lives. But voodoo, a spiritistic practice combining African cultic practices with European and indigenous elements dominates well over half the population. Voodoo focuses on connection with spirits, especially in the areas of healing and protection. Catholicism initially resisted these practices, but eventually syncretized voodoo within its own practices. Many Catholics participate in voodoo, believing the two systems actually complement, instead of contradict, each other. Protestants view voodoo as a demonic practice, and stand adamantly opposed to it, but even so, many Protestant believers maintain ties with their former practices.

When I was in Haiti almost ten years ago, our team served in with Northwest Haiti Christian Mission in Saint Louis du Nord. Several observations and impressions still stand out in my mind from that experience. We saw evidence of voodoo devotion everywhere. Objects of devotion were on and in homes we passed. We encountered a group preparing to sacrifice a cow, and even witnessed a face-to-face between one of our preachers and the voodoo priest. We heard the drums of voodoo gatherings each night just beyond the borders of our compound wall, indicating ceremonies that were taking place. One night during a church meeting, we were blessed being part of a group of 500-800 Haitian believers, praising God in song and dance for well over an hour. The level of worship and excitement in the air were electric and we were impressed with what we saw as the devotion of the local believers. But the missionary informed us that at least 70% of those believers still held voodoo fetishes (objects thought to contain great power in the spirit world) in their homes. Although they were Christians, they found it difficult to break completely with old practices, either because of fear, habit, or "just in case" they might ever need the help.

I have a deep respect for my Haitian brothers and sisters who have given their all for the cause of Christ. Such a commitment can mean great difficulty in the culture, both socially and spiritually. Those who follow Christ have a deep understanding of what it means to trust Him in all areas of their lives, whether material, emotional or spiritual. I believe that the future of this country depends upon these kinds of people, who understand what it means to walk in the light of Christ, and reject paths that run counter to God's way.

Please keep the Haitian believers in prayer, that God will speak through their lives and leadership, that they will remain faithful in the face of constant compromise, and that God will grant them victory over the evil one and all his schemes. The road was a difficult one before January 12, and it just got much, much harder. But even as the thief rejoices over the death, destruction and despair that he sees, God works. He prepares. He empowers. And He will have the glory. Because He know the plans He has for His people, and those plans include a future.

And a hope.