Encouragement from Above

Wow!  Yesterday (Tuesday) was one of those God days I dream about and get super excited by.  Usually during the summer I only post photos, ministry updates that are not related to team activities or reports that just list what went on during the day- nothing personal.  But, today I feel I need to post and tell about some encouragement I received yesterday from God about the direction and future of Hearts United.

First of all, the group went out on a prayer walk in the morning and I stayed back.  When they returned they were talking and sharing about those they met as they walked the streets of our neighborhood but one story really touched me.  As the group was walking a man approached them and began talking to them about "what Haiti really needs".  He thought at first that the group was giving handouts and came to scold them, but when they got talking and to him he realized we were there to meet people and to encourage them, pray with them, etc.  The exciting thing for me was that the group reported that as they talked with this man about Haiti a group formed to listen to the conversation.  They said that the man said everything we believe in and promote among those who serve with us- that YES! there are physical needs in Haiti that should be addressed and that YES! Jesus did fill those needs as he lived and walked among the people, however, just giving someone a handout isn't the answer.  The beauty was that it was a Haitian explaining all of this and other Haitians were listening (even video taping what he was saying).  We can talk all we want but hearing it from a fellow Haitian will impact them.  So, the group was blessed to be able to give this man the forum he needed to talk to his fellow brothers/sisters.  We pray the message was understood and well received.

Also, I was able in the afternoon (before I knew all of the above story) to share with some students at the English class about our vision for the Training and Discipleship Center.  We take groups to practice English with them and one man asked "What is your vision for this school long term?"  I shared that we would like to not only use the facility as a place to offer classes like English, literacy (reading/writing), computer skills, etc, but that we would like to use it as a place where foreigners who come to Haiti can teach short classes to Haitians in various areas.  We have a vision for teachers having seminars for other teachers, nurses teaching nurses, plumbers teaching plumbing, and more.  We also would like to start Bible Studies, support groups and a discipleship program.  They loved the idea!  People were so excited to hear about those opportunities for the community- you could see it in their eyes and smiles.

Then, in the evening Pastor Robby came to visit and we had a great time of fellowship with the group and him.  He too shares in our vision for Haiti and our role as an organization as we move forward.  As the future becomes more and more clear we receive confirmation such as this which excites me (and the other leaders here).  We were never so convinced of God's plan for the future of Hearts United here in Haiti and look forward to watching as He brings it all together, then receives all the honor and glory for the work HE has done!  In the meantime we are humbled and blessed to be used by Him to help spread encouragement, healing, opportunities, and so much more here in Haiti.  -Crystal