A Special Treat at Bataille

This past week brought a visit to Bataille, Haiti, located in the mountains east and south of St Marc.  At the river basin just below the church and school we were introduced to something special for a snack.

Shelter

Shelter is important.  It protects from thrashing wind, snapping rain, and forceful hurricanes.  Shelter also provides privacy and intimacy.  Some venture past the flimsy walls to wave to others.  God’s shelter is much different than a tent.  When you find shelter under God’s protection, he shields from thrashing temptations, snapping words, and harmful practices.  He also provides privacy and intimacy.  But will anyone venture past the brawny walls to interact with others?

By Mollie Bond

Short Cuts

See the mountain in the distance?  It would be tempting to try to find a short-cut past the valley. The goal is ahead, but it’s the process that makes the ambition worth the distance. Oswald Chambers said, “Temptation is a suggested short-cut to the realization of the highest at which I aim – not towards what I understand as evil, but towards what I understand as good.”  Temptation isn’t the bad things we want to do, it’s taking the short-cut to the good things.  What might require some work to avoid short-cuts in your walk with the Lord?

By Mollie Bond

The Extra Mile

“They arranged to meet Paul on a certain day, and came in even larger numbers to the place where he was staying.”  Acts 28:23a

When Paul came to visit, the people traveled 33 miles on the Appian Way to see him.  When visiting Bataille, many of the Bataille people come to help by carrying backpacks and gear on their heads.  Not because they have to, but because they want to help and meet their visitors.  They go the extra mile by walking extra miles with strangers.  How can you meet someone where they are at and walk the mile with them today?

by Mollie Bond

The Steps

The rains came nourishing the earth. Our friends came, carried our gear, led the way, brought their mules to carry some of us, made and shared mats to sleep on. Day two we arose to a beautiful morning and steps were built... Psalm 40:2 comes to mind at this point. www.hopeforhaiti.ws — at Bataille, Haiti.

A New Name

A New Name

What do you think is this man’s name?  Haitians give nicknames during the first few days of a person’s life.  It involves what is going on in the mother’s life.  Sometimes the nickname sticks, and people forget the real name.  His name is “Let it Go.”

Isaiah 62:2b says, “…you will be called by a new name that the mouth of the LORD will bestow.”  What would you like your name to be?  “They will be called the Holy People, the Redeemed of the LORD; and you will be called Sought After, the City No Longer Deserted” (Isaiah 62:12).

By Mollie Bond

Bois Neuf Children having fun

The joy of the Lord is our strength.  Here's a bit of joy being shared.