While We Wait

On the phone with customer service, idling in a construction zone, fourth on the list at a restaurant, trying to get better so we can get back to living – we all find ourselves waiting at times. What do we do? What does God want us to do?

On my return from Haiti last February, I waited at U.S. Customs for over an hour with a crowd of other weary travelers. The lone customs agent, who looked like he had slept in his clothes and was sorry he woke up, motioned us one by one to his booth. A few people in line commented immediately on his demeanor and the lack of agents. A few started talking with people around them. Most retreated into their phones.

Forty minutes later people were frustrated. Now some complained angrily. Some made wise cracks to relieve the tension (I did that). Others raised their voices, which brought other customs employees closer to the maze. (I did not do that.) That gave a few people the opportunity to engage the airport workers: “What’s happening? What’s the plan? A lot of us have connecting flights. How do we solve the problem?” (I did do that.)

Waiting can frustrate or discourage us. King Solomon observed that “Hope deferred makes the heart sick . . .” (Proverbs 13:12) We can make decisions in a time of waiting that we regret soon after – or ever after – OR we can wait on the Lord and renew our strength (Isaiah 40:31).

I get frustrated or discouraged when I forget in the moment that the Fall happened, that it’s about God’s glory not my own plans or timetable, that God can cultivate sweet Kingdom fruit in and through me as I wait. Our times of waiting are part of God’s will for us, not barriers to the good life. Like other trials we experience, these times can produce within us the “peaceable fruit of righteousness” (Hebrews 12:11), if we cooperate.

As far as traveling to Haiti, we’re in a time of waiting right now. U.S. airlines have suspended flights into the country, and the security situation has not changed. Haitian leaders have yet to assemble a provisional national government, the domino that must fall before Kenya (and others) are willing to deploy the UN-sanctioned security force to Haiti. Prices are soaring and food and fuel more scarce. Check out this longer-term perspective on Haiti.

But that doesn’t mean we sit on our hands or, God forbid, give up on our calling to the poor and oppressed. Far from it. This waiting time is a working time, a preparation time! Last week Mark Reed and I traveled to Missionary Flights headquarters in Fort Pierce, Florida to reorganize our training materials for future training and to retrieve perishable items and now outdated certificates of completion. We’re hard at work on Course 5 and appreciating the extra time to prepare it well. We’re updating and connecting with present and potential supporters. Overall, we’re working toward our next training times in Haiti, planned for July.

And we’re praying! Please keeping on asking our Almighty Father to clear the way for Haitian pastors to grow, Jesus’ churches to flourish and Haitian communities to thrive. That will take national leaders forming the provisional government, improved security most likely with outside help, and a more stable economy. Our God is able and willing! Pray for our Haitian ministry team. Ask the Lord to encourage them, provide for them and protect them and their families. Pray for our preparation work during this waiting time – that PPI will be more effective in encouraging, training and resourcing church leaders as a result of it. Pray that we will worship and walk as we wait.

Also, save the date: On June 30, the New Life missions team is organizing a time of prayer for Haiti. More details to come.