By Nicki Jay, Haiti Mission Trip Participant
Watch a VIDEO from a Haiti trip participant.
I am outwardly still the same woman after being in Haiti; however, inwardly I sense that I’m much closer to the REAL me than I have been in years. Before our trip to Haiti this past October, I was feeling anxious, generally cranky, hurried, and tired—not just physically tired, but weary. These were not all of the emotions running through me, but they were the predominant ones. I had gotten far from the heart of Jesus. Not feeling the River of Life flowing in me, if you know what I mean.
The experience I had in Haiti has renewed my dried-up faith and refreshed my weary spirit. God is doing a special work in the hearts of Haitian children, teens, women, and men. I was privileged to witness firsthand that, even in the midst of devastation and despair, there is a steadfast hope in Jesus being the Faithful One in whom we can entrust our deepest hurts and greatest needs. And, oh was there ever a contagious rejoicing that I will not soon forget. Their joy is abundant and springs from hearts filled with the grace of God’s Holy Spirit.
Powerful. That should replace “good” in my reply to folks when I’m asked about the trip. Powerful and exactly what I needed to gain an eternal perspective. Being in the presence of children left me filled with a renewed hope in God and a heart that rejoices. The scripture exhorting God’s children to “rejoice in the LORD always, again I say REJOICE,” has been running through my mind a lot the last several days. And then my heart leaps with thankfulness that I am free to receive Him and all the spiritual blessings promised every child of God. I find myself rejoicing even when faced with a screaming toddler at 3 AM. I rejoice even when my ears are filled with the whines and demands of a seven year old that could benefit from a little perspective herself. I rejoice at the evidence of God’s faithful response to the prayers of friends. So, so much rejoicing through all the good, mundane, annoying, and frightening. Praise Jesus for the work he is faithfully completing around the world and in our hearts right here at home!
If there were just one shift I’d humbly ask each of us at “home” to consider, I would ask that we collectively partner with God and the work he is doing on behalf of the fatherless. If we, as a faith community, could sell out to a vision fueled by the Lord’s redemptive love to change the lives of those without a family on earth by bringing them into God’s family, then there would be some serious rejoicing to do. Will you join me in loving on these kids? Their greatest need is fulfilled when blessed with the life-transforming hope of Jesus.
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Photos: Special thanks to Faith Missions International’s Gift of God Orphanage in Port au Prince, Haiti.
