The Shakedown before Revival

I feel like it’s a constant theme within Scripture of God always allowing faith rattling things to happen before He shows up in even bigger ways. Before Paul was set ablaze for Christ and took the gospel to more places than anyone in the world and wrote more than half of the New Testament he had to encounter Christ a shakedown kind of way. He was struck of his horse on the road to Damascus and Scripture says that he encountered the risen Christ. I don’t know about you, but I could only imagine how much this shook Paul to his core being a persecutor of the very Christ he was seeing. In the Old Testament we see how Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers, suffered as a prisoner and servant before God brought him into the place of a pharaoh’s assistant. Joseph, who had previously seen dreams of his brothers bowing down to him, these very brothers that sold him into slavery, was most likely having his faith shaken as he sat in that prison cell. Yet in all these cases throughout Scripture we see that these “shakedowns” always brought about a greater good, a greater revival of the purpose and mission of God.

Currently, at Canaan, I feel like we are in this shakedown phase. With a change in some of the missionary staffing, we as a team and Canaan as a whole has had to readjust in many ways.  The kids have had to get use to a change in the teaching staff and adjusting to a few new faces. There are days when these changes seem impossible for them, but as we progress we are seeing the kids actually renewed and encouraged to strive on in even greater ways.

Also at Canaan right now we are having our land surveyed and the removal of squatters that are currently on our land. This is bringing quite the shakedown of our community as we are all on high alert because of the squatters potential outrage of being forced to move.  We have a whole new set of rules for where we can be and cannot be at certain times and as with any change it brings frustration. But after meeting with Pastor Henri last night the team now sees the greater good that will come from this happening. As these squatters are removed, Canaan will have more opportunity to grow and expand on the land that God has given them. With these projected long term expansions Canaan will be enabled to reach thousands and thousands more for Christ.

Personally, I’m being shaken to the core right now as well. A few days ago I got the news that my uncle who has been fighting stage 4 lymphoma for over a year was emergency admitted into the hospital. They have started him on heavy radiation and with a tumor close by one of his kidneys they are expecting this to have damaging effects on that kidney. Too often we think that if we are serving God that guarantees everything in our lives flow good and dandy. But that is nothing but a lie. I knew that as God led me to make the decision to return to Haiti for four months that my uncle was still sick. And yet God told me to trust him. So I stand here, an ocean away, with the reality that my uncle might not make it. But I also stand in the reality that I have a Savior who took cancer on the cross. I have a God that is a healer, who is The Great Physician.  I stand in the reality of a God who says that “faith the size of a mustard seed can move mountains.” So while my faith is being shaken to the core right now, I praise God that I even have the gift of faith. I praise God knowing that in the moment I am being shaken, but it is only a preparation of a coming revival, a coming move of God.

The fact is that we don’t always understand why God does things the way He does them. But I am learning that I am so glad that He does do them His way. While the shakedowns aren’t that fun, I know that I stand in a faith that is ultimately unshakeable, and that God will bring me through, and us through anything that comes our way. I know that God uses these times to shape and mold, to build up, and push us on to greater things. So I praise God for these shakedowns, because it is only the flood gate being opened of the coming revival that is to hit this land called Canaan, to hit this country called Haiti that will ultimately flood into the ends of the earth. 

The Light in the Darkness

We got back into Haiti pretty late Sunday night. With it getting dark around 5ish here now, the ride back to Canaan was mostly in the dark of night. With the two hour drive, the dark of night, and it being a Sunday we passed by quite a few brightly lit churches meeting for worship. What a picture of the role of the church I saw that night. A light shining brightly in the darkness. With the lack of electricity in the majority of places in Haiti, you could only imagine how incredibly dark it gets here at night. I'm talking about darkness so dark you can't even see the hand in front of your face. What a picture of the lost in the world. People wandering around in the darkness of evil, deception, and sin. A world lacking of any Light to guide them. A world lacking of Christ. But on the other end what a beautiful picture these Haitian churches showed me that night. Many of these churches were the only sources of light. They were the only places with electricity or brightly burning fires. But the most striking thing about these churches was not the fact that they had a source of light. It wasn't even the fact that they had probably been worshiping for hours on end, or that the people worshiping had walked hours to be able to gather with a Christian community. The most striking thing was to see just how profoundly these illuminated churches penetrated the darkness. Wow. What a picture for us, the global Church. That in a world of such profound darkness, such profound lostness, the Church should be the brightly shining source of light that floods in. Let us as the Church strive to be this example to the world. Let us permeate and penetrate this vastly dark world. 

Back in Action!

Well, I think I've took a long enough break from the blog world! I am still amazed at how fast things when you follow Jesus. So for my first blog back I'm just going to update all of those who might not keep up with me. :)

This past November I was give the opportunity to head back to Haiti shortly after our one week team returned in October. One of the missionaries down there had to come back to the states and they needed a teacher to fill in for her while she was gone. As most of you know, I gladly and enthusiastically volunteered myself. Little did I know that the month I would be filling would be the time God would stretch me the most I've ever been stretched in my walk with Christ. To keep things short, let’s just say I saw God move in me and through me in ways like never before, and as a result I have come to know God more fully and His over exceeding capability to fulfill an Ephesians 3:20 promise!

I will probably post some excerpts from my writings that month soon to come, so keep your eyes open! 

During the time I was filling in I was actually invited to come back this next semester and take over the preschool program. After much prayer and a lot of back and forth time with Jesus, I have committed to return to Canaan and teach from January to May. The thought of being in Haiti for four months straight both excites me and scares me to death. I know that it will be a time of continued stretching, but also a time of seeing God move greatly. And there is nothing more I want in life than to witness and participate in a move of God. I know that God has great things in store for Canaan, and I want nothing more than to be an initiator of change to push Canaan to being a place where Jesus is overflowing from. From not only being a loving oasis for children, but being a sending place of world changers for the glory of God. 

The best is yet to come! 

Call to Sponsorship

As many of you know in 2010 I had the privilege of being a part of a team of 40 that packed our bags (and 50+ other bags of supplies) and left for Haiti. We were welcomed by many small smiling faces at Canaan Orphanage in Montorious, Haiti located about two hours out of Port-au-Prince. I knew that God was going to teach me a lot, but never did I imagine that in just a week the direction of my life could take such a drastic turn.

Haiti is continuously on my heart and on my mind and since stepping foot off Haitian soil a part of me has been missing. God has opened many doors through my time in Haiti. I now represent Canaan throughout my school and the city of Raleigh. I am privileged to run a pen pal program that connects people here to the kids at Canaan in order to build Christ-centered relationships and to surround these kids in prayer. I have the honor to speak about Canaan at special events and fundraisers and help in numerous needs to spread awareness and gain support of the efforts of funding the orphanage and outreach programs. The only thing I love more than sharing about what God is doing through Canaan and in Haiti, is being at Canaan and serving.

Shortly after returning and after many days in prayer I felt that God was leading me to return long term to teach at Canaan. About two weeks after I was pretty positive this is the direction God was leading me, my team leader, Seth, and Canaan’s U.S. connection, Chris, invited me out to lunch. Once again another door was being opened as they presented me with the invitation (and urge) to teach at Canaan after I graduate.

So now I am on the road of preparation to spend an initial one to two years teaching at Canaan after graduating from The College at Southeastern Seminary. In these 2 and half more years I have the task of preparing to live in Haiti verses visiting Haiti. This will include numerous trips, each getting longer in duration each time. And as you know trips cost money and need prayer.

I invite you first and foremost to join with me in prayer during this process of preparation. I know God has many more things to teach me in these 2 and half years and I will need all the prayer coverage I can get. Also, as many have seen on the news, Haiti is in desperate need of prayer as the country is still struggling from the 2009 earthquake and is also in a time of political struggle with the recent elections.

 I secondly invite you to sincerely and prayerfully consider sponsoring me finically in this process. My next projected trip is just around the corner, October 4-9. I will need to raise $1200 in order to cover my airfare and food costs. I know that these needs can only be met by a mighty move of God and the generous support of people like you. I thank you in advance for your prayers, support, and anything else the Lord might lead you to.

God is moving in a mighty way already. Children abandoned by parents or orphaned by the earthquake are not only finding physical refuge at Canaan, but are finding life abundantly in Christ. They are receiving an education from pre-school age through the completion of high school, enabling them to have the foundation to be world changers in their generation. Through Canaan’s Malnutrition Program children who once had no hope of living are being treated back to full health. Through their Medical Clinic the community and surrounding areas are provided with much needed medical assistance and education. Pastors from all over Haiti are being brought to Canaan to attend theological training and ministry equipping seminars, enabling them to reach their communities even more with the Gospel. Above all needs are being met and people are meeting Jesus, but this will only continue as God provides the laborers and missionaries. This is my call. A call that propels me forward, a call that moves me to action. I will not settle for watching from afar, but will pour out my life for the sake of the Gospel and for the nations.

I thank you for already being such a big part of this by being in my life in such a special way. Together, the nations will return to Him. Together, we will change the world.

Le’union fait la force.

(“Strength in unity” in Haitian Creole)

With much love,

 Kimberly Wheeler

If you are interested in finically or prayerfully sponsoring me please email me at: wheelerkd.sebts@gmail.com 

Haiti Update

I know that many of you are wondering about when I will be returning to Haiti. My goal was to go for a month or longer this summer, but after a lot of prayer and consideration I knew that it was more of a selfish timing on my part. Many of my orignal sponsors have been convicted to go on international mission trips themselves this summer. I knew that it was more important for me to help fund them so that they can have that experience and bring back urgency for the gospel to infect others with than for me to be selfish and push to go see my kids again.  With growing into the idea that I wouldn't be in Haiti this summer I knew that it would be a growing period for me. After much more prayer, I knew that God didn't intend for this to be an individual growing period, but growth within community. Through that God has really burdened my heat for the vitalness of discipleship and pouring into others. So to make a long story short, I will have the privledige to pour into two young women's lives for three months. It will be like Jesus 101 on steriods! I can't wait to see what God will do through us coming together and growing and through the growth of these two girls. So with that, I know that God has called me to Haiti, but it must be on His timing and not my own. My next projected trip will be in October. This continual process of my mission in Haiti will only be possible through the continual giving of generous people. Therefore, I've made it easy for anyone to give one time or many times through setting up a paypal account. Anytime you feel led to give to God's work through me in Haiti, click the button to the left! It's easy as one, two, three! I thank each and everyone of you for your support for what God is doing in my life, your prayers, and continued finiancal support.

Reflections from Haiti

Everything looks the same, yet none of it actually is the same anymore. I walk the sidewalks of campus and I see the same landscape as always, yet in my mind I see the dirt and ruble of the streets of Haiti. I see kids riding their bikes around campus, yet in my mind I see the kids of Canaan playing with a dilapidated soccer ball. It has been almost a month since returning from Haiti and I still cannot say that I have fully processed it. I question if I will ever fully process what God did in my heart and life that week. While I know that God still has much to do in my heart from Haiti, I do know that in just these short weeks He has shown me and grown me more than I could have ever expected. Before leaving, I knew that God was going to use this trip as a growing point in my life, but I could have never imagined something to this extent. I never imaged He would do something so great in my heart that it continues to stay with me day by day and even moment by moment.

God first and foremost grew my ability to love in a way I never even thought possible. I absolutely fell in love with each and every child of Canaan. While I thought it would be us coming to show these kids what love is, it ended up being these kids showing me what love is. Their ability to love complete strangers continues to remind me to this day of the kind of love Jesus showed to people in the Bible. As each day passed my love for them grew more and more by each second. I cannot remember loving anyone like I love these kids. I honestly want to say that my love for them is as close to unconditional as our human condition allows. There was no judgment in this love, no selfish motives, no jealously or pride, just pure overflowing love. Coming back to the States opened my eyes to see how blessed these kids are to know and have that kind of love. I realized that our society is incredibly rampant with prejudice love. This realization continues to challenge me to “love like I loved in Haiti.”

This leads me into one of the biggest things God taught me and continues to remind me of everyday. I struggled so much during the week, feeling like I didn’t even have enough love to give. I wanted to love them so much more, for the rest of my entire life. Yet, I felt like I didn’t have any more love to possibly give. This is when God brought me to such a greater understanding of Himself. I was right; I couldn’t love them to the fullest, because only God can love them to the fullest. I struggled with leaving these kids in so much need, yet God kept telling me, “I am the only One who can provide for them in every need.” I struggled with letting them go, leaving them, yet God kept reminding me, “you may leave them, but I never will.” In every aspect that I leave deficient, God completes. While it is our job to be light to this world and to show Christ through our lives, it is God who will complete all things and who will fully fulfill every one of our lives.

God taught me so many lessons about life while in Haiti. The one that hit the hardest hit the second day we got home in the oddest way. While washing dishes, the baby seal on the Dawn dish soap bottle caught my eye like never before. In that moment God unleashed a whole dissertation through a baby seal and some dish soap. I realized how careless and apathetic we, especially in American society, are for other humans. We are willing to throw millions of dollars to help baby seals and wildlife while so many people are dying of starvation and preventable diseases all over the world. Our pets in America eat better than about half of the world’s human beings. Don’t get me wrong, I love animals and think that we should be good stewards of creation and what God has provided. But I must say that our priorities are insanely out of balance. In Genesis chapters one and five we see that we, as human beings, are made in the “image” and “likeness” of God! What kind of extraordinary value does that place on us?! Shouldn’t that push us to risk it all for the sake of others? Shouldn’t it challenge us to put our efforts and blessings into helping our brothers and sisters across the world? This single dish soap dissertation has changed my entire outlook on life. It has challenged and provoked me to pour out every ounce of my life for the sake of God’s people, just as Christ did for us.

God continues to use my experiences in Haiti to teach me so much every day. Just recently, He has been continuing to show me the power of the Body, joined as nations, unified in prayer and worship of our Savior. I got news a few weeks ago about a little baby boy, Chevy, that stole my heart in Haiti. He was fighting for his life and the people of Canaan were in an urgent rush to get him help, as we all know is twice as hard to do in Haiti. My heart broke, and my urgency to help little Chevy was in overdrive. I had no clue what to do; my heart was in Haiti, yet I was in America. The only thing I could think to do was pray. I left my dorm room on a mission, to gather any and everyone to pray for this baby. That night was only the start of a huge lesson of God’s power to move and unify the nations. During the past two weeks of following update by update, I have seen hundreds, literally hundreds, here at Southeastern, my friends from all over, and people I barely even know stand together in prayer for baby Chevy and the people of Canaan. I can’t remember any other time I have seen more prayer meetings go down, any other time I have seen broke college kids pull together and give generously for the sake of someone they didn’t even know, or any other time I have seen the urgency and unity of the Body from all over stand together asking God for the impossible. It has absolutely blown my mind and continues to this very second. What a mighty God we have. A God that is not bound my borders, languages, or cultures; a God that unites all under Him.

There is so much that I could go on to say, so many things God continues to teach me. I am so grateful for the opportunity to have gone on this trip, to see a team so unified for the sake of outpouring Christ’s love on a community, to see how incredibly spiritually rich these people with so little are, and to see the nations come together as one. I can only imagine what God has in store for me next as a result of what happened in Haiti. Lord willing, I will soon return to retain my heart that was left in Haiti from the start, even though it will probably end up staying there again.

Haiti Journal: Return to the States

Oct.10, 2010

The first day back in America. Everything seems the same, yet none of it’s the same anymore. Seeing what we have in light of what so many don’t. it is really challenging me to be a better steward of what God has given me. Simple things like clean water in a matter of seconds, where as in Haiti it would take hours to fill one bucket through a drip filtration system, and only less than 1% of the population even have that. Things like paved roads and transportation, where as in Haiti the majority of people have to walk miles and hours on end up and down mountains, most having no shoes, just to get water that isn’t even clean. I’ve been struggling, I really have. How can I come back to show much when so many have so little? I want to go back so bad, right now. But God has been speaking and I know I will go back, when and for how long I have no clue, but I do know that right now I am here, back in America. So what am I going to do with what God has taught me and allowed me to experience? How will my life change? How can I use every single thing from this week for His glory in the states? Being grateful first and foremost, being a better steward obviously. But how can I live my life in a way that reflects what I have learned and more importantly reflects the story God wrote in my life this week? I haven’t felt like talking much to anyone. Should I? Or should I just start living my life in a way that speaks for itself? I walk outside and everything seems the same, yet in mind all I see are the dirt and ruble. I pass some kids riding their bikes, yet in my mind I see my kids back in Haiti playing with rocks or trash. The simplicity, the contentment of those with so little. How can I bring that glimpse of heaven God showed me in Haiti here?

Polo playing in the rocks.

Home truly is where the heart is

and I definitely left mine in Haiti.

Haiti Journal: Day 5

Oct. 8, 2010

I’m so broken yet so overjoyed all at the same time. My heart yearns for these kids like nothing I have never felt before. I want them to know how much they are loved, not only by me, but most of all by Jesus. We got to take the kids to the beach today. It was absolutely amazing and they had such a blast! I realized how blessed these kids at Canaan actually are. After hiking though the villages this morning I really do see that these kids are extremely blessed in Haiti terms. They have food, water, shelter, are able to attend school, and just enjoy a day at the beach. I don’t know how I’m going to adjust back in the States. God, would you use this brokenness to start a rival back home. Something, anything. And would you move people to advance the Gospel here in Haiti. I have such a heart for these people, such a heart to love in so many greater ways because of this experience. I thank You and praise You for that. Would I never forget the work you did in my heart and others this week and would you help me to use it daily for the Gospel and advancing Your Kingdom. I really did learn how to love about as close to unconditionally as I think humanly possible this week. I have such a greater appreciation for the blessings God has given to me. The simplest things like regular cars with seats or access to transportation in general, a sink that allows me to have access to clean water in seconds, and so many other things. These Haitians have to work so hard for every aspect of survival. God, I just thank you so much for this opportunity. Would you use every aspect for Your glory. Don’t let any go to waste.

I trained up some skilled sand castle builders.

 

Some of the team and kids taking a break.

Haiti Journal: Day 4

Oct. 7, 2010

I can’t believe we only have one full day left. Ronnie and I finished the admin office. It looks a million times better and will now hopefully be able to function well and fast. I got to spend some real quality time with the girls today. I love them all so much and I see just how much they long to be loved, to have someone always ready to give a hug or even acknowledge them. They told me once again how much they didn’t want me to go. They said they were going to cry when I left. I think I’m definitely going to beat them in that category. I asked Seth, our leader, if I could write them and he said yes, so I am really hoping that I actually will be able to that they will be able to write back. I also learned there is a group coming down during Spring Break, I think. I’m definitely going to look into that. These kids deserve so much more than just a week to be loved on. We got pretty much all of the painting done at the new clinic and it is looking awesome! While we were down there painting tonight we got to stop and just admire the Milky Way. Yes, you can actually see the Milky Way! There are so many stars down here. Its almost like there are more stars than there is darkness. Wouldn’t it be awesome if we would be like that to the world! We also got to see the sunset over the long stretches of ocean. It’s absolutely breathtaking. I love how the simplest moments mean so much. I love how life is so simple here. These people truly are blessed and a lot richer than we will ever be in so many ways. To not be consumed in material items and the hustle and bustle of a success drive society. I would die for people in America to spend just one day here in a place where there is so little, where you have to put hours of work into getting anything done. I pray that these kids would grow up to be world changers. To fall so in love with Jesus that the overflow can’t be contained. That it would spread through this community, this country, and the world. 

Pray for Baby Chevy

Just got news that one of my kids in Haiti is very very sick. He has numerous doctors on him currently but is getting progressively worse. Please pray RIGHT NOW, gather everyone you know and pray pray pray. Thank you! 

From Kendall: Please pray for Chibleson (Chevy) he is very sick and we are having to put him on an I.V...we're not sure what he has but we have four nurses and a doctor working on him right now. Just pray pleeeaaase.

From Elsie: Pray for Chevy! He got sick last night and is getting progressively worse. Vomits everything, fever, too dehydrated for IVs, getting lethargic. Pray the last sublingual medicine will kick in so he can start keeping down fluids. Tomorrow he goes for more tests.

Robby and Chevy

Me and Chevy

Haiti Journal: Day 3

Oct. 6, 2010

I didn’t get to spend as much time with the kids today but we got a TON of work done. Me and two other teammates, Ronnie and Steve, cleaned out and half way organized the admin part of the school.  I am hoping that this task will benefit the school in a mighty way. One of the teachers said that some of the kids just sit there without anything to do because they can’t find neither next PACES (the workbooks they use as curriculum). I also got to help paint the new medical clinic. It is such an addiction and is going to be such a blessing to this whole community. So today was definitely a lesson in being a servant. A humbled and willing servant, being willing to jump in at any task at any moment and give it your all. We got to see the sunset over the ocean. It is absolutely a testimony to God’s beautiful hand. I hate that pictures and video can never do the real view justice. I really go to know some people on the team a lot better today and it is so exciting to see so many willing servants. This team is definitely shinning God’s light into a dark world. I shared an amazing moment with a little baby girl today. I am apparently a pro at putting babies to sleep because she was out in 2 minutes solid. These kids are so adorable and the moments spent with them are even more precious! It is still so hard for me to see these kids as orphans. I feel like we’re at camp or something. But then I get back to our room and it hits me. These kids don’t get to leave. Most of these kids don’t have moms and dads or family. These kids will probably NEVER see our side of the world, will never see things we see every single day. It’s going to be hard to go home. I want to love these kids more than anyone or anything I’ve ever loved. Haiti is seriously a glimpse of heaven and I can’t begin to wrap my mind around it. It is a glimpse of absolute faith, unity, and love. Watching these pastors and Haitians worship is truly a blessing to my own heart. Seeing the extent of joy these people have and just imagining how much God has worked in their lives blows me away. That God moves through borders, languages, and cultures truly shows just how awesome and mighty our God is. He is truly MIGHT TO SAVE. 

Haitian sunset

So precious! She was knocked out cold.

Haiti Journal: Day 2

Oct. 5, 2010

I have lost my heart to these kids, straight up. Their ability to love absolute complete strangers truly reminds me of the kind of love Jesus showed to people in the Bible. The school here absolutely blew my mind! I was totally not expecting it to be so nice and structured, and above and beyond so focused on Christ. I think these kids have more Scripture memorized than most kids in America have even read. I taught some kids how to multiply two digit numbers today. It’s funny how we take for granted all the little “tricks” and catchy sayings or songs we learn in America to help us with things like this. It was so awesome teaching them some of these tricks; to see these kids actually getting it and seeing something that was once a struggle suddenly turn into a joyful success. My heart breaks and overflows all at once when I look at these kids. I want to love them to the fullest every single day for the rest of my life. Even thinking about leaving them here and the chance of never seeing them again is almost unbearable.  One of my girls today, Chama, was already begging me not to go, and its only day two! Yesterday she was telling me about how she didn’t have any brothers or sisters. I looked right at her and told her, “Yes you do! I am your sister!” One of my teammates, Andrew, was near us and he became her brother as well. Today she would ask where her brother was or call for me, her sister, to go play or swing with her. I think I have lifted more weight in picking up kids today than I have ever lifted combined in my entire life. It was well worth it though. There is nothing more I would rather do than help these kids swing on money bars, catch them out of the slides, or swing them around in the air. I wish I could capture these moments and replay them forever. We worshiped with all the kids, the 40 Haitian pastors here for training, and all the staff tonight. It truly was a glimpse of heaven seeing and hearing these people pouring out their hearts in worship in their own language and expressions. I get chill bumps every time. I can’t even put into words the feeling of seeing the Body unite like this, even us being only a 150 or so strong. God is flipping my world upside down and I have no idea where or what it’s going to lead to. 

Pictures of the school

My sister, Chama

Haiti Journal: Day 1

The trip to Haiti was absolutely amazing! It has rocked my world in so many ways. I know that many people are wanting to hear all about it, but right now I feel so overwhelmed with processing what happened this week and seeking the next steps that I haven't been very talkative. So I've decided to post my journal entries from this past week on my blog. They will be coming either everyday or every other, so stay tuned. Please keep in prayer the people of Haiti and also myself and the process of God laying out what the next steps are in my life as a result of the work in Haiti. I love you all.

Oct. 4, 2010

First day and soon to be first night in Haiti. It was an early start this morning at 3am and although it’s only about 9pm it feels and looks like it is well into the night. The orphanage is absolutely amazing. After the drive through Port-au-Prince and surrounding villages, this place really does seem like heaven on earth compared to the tragedy we passed. There were mountains full of tent after tent. The mountains were practically all blue and white, the color of all the crammed tents that covered every square inch. It was so surreal. It was like what you were seeing wasn’t even registering or couldn’t even begin to register in your brain. To even try to imagine the amount of struggle and hardship these people face every single day is practically impossible. They have been posted up in “tent cities” ever since the earthquake, almost a year ago. They wander by day, leaving their tents because of the unbearable heat, but having nowhere to go during the day because everything is gone. I cannot even begin to try to grasp it. I guess you can say that I’m still in culture shock. These kids here at Canaan Orphanage are amazing! They are shy at first but within minutes they will be hand in hand with you pulling you off for a game of soccer. I cannot even begin to express the feelings and joy it brings to see them smile and hear them laugh. These are kids that have seen nothing but rejection. Their parents don’t want them or either can’t take care of them. Many don’t even have parents, some due to the earthquake. Yet in just these small moments to see them filled with so much joy, with not a care in the world or a hurt in sight, it truly is like seeing a glimpse of heaven. I haven’t cried yet like I expected. I think because in so many ways I see how these people are so much richer than we will ever be. They know what real faith is; trusting that God will provide even in so much devastation, even in times that look like there is no hope to ever get back up again. I see God moving in so many ways here and it excites me. While I know that He has yet to even begin to bring about His exceeding glory in this nation, I can’t hold back in shouting for joy for those little sparks of a coming revival.  God is uniting His people under Him in a might way, as one, all nations, all people.  God, would you open my eyes and help me to grow in faith like the people of Haiti. Help me to trust You even in the utter worst of times.

Tent cities in Port-au-Prince

Off to Haiti

Tomorrow morning bright and early me and a team of 40 others will make our way to Canaan Orphanage. The orphanage, located in Montrouis, Haiti, is home to over 100 children. We have 7 different teams (medical, dental, work, kitchen, kids, media, and pastoral team) that will make up this trip. I think one of the most exciting things is our pastoral team who will be training 30 pastors from the poorest parts of Haiti in theology and biblical studies. What an awesome way for the Gospel to continue to go forth in a bigger and better way. I am on the kids team and will have the honor of tutoring some of the kids in the morning and running games and activities for them the rest of the day. We even have a beach trip planned for them on Friday, that means no school for them! I'm so excited to spoil these kids, even if its just for a week. 

I would like to thank all my Elevators and other sponsors. You guys absolutely amaze me and God has already used you to do a mighty work in my heart. Your generosity is about to change lives this week! I'm excited to share in this experience with you and be sure you keep a lookout for pictures! I love you all. 

I cannot even begin to imagine all the ways God is going to move this week. What an extraordinary privilege it is to not only be a child of God, but to be able to participate in advancing the Kingdom, especially in places of such devastation like Haiti. Let us never forget that Christ is worthy of our everything. Every ounce of our lives. And let us not forget about the billions of people who are so much less fortunate than us. Those who don't even have food, clean drinking water, or shelter. Those who have lost everything, including their families and even their hope. Let our overflow of God's grace fill these people's lives to the extreme, in our communities and across the world. 

Haiti - Canaan Orphanage Malnutrition Initative from andrew hudson on Vimeo.

One of the few ways God is using Canaan.