As always, we visited the children at Diakonos orphanage. But this time we also spent time with Pastor Emanuel and the children he tends to, capped by a visit to a community that left us all wondering if, even in the midst of the dire poverty, we were not the ones that were truly impoverished.

Why? Because we came to realize in the process that, even with the economy as it is and all our personal difficulties, God had blessed us beyond recognition! And it was only by God placing us here, in this remote village that time seemed to have forgotten, with the children singing “I want to go to the sky” and dancing as if what little they had or what we brought them mattered less than our celebration with them! And in the midst of this poverty, we saw how God can make everything look beautiful!

If you would like to partner with us in helping this village, join our revolution to change Haiti at www.haitishope.org

The Forgotten Children

It’s unfortunate that we’re only two months away from remembering that horrible earthquake in Haiti and still, just one hour’s drive from Port-au-Prince, hunger has such an impact on the lives of children. When Haiti’s Hope received word about the dire conditions of 27 children in Arcahaie, Haiti, our President decided to stop by and see for himself during an already planned visit to that country. It’s true what the Scriptures say, that a man plans his steps but God ultimately directs him where he needs to go. That God does with us what He wants at any given time!

What did Haiti’s Hope find? Some wonderful children barely surviving with their basic neccesities; housed in a small block building with three rooms, one for the girls, one for the boys, and one used for the storage and where the pastor’s kids sleep. The Pastor and his wife sleep in a tent next to this structure. They have an outdoor kitchen to prepare meals and The church/school is held under a tarp.

Listen, there are so many reasons related to poverty why parents would abandon their kids to the care of others, but I’ll just share one: they can at least eat one meal daily provided by people with compassion. You know, people like you. We’re already looking into ways we might be able to help. One would be to build a chicken coop that would give them both food and a self-sustainable project to live off. That project costs about $4,000.00.  Times are hard. Money is tight. But God still wants to reach out and rescue those who cannot fend for themselves. And He can only do this through you! And when we help the poor, we honor God. It’s that simple.

Please consider a $25.00 donation to www.haitishope.org to make this project a reality for these children!

In addressing what appeared to be a fairly large crowd, Jesus takes the opportunity to talk about what a real treasure looks like…and it’s not what you think! It has nothing to do with money or possessions. Nothing to do with how you look or the way you speak. It goes beyond race, social status or the level of education you possess. In fact, almost anything you would quantify as a treasure falls short. Jesus makes it clear that anything that can wear out, be stolen or be destroyed isn’t a treasure. His definition of treasure is radical because He is the only one that would fit His own definition of what a real treasure would look like!

What’s more, Jesus seems to indicate that it’s all a heart attitude. And without even asking the condition of the people in the crowd, He makes this bold request: “sell your possessions and give to the poor”. In this way He ties our ability to save up treasures in heaven by giving to others. Like in a lot of the movies I saw where the treasure so sought after turned out to be fake, He knows we will eventually be discouraged or disappointed by what we consider to be real treasure!

To help our cause in Haiti, please consider making a small donation to www.haitishope.org or purchase a $10.00 raffle ticket for the possibility of winning a Royal Caribbean 7-night cruise!