Faith Renewed

As we approached the concerete building that appears to be under construction, we can hear the sound of voices singing, hands clapping and drums beating. There was no sign, parking lot or even front door, but the sound of praise let us know that we had reached the Valley of Hope, the church where we would worship today.

We had the honor of worshipping with Pastor Maxeau who has so graciously served as our host here in Haiti.  The story of how the church was founded is amazing.  Every Sunday, he drives two hours through inner city traffic, dodging animals and people,  while motorcycles weave in and out of traffic in order to get to a place called Bernard.  Bernard is situated in the mountains near the Dominican border.  Bernard is rural farming community and the people living there are miles away from any stores, schools or hospitals. Vodoo is commonly practiced there and prior to Pastor Maxeaus efforts, there was only one Catholic church and no protestant churches in the area.

His church was started after God told him to go to a place called Bernard, which he didn't even know existed.  One day, as he was traveling through the contryside, he was sharing his vision with a friend.  As he was sharing his vision, his friend said, "My brother, if God has sent you to Bernard, then you should build your church right here, because this city is Bernard."

So, he went door to door to spread the gospel.  That very day 15 people accepted Christ as their Savior.  And that is how it all began.  He now has approximately 250 members worshipping in a newly built sanctuary, where six months ago once stood merely chairs and palm branches.

Although they had no electricity, no windows and concrete floors, today we were priviledged to celebrate our Father in one of the most powerful, pure and sincerest worship experiences that any of us have ever had. Hallelujah!!!

The people there welcomed us unconditionally as their brothers and sisters in Christ.  What they didn't know is how much their faith, hope and love impacted us.  Seeing their passion for Christ restored and renewed our own faith and helped us go back to the basics of what it means to be a Christian...unadulturated love for Christ and others.

Tomorrow we will be visiting a school in City Soleil, described to us as the poorest slum in the Western Hemisphere.

Please continue to keep us in your thoughts and prayers as we both give and receive hope here in Haiti.

In His name,

Haiti Team #2