Hope for Haiti: Body of Christ

VBS! VBS! VBS! VBS!

This was the continuous phrase we heard over and over again from the sweet voices of over 320 children today. Their excited and innocent spirits are always amazing to be in the presence of. One of many sweet moments was spent nursing a little boy about one year old back to health. He came over and sat with Rebekah during VBS and was so sweaty, clamy, and lethargic. We discovered that he was dehydrated and needed some water. They gave us several bags of water and after great efforts, he refused to drink hardly any water. After about 30 minutes, a girl from another church had the idea to try giving him some juice. We spoon-fed him a little juice and he finally drank! We were also able to give him a little rice. Someone later told us that he was actually able to WALK out of the eating area moments later. After time in the ceremony, our group split up into two different areas. Susan and Ken went with the younger kids to travel around to the different stations. For the nutrition station, kids learned about how to clean and eat papayas and bananas. The leader even told the kids that if they eat these things, they become strong and it helps them get their swag on! They were able to "herd" the kids around to the different stations again today and just love on the kiddos. Lacey, Mark, and Rebekah were asked to hang around in the kitchen to help serve the meals. It was a hectic time of washing dishes, spoons, and pans repeatedly and then switching to serving plates of rice and beans to hundreds of children. It was amazing to be a part of serving a meal that was probably the only one some kids may have for days. Even more so, it was amazing to have the opportunity to love on these children and be a part of their lives.

Later on after VBS we ministered in the nearby village of Cabaret. We were able to walk around the area and speak to many of the people (using an interpreter of course!) We came upon a family of 8, only three of which being nonbelievers. We were able to plant a few seeds in the hearts of two of these people. The third, Catyen, decided to accept Jesus into her heart! After praying with her, the group gave her a cross necklace so she can remember Jesus' love for her. Walking back to the bus, everyone tried some authentic Haitian soda....sold out of a cardboard box, but it was delicious nonetheless!

Worship service tonight began with about an hour of beautiful worship and praise music. The lyrics alternated between Creole and English, so we wouldn't stay confused for long! It was amazing to watch Haitians and Americans alike worshiping and praying in their own unique way. Some shouted their prayers while others whispered them while on their knees. The pastor spoke for a short time before the party REALLY started. What seemed to be a "dance party for Jesus" broke out with jumping, running, shouting, singing, and maybe a conga line or two! Children were up on shoulders and masses of people ran out one end of the church only to come back in the other side! A few sweat drops later (okay, maybe a LOT of sweat drops), the dancing stopped and we ended the night singing "Holy, Holy, Holy". And holy He is indeed, allowing the body of Christ to worship together.

Au revoir!
the Blogettes