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.

a great day for a party

It's warming up. The days are brighter, longer, and filled with hope. At least that's how I feel today. I'm reading through the New Testament letter to the Colossian church this morning, and I'm reminded again of the supremacy of Christ. Paul tells us (me) that Jesus is the glue that holds everything in this universe together- everything. And the shedding of his blood on the cross was the needed ingredient to bring peace and reconciliation to humankind, reconnecting us to a vital relationship with the Father. I need that word today. It helps me keep my priorities in order. Helps me remember why I do what I do. Helps me look beyond the immediate to the bigger, eternal picture.

In my last post, I talked about those at our church's door looking for help. Often it's physical relief they seek, but even that lends itself to the opportunity to talk about other, deeper issues. We get a lot of people coming by, as you might imagine. Sometimes I confess I get weary listening and helping. Sometimes the fruit yield in this kind of ministry is small, and it can be discouraging. Sometimes I forget why I'm really here.

But not yesterday. Yesterday the angels threw a party. You see, last week I spoke with a man who'd been coming off and on for food and prayer. His current situation was not good, he was looking at being on the streets, and he was at the end of his rope. We provided enough assistance to get him through the immediate crisis, and he told me he wanted to bring his daughter and talk more about Christ.

Yesterday he did just that. He returned with his 16 year-old daughter and the three of us talked at length about what it means to follow the path of Jesus. At the end of the conversation they both told me they wanted to make that commitment! We prayed together, they received Christ as Lord and Savior. I gave them Scriptures to read about baptism. Told them to come back after their lunch and we'd go from there.

Sure enough, that afternoon they were back. We talked some more, answered some questions, and then I had the privilege of baptizing them into Christ. A party in heaven broke out as two who were lost had been found! And I remembered again why I really do what I do, why I'm really here. It's because people need to know. They need to see. They need to hear. They need to feel and understand God's love for them, regardless of their situation. What Christ has done for them. How much they mean to him. How valuable they really are. Colossians 1:13 says it like this:

For he [God] has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

PARTY ON!

my unsettled soul

It's been a tough week in my spirit. I returned Sunday night from a four-day trip with a ministry team from our church. We were in eastern Arizona, serving on the San Carlos Apache Reservation. This trip always hits me differently than others. We had a great time (21 of us in all) working with the Arizona Reservation Ministry, and coming alongside them as they pour themselves out for the Apache people. We assisted in the construction of homes on the reservation, played with kids, and tried to make connections with those around us. The experience is always a positive one, and is of great value. But it always leaves me unsettled and bothered. Maybe more than anywhere else I go.

The level of despair and hopelessness that exists in this location is beyond measure. It's difficult to describe the intensity of the factors that block the way of any person, young or old, succeeding here. Unemployment on the reservation stands at more than 75%. More than half the homes have no running water or electricity. Alcohol consumption is rampant, as are drug usage and dealing (meth and coke being the preferred choices). Gangs are so prevalent (Bloods and Crips- can you believe it?!) that everyone, youth and adult alike, are afraid for their safety. When the sun sets, everyone retreats inside. It's not safe to be out.

There's little or no hope in young people's hearts for their futures. One of greatest cultural influencers is MTV. Many of the young people emulate what they see there, almost none of it positive. Abuse in all forms is high, and little of substance is done about it. It's as if invisible bars exist on the borders of the land, restraining those within, and withstanding those without. With the exception of Haiti, there may be less hope here than anywhere else I have been- and that includes the slums of Nairobi, Mexico City and Manila.

Each time I visit San Carlos, my heart is ripped out a little more. I don't have a lot of answers- just a mixed bag of feelings, emotions and frustrations. How we allow such despair in our own land- and especially toward those we've historically treated so poorly to begin with- boggles my mind and makes my heart scream. But why do we expect our government to fix things? Didn't it actually create so much of this? I'm convinced that change will only happen when we- people like you and me- take it upon ourselves to do something about it. And until we do, the San Carlos Apache, and countless others like them, will continue down a ragged road of hopelessness and destruction. But does it really matter to us?

If you just knew some of the people at San Carlos, you'd know that it should.