affirmation

We had a really lovely time on Saturday with Dr. Rodney and his family.  He is the director of the Bethesda Medical Clinic in Vaudreil, and the president of the Vaudreil church, and is such a wise, gifted and Godly man.  His wife, Vidan, is also a joy, and Lily, Wude, Ollie and Alisha had a blast together, playing with every single toy Lily has.  (I should have taken a picture of the house by the time they left :)

As I was putting the finishing touches on dinner, I was listening to Matt, Rodney and Vidan speak about some of the major issues of the church and ministry in Haiti.  Rodney really nailed some of the key issues on the head, and though he was very right, I began to feel a bit depressed about how in the world things would ever change.  But in that very moment, my heart was greatly touched and humbled to see him bend close to Matt and say:

"Matt, it has to happen HERE.  THIS is where it is all going to happen.  THIS is where REAL change, the kind of change that Haiti NEEDS, must happen.  Everyone does things the way they've always been done.  The corrupt fathers teach the corrupt sons.  But here, with the Bible, you can teach and grow something different, something true, something, by the Grace of God, completely transforming."

All agreed and the conversation moved on, but I was left a bit in awe and grateful in the kitchen.  The belief I have just in Emmaus Biblical Seminary and in what God has called us here to do was re-spoken to me, re-affirmed.  Here was a Godly and wise Haitian man who isn't involved in the Seminary in any way, and after seeing SO much, he truly believes that it is only through the training of God's Word to those He has called that Haiti will ever be changed.

As I sit in our sweltering office this morning doing tedious financial registration work, I am so blessed by the reminder, and so aware again that the privilege of working as a part of His kingdom in this world is one we haven't deserved, but are blessed by.