Heavenly Encounters, An Update from Haiti

Words seem insufficient on days like these. It is hard to explain what we have experienced and felt today. To sum it up for you seems to cut short the glory due to God. However, we will try.

We were in Leveque again this afternoon. We were there for something special. Something we do not usually get to do. We went to play soccer. Just to play soccer. But this wasn’t any child’s soccer game. You see, in the village of Leveque, there are two communities living amongst each other. Those who were living in slums and those who are deaf. MOH has combined these two communities to bring hope, life, Jesus, and permanent housing. The first soccer game was Haitians versus Americans. The second was the Deaf community against the hearing. The hearing won the game, which we were told doesn’t happen often, if ever.

After the game, all 200 short-term missionaries, people from the community, MOH staff, and interpreters gathered in a circle to pray. A deaf woman led us in prayer. Her prayer was translated to Creole and then to English. We prayed the same prayer in 3 different languages at the same time. What an amazing experience!

Later this evening, we went to church for a worship service. This is my favorite night of the week as it turns into unabandoned, joyous worship. We congo line in church! What is more moving is to watch one of our students weep through the worship. After service and talking to her, she didn’t know why she was crying. I knew. She was experiencing God, the Holy Spirit, in such a way, that she couldn’t sing. The only way to express her worship was through tears. It was beautiful!

So many times, those of us who travel on short-term missions trips think we are going to come and help all these people and build the Kingdom. And we do, there is credibility in that. But the most impact made is typically on our own hearts. It is fun and a privilege to watch this unfold in the lives of our teenagers at Forest Hill.

Quick update!

As you have heard, we have arrived safely in Haiti. All team members at this moment are healthy and happy.

On Sunday, Misson of Hope (www.mohhaiti.org) took us, among others, on a vision trip. We visited the village of Bercy where MOH has been given beach front property by the government to build a home for the elderly. Also on this property is a school, and will be a church, cafeteria, pastoral conference center, and resort for vacasions (vacation and mission trip combined). They hope to open the conference center at the end of August. The vision is enormous and the execution has been excellent.

When the Advance team was here in April, half of us laid foundation for one of the pastoral conference center buildings. Yesterday, we were able to see this building almost complete. All it needs is furniture! It is amazing to come back just months apart and see the fruit of our labor.

After our visit to Bercy, we went to Leveque. As we drive in on the dusty, dirty road, children excitedly chase us. We are then greeted by a swarm of kids who want to be held, chased, and loved. Standing on the hill that sits in the middle of the community, you can see the 401 homes that have been built for families who were living in tent homes after the earthquake in January 2010. Today, we painted 2 of those homes in olive green and canary blue that were in the Deaf community. Only 99 more homes for the vision of MOH 500 to be complete!

It is amazing to watch how God is making this country new. After years of being dedicated to Satan, the Lord Almighty is moving quickly in the country. Not only this, but the lives of our students at Forest Hill are being changed. They are being made new. They are wide awake, embracing every sight, sound, and smell. They are working hard and not complaining. They are at peace. They are alive. Our hope and prayer is that each of these 19 students, and ourselves, will be new in some way. That we would live wholly, holy and fully when we arrive home. That we would be a church who lives for Jesus, and Him alone. 

Safely in Haiti!

Just heard from the team and they have arrived in Haiti safely!
Continue to pray for the team as they are the hands and feet of Jesus this week!

Mosquitos and Giving, by Mary Snover

My name is Mary Snover and I will be a senior at Myers Park High School. As a Charlotte native, I am one of four children and I spend all my time playing lacrosse, eating Bojangles, being with friends, and watching movies. I tried very hard to somehow fit Batman into this post because I am beyond excited for The Dark Knight Rises. Almost as excited as I am for this Haiti mission trip. Almost.

A lady named Bette Reese (not even Google could make it clear why she is famous) once said, "If you think you are too small to be effective, you have never been in the dark with a mosquito." The phrase stuck out to me, especially after buying my new mosquito net, malaria medicine, and uber-protective insect repellent. The quote also rang true of how I think of service. The main reason that I am venturing to Haiti is to make a difference but it is very easy to become discouraged. Haiti is but one nation of a struggling world and I am only giving up one measly week of my summer. At times, I do feel small and very much ineffective. After turning to random inspirational quotes involving mosquitoes, I also looked into God's word. 1 Peter 4:10 states, "As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God." His word is a reminder that each and every one of us has the capability of impacting another's life and each act of love, service, or humility will expand God's kingdom. I am ecstatic about becoming close with each team member and soaking up all that God has to offer me in Haiti. I pray that I will not only be able to touch someone's life, but that my own life will be transformed. I am also praying that the mosquitoes will leave me in peace.

A post, by Madison Williams

       Hey everybody! My name is Madison Williams and I am going to be a senior in the IB program at Myers Park High School.  I love to play tennis, but my competitive sport is one that not many people know about- rowing! I am on the Charlotte Youth Rowing team, which is a team of about forty students from all over Charlotte and we  practice everyday at Lake Wiley. It is a lot of fun and most of my free time is spent with my team.

I have gone to Forest Hill Church for as long as I can remember, and going on a mission trip was something that I have always wanted to do before I graduate. When I first heard about the trip, I immediately wanted to go. I have talked to so many people who say that mission trips are life changing and something that everyone should experience. I am SO excited to go to Haiti with this awesome group of people. I feel so blessed for this opportunity and I know that God has something amazing planned for all of us.

Naturally, it will be a little scary leaving the country, and being somewhere so different than the lifestyle I am accustomed to. My biggest fear is probably getting sick while I am there, but other than that I know it will be such an incredible trip.

I cannot wait to see what God has in store for this trip. I can't wait to spend more time with our team and to spend time with the children I will meet. I am praying everyday for this trip and for the impact we could have while we are there. I know it will be awesome!

A little about me, by Chandler Hillman

Hi my name is Chandler Hillman, I am 15 years old and I am a junior at Myers Park High School. I am an only child, but I have four half siblings. I absolutely love children. So I’m really looking forward to going to Haiti, meeting the people and playing with all of the children. I always have had a heart for helping others and I love to give. I’ve never been on a mission trip before, or even been out of the country, I’m so pumped. The only fears I have are flying and getting sick while in Haiti, other than that I am totally excited.

Here are two of my favorite bible verses:

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10

And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.” Matthew 15:16