This past Saturday evening, over a dozen Sojourn members and ministry leaders brought food and love to share with Haitian refugees evacuated to Louisville from their earthquake-ridden island. Sojourn partnered with three local churches to rally its members to care and counsel those grieving from loss of loved ones and belongings. Little did I know what God had in store for me.
First, God made the reality of great suffering real to me as I sat beside a 40-year old Haitian man, who hardly slept or ate in over two weeks due to the shock of death and destruction. He explained in French, through an interpreter, that the earthquake that killed over 3,000 people in his home town, or ten percent of the 30,000 residents, took the lives of over 200 extended family members, destroyed his home, and decimated his business. His wife and two daughters have been sleeping outdoors since the earthquake and have not been able to complete the paperwork needed to evacuate. The Haitian man humbly asked that we pray for his wife and two kids as he showed Karen and me pictures of his lovely family. He also asked for help in evacuating his family.
Second, God made the reality of my sinfulness real to me as He revealed deep sin in my heart. I can’t speak for the other Sojourners but before last Saturday, I struggled to connect with the reality of the January 12, 2010 earthquake that killed over 150,000 people who lived thousands of miles away. Not only did I battle a disconnectedness, I also struggled with the fear of the unknown, not knowing how many Haitians would need counsel and how to deal with deep grief of each unique person. I often forget that God is the One who ministers and I merely participate.
Lastly, God made the reality of international missions real to me here in Louisville. As Karen and I drove to the prayer service, God revealed the misplaced priorities of my self-centered life. God convicted me that I tend to live for my own agenda as I battled giving up some of my Saturday evening to serve people I didn’t know and may not even see again. I repented as I drove down the interstate. I asked Karen to read Psalm 71 so that God’s word would prepare our hearts for His mission, instead of our typical Saturday night routine of self-indulgence. God made me aware of how many gospel opportunities I miss because I am not living for Him and His mission but for myself.
Here are some practical next steps:
(1) Ask God to open your eyes and step into the lives of hurting people. God will change your heart so that you begin to grieve what grieves God’s heart. Look for opportunities in your own family, with your neighbors, and with your Sojourn family.
(2) Fight your disconnection and fear so that you can offer the gospel to others, especially in times of great need. God grows you when you step out in faith to love those in need. Take advantage of opportunities to learn how to help others in need by stepping into SEED, Sojourn’s Mercy ministry (mercy@sojournchurch.com) and Sojourn’s Counseling ministry (counseling@sojournchurch.com) .
(3) Repent from living for yourself and not for God. We tend to live for our own kingdom-this blinds us to God’s mission. God has not only relocated 1200 Haitians to Louisville, but he has moved hundreds of internationals who desperately need to hear the gospel. God has called you to step into international right here in your own city. Contact missions@sojournchurch.com to find out how you can engage internationals here in Louisville.
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These were the feelings that I experienced that night as well. How I had a headache and was not feeling good, but I needed to be obedient to God’s calling for me to attend that Saturday night and have faith that God was going to give me the strength to be able do His will. Similar to you, I also had the fear of the unknown. Again, I had to have faith that it was not in my power but of the Lord’s that would give love and comfort to those in need.
Thank you for your leadership and your servant heart that was able to make it happen for these Haitian people that attended that night. It is amazing that God had a divine appointment with that young man last Saturday night!!!!
Bro. Robert, thank you for your transparency in dealing with your own personal sin regarding this situation. We serve a mighty God who will teach us His ways even when we least expect it. Thank you for following that lead and reaching out to people that desperately need it. After all, they were created in the image of God and need Him just as badly as we do. You know that. Thank you for your heart!