Today we are reflecting on power. We started this reflection this morning when we made our coffee in a French press again because the power was out. As far as the power provided by electricity, we like it, but we can function without it.
The power we cannot get by without is the power of Jesus. We know that at home, but we feel it in a special way here in Haiti.
Listen to the story of Shakespeare, a 10 year old student at Chardene. He had his physical last week with Nick, and he explained that the wounds on his right arm were from a voodoo doctor trying to take blood from him as a result of a curse that had been placed on him at birth. The wounds were infected. Last week's team got together and decided on an antibiotic and dressing instructions. Then they gathered to pray for him. Pam asked if he knew Jesus, and he said yes. She told him that Jesus' power is stronger than voodoo. He has been thought of and lifted in prayer several times since then, and today we were back at Chardene and got to follow up with him. Belinda checked him out, and his wounds had healed!! All better! There was great rejoicing, and we were happy to be witnesses to the power of Jesus.
It is God who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure. He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he causes me to stand on the heights. 2 Samuel 22:33-34
We saw the power of God's love this afternoon as we shared hugs and laughs and smiles and prayer and a meal with five sponsored children and some of their family members. The children were beautiful and they had so much fun blowing bubbles and playing duck-duck-goose and London bridge and taking selfies. Deb has spent time with her sponsored child, Eldana, previously, but today she got to meet her mother for the first time. The children ate well, even Roselinda, who had had her tonsils taken out two weeks ago today. Sponsorship allows for education and health care and hope for these children, and we could see it with our own eyes today.
Afterward, we sat around the table and sang and prayed together, and we shared stories of God's power as we have seen it this week and in the past. A special treat was hearing from Ruth and Liddie about growing up in Haiti. Leah shared about the bonding experience she shared with Hannah and Belinda during their travels on Saturday.
Remember, your prayers have power too! Please remember to pray for us and for the Haitian people. We are off to Degeance tomorrow, and Sabine is heading home.
