For the past couple of weeks I have been leading and assisting “short term” missionary teams who have come to Mission of Grace(MoG) to serve. It’s a blessing that everyone came with a gracious heart, willing to help in any way they could.
The first team was from the Tidewater area of Virginia. I had the pleasure of serving with both Rev. Crawley and Bro. Abel on previous missions. These two brought a lot of enthusiasm and laughs to the tasks they were assigned. In 4 days they managed to paint the new bathrooms at the school, install gutters on the boys home, and paint the exterior of the Grandma’s house, and found time to enjoy the children at the orphanage.
The second team of missionaries was from Hampton, Virginia. This team purchased toilets and sinks for the new bathrooms at the school, and brought much needed medical supplies for the clinic. They also refinished almost all of the benches and tables at the orphanage, and constructed new shelving and a closet for the girls home. In their downtime they had planned activities for the children. There were some very sad faces when this team departed to return to the U.S.
A few days ago a couple came to the MoG with three of their six children seeking help. They live in an area of Port Au Prince which is prone to violence. Bypassing a number of orphanages and help agencies, they traveled several hours specifically seeking out MoG. Their request was that the mission take their three youngest children, seven year old twin girls and five year old son into the orphanage. The parents have been struggling to provide food and shelter for their family and, out of desperation, thought the better option was to give their children to someone else to raise knowing they would be cared for. It was painfully obvious the parents loved their children and didn’t come to this choice hastily or selfishly
Rest asure the people who manage the MoG have a heart for children. Countless times children have been brought to the front gates and abandoned right there. Other times the signs of malnourishment, abuse, or neglect are so obvious that the mission will intervene. The newest wards of the mission came as infants whose mothers died during child birth.
Although it was a difficult and heart wrenching decision, the orphanage is at capacity and unable to accept these children at this time. It was apparent the children have been lovingly cared for, were clean, and very mannerable. While the parents had hoped for a different outcome, one of the leaders at MoG said, first and foremost it is there fervent prayer to try to keep families together as a unit.
The family was taken to the soup kitchen where they ate lunch. The mission also provided some groceries for them to take with them on their return journey. And a few of the missionaries serving here gathered to pray for the family and even reached into their own pockets to provide a monetary donation to the family. MoG promised to keep in touch with the family and to prayfully consider how they may be of assistance to them in the future.
As I reflect on this encounter, I am reminded, that no matter my situation or lot in life, I AM abundantly blessed. I HAVE shelter and the promise of a meal (not starving). I HAVE reasonable health. I AM surrounded by people who love and care for me. I AM covered under the wings of the All Mighty God. Psalm 91.
Friday (February 28th) I spent the night at the boys home. This is something I did when I was here in 2018. However, back then there was violence in the village and protests throughout Haiti. At that time the children were very frightened. My presence was reassuring that I was there for them and things were going to be ok. However this time it was obvious I was there just to hang out. While the guys were excited I was there, after a few minutes they returned their attention away from me and return to the movie they were watching. I was extremely tired but managed to sit with them for a while but I had to give up the ghost and go to bed before too long. Funny though, the question of the day (the next day) was, “are you sleeping in our house again tonight?
Saturday (February 29th) I did an art project with the younger children. It turned out very well and they seemed to enjoy themselves. For me, the real highlight was seeing the excitement in Jobez when it was his turn to participate. Thinking about it even now brings tears to my eyes…”Jobez tears”.
It is interesting that you mentioned in your closing blog that one of the young men that you were working with was named Jobez. How appropriate that is his name. When you seem to be doing the prophet Jobez’s work in Haiti. “To Whom Much is Given Much is expected”. Stay safe Vernon.