Haiti Part 2

One of the key things impressed upon me on the second day was how God is at work in our lives. When I first became a Christian, God surrounded me with people who were interested in reaching the world for Christ. I knew many individuals, couples, and families who left their comfort zones to live overseas to be a part of serving Christ by living and sharing their faith among people who may not have otherwise heard Christ’s salvation message. Some of the places these friends went to were China, the Philippines, France, England (to the Muslims there), Ireland, Indonesia and Hungary.

During my early Christian life, sharing the gospel message wherever and whenever possible was also impressed upon me. However, I felt God calling me to be involved in world missions. Shortly after graduating from college, my husband and I went to help the missionary in Hungary for a short-term mission trip. This was before communism’s grip was diminished in Eastern Europe, yet the people wanted to learn English. We went to be native English speakers at a camp for some of these people. However, we were also there to show them the love and message of Christ as much as possible. I rejoiced in the opportunity to serve God in that way. I began thinking and praying about other short-term (and maybe even long-term) mission trips even more. I had a vision that God could and would use me that way.

Then life hit! I developed several chronic illnesses, was busy pursuing a graduate degree, had children, and other illnesses became acute. My vision seemed to be dead. Life had just gotten in the way. We still supported missionaries and prayed regularly for them. We prayed God would send out laborers into the harvest (Luke 10:2). We hosted visiting missionaries in our home. We got involved in mission conferences/weekends with our church. Our hearts ached for the harvest around the world (and in our own neighborhood and country) to be appropriately dealt with. I still longed to be a part of God’s harvest around the world, but my illnesses and responsibilities seemed to put to death the vision I’d had in college. I gave up hope of ever “going” again. It seemed as if I’d gotten the wrong message early on; God wasn’t calling me to the mission field as I had thought.

Fast-forward thirty years. All the obstacles were still present in one way or another, and in varying degrees of severity. Yet, the youthful vision again blossomed in my heart. When our church started going to Honduras on regular short-term mission trips, I had a longing to go, but just couldn’t. When our church started partnering with Loving Shepherd’s Ministry in Haiti, I began praying for them, resigning myself to believing that was the role God now had for me regarding world missions.

However, this year in the fall, I couldn’t shake the feeling that God wanted me to go. I argued with Him. I pointed out all my illnesses (which were in great control, but seemed insurmountable to me). I thought my husband would say, “No.” I thought my therapist would say, “Not a good idea.” I thought my diabetes specialist would say, “It’s too dangerous.” I thought my psychiatrist would say, “You might cause depression or mania to return if you try this.” All of them thought it was a great idea! They were excited for me to do it. They encouraged me to apply. I began to get excited, but I thought it was probably too late and all the spots would be taken or I’d never raise enough support.

None of that was true. God answered in big ways and confirmed that He wanted me in Haiti. The vision from my youth had been restored. God works when all hope seems gone. He’s in the business of making miracles. I had learned this lesson earlier in my Christian life, but I was not convinced of it. I had a vision, a death of a vision, and now the miraculous fulfillment of the vision. I’m excited to see what God has for me next.