Pastor Bilda

I wish I had a photo of this man. His bright smile illuminates his dark face. He is an articulate young man who loves God, his  wife, two young children and his country. He pastors a church of 700 people. He sits on the boards of and chairs several national associations of pastors, the Bible society, La Presse Evangelique, and the like. So many I cannot remember them all. 

He is Samaritan's Purse's key contact to identify churches from which to distribute non-food items such as tarps, buckets and hygiene kits.

I met him over dinner one night at the base. I enjoyed our conversation, part in Creole, part in English. He was very gracious to speak with me, a short-term volunteer with deep ties to Haiti. I was encouraged to hear that La Presse is still standing and operating as this is where David was working when we met 24 years ago. 

He is calmly passionate about what God is doing in Haiti. I asked him to describe to me any revival he has witnessed since the earthquake. He stated that he knows many people who called themselves Christians in name are now turning to Christ in truth. Even within his own church, an average of 20 or more people come forward each Sunday to give or rededicate their lives to Christ.

I was teary-eyed as we spoke about the situation in Haiti and a little embarrassed by my emotion. His hand covered mine and he just gently smiled at me. I thank God for men and women like him who are not immobilized by the sadness and magnitude of Haiti's heartbreak, but rather pushing forward, clinging to the Truth of Jesus Christ, to do whatever they can to advance His kingdom, even against overwhelming odds. Odds that bring us to our knees. To bow before the Father and beg for His mercy. 

A good place to be.

  But You, O LORD, are a shield about me,
         My glory, and the One who lifts my head. Psalm 3:3