We started Course 1 in Cap-Haitien this morning (last Monday) with a full house. (See pics!) Modie, a member of our ministry team, told us last year that many, many church leaders were asking for PPI Course 1 again in Cap-Haitien. He was right!
The Lord has given our team strength and joy these past two weeks. Hurricane Melissa left behind flooded streets and roads and hot, muggy weather in Haiti. One team member said, “It’s muggy, wrapped in muggy, stuffed with muggy.” Honestly, our U.S. team members are looking forward to cooler, less humid weather – and a Starbucks! – but we can endure some light, momentary afflictions to encourage and train 300 church leaders over these two weeks!
Last week, we also offered Course 1 in Limbé, a smaller city two hours west of Cap-Haitien as well as Course 4. This gave Rob Mathis, a U.S. pastor with us on this trip, two opportunities to participate in Course 1 and absorb how we lead it. Pastor Rob desires to train Haitian pastors in the Dominican Republic, and he will start with PPI Course 1 there in January. Please pray for Rob and his wife, Allison, as they transition from Rob’s 30-year pastorate at their church in southern Illinois to training church leaders in the Dominican Republic. We’re excited for them and for the expansion of PPI courses!
Modie led a beautiful song in Limbé. It’s the Haitian version of “I Shall Know Him.” Nearly 100 church leaders lifted their voices to Heaven:
“Ma va oue li, ma konnin li, le ma kanpe bo kotte jezu-kri. Ma va oue li, ma konnin li pa mak klou yo li gingnin nan min li.” (”I will see Him, I will know Him, when I stand by the side of Jesus Christ. I will see Him, I will know Him by the nail marks He has in His hands.”)
Our lives on this planet pass by so quickly. What will we live for while we’re here? What gets our time, attention and energy? How much of what we focus on is just for us? The Father’s intention for each of His children is clear: “Christ died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves, but for Him who for their sake died and rose again” (2 Corinthians 5:15).
One day soon we will see our Savior. We will see Him! We will know Him! In those moments we will realize fully how important it was to live for what really mattered for eternity – wherever we may be.
P.S. Thank you for your contributions to help Pastor Clausel’s family and church in southern Haiti! He is so grateful for your thoughtfulness and gifts.
Thank you, Ken for these details regarding Haiti, our brothers there and the ongoing ministry. Also appreciate your challenge to live our lives focused on Christ and spend our time on things of eternal value. We’re praying for you at Lifespring Community Church.
Welcome back home Ken. We’ve been praying for you and the team. So glad the training went so well. Hope to see you and Rena soon.