The battle of good and evil, the battle for souls. During my trip, I came to realize that the plight of Haiti is not about poverty, education, or even natural disasters. It’s about good and evil. It looks like the devil is at work and whatever he’s doing is working. The corruption and pain is apparent. But, so is hope in Christ.
The struggle to survive and desperation to provide for one’s family can lead to a path of sin, only making the struggle harder. The people we met in Haiti seemed to realize that and craved a different road. They requested prayers for faith and spiritual needs, not for physical desires. They talked about their hope that the Haitian leaders can be true Christians who just might be able to make real change through the power of Christ. We discussed the power of money and connection to evil, especially in a poverty stricken country like Haiti.
As we played with the children – all smiling and laughing – you could see God at work. As we prayed with adults in the community – all asking for strength to continue their journey with Christ – you could see God at work. As we talked with the interpreters who were sacrificing their time for the sake of the mission – you could see God at work.
My heart was heavy throughout the trip. I felt guilty. And I felt even more guilty that I got to leave and come home to my cushy life. Throughout the week, I asked that God show me my purpose for being on the mission trip. And I came to the conclusion that I was in Haiti to show Christ’s love to all I met and to pray, pray, pray. And I continue to pray for those I met and their specific situations – illnesses, family issues, poverty, pain. A short-term mission trip is a small victory in the battle for souls, but we know God will prevail in the end. I pray, pray, pray for peace in the hearts and minds of those we met. Philippians 4 comes to mind. God provides.
