Seth Barnes and Jeremy Zach share about the second day of national prayer in Haiti and a ministry story from the day. Also included are two videos: one in which Lars Rood shares how the Lord is moving in Haiti and America as a result of the three days of national prayer that many churches and believers are observing. The second is a video of the people dancing for Jesus in the streets of Haiti.
Seth: We didn’t expect this. We expected the devastation, the crumbled buildings, the tent cities. But we didn’t expect the hope. Everywhere we went this morning, under tents, under trees, in the squares, in the rubble, were gatherings of people praying and singing. We drove to a gathering our translator estimated to be 6,000 people.
Something spiritually historic is underway. The cry of a desperate people is rising up to the heavens – calling out for mercy, crying out for God, shouting out for the arrival of the soon-coming king. And, today at least, God responded. His Spirit blew through the tents in ways that sent you to your knees in response. In 30 years of missions, I’ve never seen anything like it. It’s the thing you read about it books. It’s the thing you hope for but sometimes grow cynical about ever seeing. And it’s happening here, now. Haiti is arising – a month after the greatest natural disaster of our time, new and hope-filled day is dawning. Read more…
Jeremy: …Little did we know
pastor Elipson’s was about to start church service and this worshiping parade was
making its way towards the pews. We grabbed our supplies and headed back to where we were visiting with
church families. However we noticed a church serviced started. Lars
and Rhett were already on the church stage and Lars was preaching. Immediately an
usher grabbed Anne, our translator, and myself and led us up to the front stage
to join Lars and Rhett. Lars finished his sermon and pastor Elipson
stated: “Next?” Anne jumped up and preached.
pastor Elipson’s was about to start church service and this worshiping parade was
making its way towards the pews. We grabbed our supplies and headed back to where we were visiting with
church families. However we noticed a church serviced started. Lars
and Rhett were already on the church stage and Lars was preaching. Immediately an
usher grabbed Anne, our translator, and myself and led us up to the front stage
to join Lars and Rhett. Lars finished his sermon and pastor Elipson
stated: “Next?” Anne jumped up and preached.
I was up next.
My mind was racing because I had about 6 minutes to collect my thoughts and
give them a God inspired message. I asked them how can they, as
Haitian Christians, still joyously and zealously worship God with such
thanksgiving in the midst of destruction? Americans get mad if we don’t
get enough sleep, Haitian Christians exhibit great joy and worship when a
natural disaster hits. I reinforced that their worshiping posture was a
real gift of faith to me as I saw it firsthand. Pastor Elipson’s church
perfectly illustrated the true meaning of: 1 Thessalonians 5:18 in everything give thanks; for this is God’s
will for you in Christ Jesus.
My mind was racing because I had about 6 minutes to collect my thoughts and
give them a God inspired message. I asked them how can they, as
Haitian Christians, still joyously and zealously worship God with such
thanksgiving in the midst of destruction? Americans get mad if we don’t
get enough sleep, Haitian Christians exhibit great joy and worship when a
natural disaster hits. I reinforced that their worshiping posture was a
real gift of faith to me as I saw it firsthand. Pastor Elipson’s church
perfectly illustrated the true meaning of: 1 Thessalonians 5:18 in everything give thanks; for this is God’s
will for you in Christ Jesus.
I am learning more
from Haitian Christians, than I ever did in seminary. In fact I asked
them to pray for me instead of me praying for them. Their prayers are so
powerful, authoritative, and LOUD. When they pray, they really do believe
and have faith. I am concluding (and I can be wrong) that anyone can
minister in Haiti. Haitian Christians (at least the members at Pastor
Cleonont Elipson’s church) love American Christians and need many-many-many more
to come help provide food, water, and secure shelter. Read more…
from Haitian Christians, than I ever did in seminary. In fact I asked
them to pray for me instead of me praying for them. Their prayers are so
powerful, authoritative, and LOUD. When they pray, they really do believe
and have faith. I am concluding (and I can be wrong) that anyone can
minister in Haiti. Haitian Christians (at least the members at Pastor
Cleonont Elipson’s church) love American Christians and need many-many-many more
to come help provide food, water, and secure shelter. Read more…
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