On Wednesday, we concluded Course 2, Our Powerful Gospel, with an important assignment: Every student writes his or her personal testimony. This assignment tests church leaders’ understanding of the four essential truths of the gospel, which we study in Romans chapters 1-5. It also gives students practice in sharing with others how they met Jesus and makes their study in this course personal.
Do you remember when Jesus traveled with His disciples to Caesarea Philippi? (Matthew 16:13-18) It was quite a walk from Galilee to the forests and streams of Mount Hermon. Herod Philip had restored (and renamed) the city in Roman style in honor of the emperor, and it became a vacation destination for wealthy Romans. The main attraction of the city was the cave of Pan (Greek god of the woods) and its wall of gods (pictured). Shelves were carved into the rock face surrounding the cave for the figures of other gods. People could pray and sacrifice to whatever god appealed to them in the moment. Jesus chose this location to ask His disciples a life-defining question (Matthew 16:15): What about you? Who do YOU say I am?
Once every church leader has written their faith story, we invite 2-3 of them to share with the class. One young pastor (pictured) shared that he grew up in a poor family. (In Haiti, where everyone is poor by American standards, this means his family was destitute.) When he was old enough, he left home and settled in Ouanaminthe to find work. He was desperate and alone, but some believers helped and encouraged him. He started attending their church, where he heard the good news of Jesus and turned over his life to the Savior.
Another church leader shared that her father was a Voodoo witch doctor. She planned to follow in his footsteps to help protect their family from curses but instead, as a young adult, found herself empty and afraid. Her friend invited her to visit her church, but she resisted for a long time. When she finally accompanied her zanmi to church, the pastor shared that he had been involved in Voodoo before he became a Christian. He said Voodoo could not protect a person. In fact, it was evil and harmful. Only Jesus can protect us and give us peace. This message opened her heart, and she received Christ. Now her face shines with the joy of the Lord!
Pray for the 90 church leaders who completed Course 2 that they will be clear and confident in sharing the life-changing news of Jesus. This is the foundation of all our churches and the starting point for any lasting change in Haiti!
And please pray for our team as we wrap up Course 3 today (Saturday), enjoy a short sabbath, then head for Fort-Liberté on Sunday afternoon. We begin Course 1 there on Monday morning. Bondye beni nou! (May God bless you all!)
We’re praying for you Pastor Ken, Brian and everyone else who is attending these amazing life changing 🙏 stories and lessons from God. We also pray for safe traveling mercies as you travel. May God continue to guide and bless you in everything you do and say 🙏 ❤️.
Thank you, Ken for this encouraging update! May our mighty God continue to speak through you, build up His church in Haiti and keep all of you safe!
Blessings and prayers from Lifespring Community Church.
May God bring fruit from these students lives. May He give them boldness and courage to share the gospel and their story with all their friends and family and everyone they meet.
Thanks sir ken for this amazing sharing and faith story. Very inspiring. Transforming too. It is not limited to an individual who participate in ppp but transform their community. It is a great harvesting souls. God is going reconcile with many more in future. May the good bless you and your team.God bless you.