August started off with a bang! God works all the time y’all, He never sleeps. When I was planning out speaking engagements for my time stateside I totally forgot that August 1st was a Sunday. That doesn’t even make sense??? As many times as I looked over calendars and spoke to pastors, it’s crazy. When I realized it I considered contacting back a few churches that couldn’t get into my calendar. But something told me not to. And then I overheard a conversation that made me understand why all of this happened. God allowed me to be free that Sunday so that I could witness my stepdad being baptized. It was a blessing to go to church with them and spend the afternoon with family and friends. What fun!
On August 14th, Haiti experienced a disaster in a way I have never known before. A 7.2 magnitude earthquake with the epicenter close to us in Southern Haiti. The aftershocks also hit areas near us and areas that we work with at RMI. It was a very hard morning being in the States and not being able to get ahold of all of my people. Since then I have contacted a lot of them to get reports. On the night of the 16th, Grace hit and caused more suffering to the people of Haiti. Many were still too traumatized to sleep inside or do not have shelter. I don’t understand why these things are happening but I know that there is a reason. I tend to deal with sadness by trying to look on the bright side or make jokes. I made the comment to someone, “when we asked people to pray the God would pour out grace on Haiti this isn’t quite what we meant.” On the 18th I was thankfully allowed to return home. I was anxious about what awaited me but so happy to be able to return and help out on the field.
The summer of church signs came to a close with three more churches this month. It has been a blessing to visit each of these places over the past two months and see so many sweet faces.
Well, it is August 20th. I am so thankful to be home. but also so conflicted. I feel like I am doing nothing to help but then again feel like I am running constantly. RMI is working hard to distribute as many relief items as we can. I am trying to support and encourage our staff as well as other missionaries here as they work. Please continue to pray for Haiti during these very difficult times. Please also remember to pray for the missionaries and others giving help. It isn’t easy when you realize that you cannot help everyone.
We have so much to be thankful for. This life is not an easy one. Sometimes it feels as though those suffering continue to suffer relentlessly. Sometimes we ask God why He allows some things to happen. But when we take the time to stop and think on what all He has done…What a blessing that this earthquake happened during summertime so schools were not in session as many schools are destroyed. What a blessing it is that God held the RMI staff safe that they make help others. What a blessing that now the world has a greater capacity to help one another in times of trouble. Yes, there are awful things going on all over the world right now but do not forget to give God thanks. The things are not for us to understand because we are not in control. It is for us to trust the King of kings and know that this is all part of His plan. I will never understand how you can see two houses side by side one completely fine and the other flat on the ground. I will never understand why it had to be Haiti…again. I will never understand why the rain continues to fall hard on people who are still sleeping outside either out of fear or nowhere else to go. I will never understand why the aftershocks continue or why so many had to go through so much trauma. BUT. I understand who my God is and therefore, it is okay. God is good all of the time, no doubt about it.
Please continue to pray for the people of Haiti at this time. This suffering will continue for years to come but we know the God can free us from our suffering. Pray for your missionaries as they try to help the best that they can. If you feel led, please consider giving to the RMI earthquake relief fund at https://www.eservicepayments.com/cgi-bin/Vanco_ver3.vps?appver3=Fi1giPL8kwX_Oe1AO50jRlZu3TcWt6AQgTxntamC76THO3iVYxvvxhHjRfLOeq662EvVVAEjqawDomKT1pbouTMd0F_TLzeAADY4MqbaKIQ=
Love You to Haiti and Back 