Peace Surpassing all Understanding

 

 

 

 Brent Inman's Blessing in Haiti

As I look back to our trip to Haiti, one thing that really stood out to me is how God is with us wherever we go and we can have peace in knowing that.

After finishing a shade house ahead of schedule, finishing a mountain hike with Haitian guides to see a beautiful sunrise, a new day dawning on a Haitian village, and just lovin’ on the Haitian children. We were asked to go to the airport to assist with unloading two planes loaded with food that was to be delivered to different orphanages. To be exact it was 85,000 lbs of rice, 42,500 lbs of beans and close to 1200 boxes of Kids against Hunger food that were going to many places to feed children. Sounds like a lot right, even here that is a lot, but in a country that needs food so badly, think of how that would look lined up on a runway. Who would have thought, God can use the unlikeliest of us to do His will. When I say unlikely, would you pick a lady in a walker, a teenage girl, an early 20’s guy, an 8 year old Haitian boy, an unbelieving Embassy worker, a Haitian driver and me to help deliver this food? God pulls the most unlikely group together so He gets the credit. It makes me kind of laugh and feel so blessed at the same time. Here we are, a small truck loaded with food, driving through a country of unrest that needs food so badly, and we are driving through the streets, villages and checkpoints not even concerned, having a peace that surpasses all understanding. I think of armed UN soldiers unloading food, at the same time we were from another plane, armed UN soldiers outside to protect their men from harm, and here we are in an open truck and school bus, loaded with food driving to a destination that God had picked out for us and not concerned at all. To be totally honest, not even thinking of any of this until I laid down my head that evening to pray before going to sleep.

God has a way of giving peace, when we need it the most and not even knowing to ask for it. One more way to shows how he cares for us and that he is Sovereign. I am so glad he loves me.
Psalm 121:8

"The Lord shall preserve your going out and your coming in from this time forth, and even forevermore. "

Flat Creek Baptist Church, October 5, 2014

Jaime Oestreich, Ron Lusk, Brent Inman and I had a wonderful day yesterday, October 5,  worshipping and sharing about Sustainable Food Production with the folks at Flat Creek Baptist Church. This little congregation of about 50 souls contributes mightily to our work in Haiti. Their contributions per year equals the building of 3 full sized shade houses. Our hearts were touched by their dedication to missions. In addition we brought back over 300 diapers for Haiti made by several area churches and an automobile contributed to Righteous Rides. They are located about 7 miles south of Sedalia. Almost forgot to mention they have already exceeded their offering goal for Missouri Baptist Missions which was a significant goal.

Haiti Travel

What do you take for a trip to Haiti? 

Recently I enjoyed a trip into Haiti with two Brothers in Christ, Ben and Tim, to build a few shades houses. Actually we completed four in just over a weeks time frame.  Truly this was the Lord’s doing and it was great and also to complete our effort in a short time frame.  This trip introduced Ben to a few first times; first time building outside the US, first time to Haiti, first time joining a group of guys who will tell you the Lord truly looks after his children especially us.

Often the question asked by those traveling is what do I take or how much of this or that.  For seasoned travelers you know what it is like.  It’s typically said you know better shortly after you get there and definitely when you get back the answer to your question.  My usual response is you likely don't need as much as you think.  A couple of things you need and they do not add to luggage weight; patience and a sense of humor.  The Lord has given us a Spirit of strength that will sustain us.  We just need to utilize the Fruit of the Spirit to engage the challenges we encounter. 

Our Lord has instructed us to go into the world and proclaim the gospel.  One sure way to proclaim God’s word is to share while working alongside someone.  In such times you are sharing something they need and your conversation can tell plus encourage them of what God has done for you and will do for them.

Ron

Shade House Vegetables

Garden crops growing in the shade houses.

 

Children's Lifeline July 2014

This is the second shade house built at La Digue Matheux, Haiti.  This unit will be used to grow nursery plants for replanting in the terraced garden or given out to the public.