Defender of the Weak

Haiti is not far from my mind. I scour the news, I hungrily read the list serves I have joined. I follow the progress of the battle against cholera. I cheer on the victories in the rebuilding efforts. I pray and wonder at the next event which will catch the world's attention in this small island nation not far from our shores. Announcements that hit the airwaves surprise, baffle me. Random comments prompt unexpected tears...."they are rebuilding the Iron Market...".

In church yesterday I  wept as we sang a song in worship to the King of Kings. Sobbed, actually. In praise. And I believe, in mourning, for my dear Haitians. And for countless other people who suffer.... Injustice. Violation. Dehumanizing, demeaning treatment. Starvation. Unimaginable deprivation and disease. 

Strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord
We will wait upon the Lord
We will wait upon the Lord (repeat)

Our God, You reign forever
Our hope, our Strong Deliverer

You are the everlasting God
The everlasting God
You do not faint You won't grow weary

You're the defender of the weak
You comfort those in need
You lift us up on wings like eagles Chris Tomlin

I have witnessed and even been a part of this song in action. You're the defender of the weak, you comfort those in need......
And though my need is nothing compared to what I have witnessed, I am comforted. 
Amen.

Perfect Timing

I returned from working in the Cholera Treatment Centers 6 weeks ago, home just long enough to celebrate Christmas with my family. Then David & I returned to Haiti for one week to visit a small fishing village on the northern coast of the southern peninsula.


It was a timely visit. We had hoped to go in August of last year, but couldn't pull it off. God had other plans. The members of the group finally solidified in December and we headed out in the first week of January. This trip was very meaningful for David and I. We met several people who fondly remembered his parents from their years as missionaries in that part of Haiti. How sweet. We ate dinner in a home he had lived in as a boy. We spent the night at the retreat center where he first told me "I love you." And, we got to introduce the Haiti that we love to some people we worship and fellowship with. Great trip with wonderful new and deepened friendships.


But, in Gods perfect way, the timing that we considered delayed, was perfect. The first comment David heard as we got out of the truck was, "Cholera is killing people." Not, "hello" or "how are you"? But, "Cholera is killing people."

We were able to teach about Cholera three different times. One time was a full time seminar that went on for several hours, open to community leaders. Two other times were impromptu to a primary school and to a church packed to see the foreigners.


If we had been there in August, we would not have been there in January just as cholera was striking this village. How awesome is our God who knew all about it last summer when our "plans" just weren't working out.

In their hearts humans plan their course,
   but the LORD establishes their steps. Proverbs 16:9