Why I go to Haiti.

A month from right now I will be in Haiti on a Mission Trip with Healing Haiti.  I’ve been before, but I am eager to go back.  The first time, I fell in love with the people there, while at the same time I was shocked by what I witnessed.  The poverty, the illness, the hardship, the filth.  But that wasn’t as powerful as my reaction to the people who were grateful, joyful and faith-filled.Image 66

They have so little.  We have so much.

But it begs the question: who’s really worse off, me or them?

In my abundance, I lose sight of how precious these things are:  my freedom, my financial position, my vocation, my children, my health, my community, my home, my clothes, my car, my purchasing power (at any manner of stores- even sometimes 24hrs a day!)

In their physical and financial hardship, so many of the Haitian people keep their eyes fixed on Jesus.  They don’t lose sight of Him, because He is all they have.  And in this case abundance doesn’t cloud their view of the One true hope and source of all strength.

So why would I go to this poor, filthy, hot, poverty-stricken place by choice?

I go because I am reminded that my life is abundantly filled with blessings, that I take for granted.

I go because I am humbled by the faith of those less fortunate.

I go because I am called to use my gifts to serve and love others in Christ’s name.

I go because to stay would be comfortable, and I desire to live a life fully committed to God’s purposes.

I go because I want to love my neighbor, no matter their color, their status, their financial position or their “cleanliness”.

I go because God has called me and I have no choice but to follow.

 

What about you? Are you being called to serve near or far?  Will you step out in faith and trust God for the outcome?  What’s holding you back?

I’d love to hear your experiences – please share below in the comments.

 

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