UNW Team Day 5: God’s Plan

                Today we went to Church on the Rock at 6am. It touched us each of us because of the way they worshipped with their whole being. Few people were sitting down, many were walking around, hands high, praising the Lord. Although they were speaking another language, we knew God was moving and we could feel His presence. As we were taking it all in, it dawned on us that this is what heaven is going to be like. All believers will be together raising up God’s mighty name with our voices, actions and never-ending joy.

     

     Following the church service, we visited elders in Titanyen from Grace Church. We were welcomed into their living environment and had the opportunity to wash their feet, put lotion on their arms and legs, as well as sing and pray for them. Throughout our visits, we had an opportunity to learn more about them. A common thread we heard from each elder was that they were blessed and doing well because of Jesus’ provision in their lives. Their dependence and devotion to the Lord made the experience come full circle, we were intentional in serving them when ultimately they were the ones who touched us.

After the elder visits, we went to a small boutique called Rosie’s in Cabaret. Most of the merchandise was handmade by women and children in that community. Rosie’s goal is to empower members of their community by buying and selling their products.

We then went to Grace Village that Healing Haiti has created and developed into a beautiful place. We got a tour from the long-term missionary that is currently living there. It is safe to say that all of us were amazed and impressed for all that has been done there. The school has 430 children ages 3-19. About 50 of them live on campus in their family-style orphanage. Students get one meal a day, which is all purchased locally. Grace is supporting and building up their community by buying their resources locally. The teachers are educating students so they can go out and make a difference in their community. The kids helped build their technology center with the skills they have learned. We ended our tour with visiting the clinic in Grace Village. The clinic is not a free clinic, however it is very affordable. They keep the cost low, and it is known for being one of the best clinics in the area. The doctors are even able to test and diagnose cervical cancer, which is a huge step in the right direction for Haitian women.

Our final stop of the day was Fleri Bakery and Restaurant. We got a tour of the complex and were able to see the bread making process. Fleri employs 27 Haitians from the surrounding community. A few of them being kids from the school in Grace Village who are in the Transition Program. Those in the Transition Program are in the 13^th grade and being prepared to be on their own in the real world. Fleri is all about creating jobs and giving back to the community. All of their ingredients are locally bought fresh from the local market. 90% of their business is simply based off of bread made for their community.

Today as a whole was renewing and was encouraging to our team. We had a lot of time build community with our team. We played games at Fleri, sang with one another loudly in the tap tap on our way home from Titanyen, and had a slip-n-slide on the balcony during the downpour. (They have not had a hard rain since Thanksgiving; it was much needed.) However, our favorite part of the day was having the opportunity to show Christ’s love through our actions and words by being pushed out of our comfort zones while we spent time with the elders in Titanyen.