I was awakened this morning with a rush of emotions as it FINALLY hit me that this journey begins this morning. no turning back, no more waiting, no more anticipation. First of all I want to thank EVERYONE who is making this trip possible for me. Your support and prayers means more to me than I think you could possibly realize. Knowing each morning we wake up in Haiti will be bathed in prayer by so many people who love us back home is overwhelming. We firmly believe that prayer will carry us thru each day and we know that the Lord has already gone before us to prepare the way. ("See, I am sending an angel ahead of you to guard you along the way and to bring you to the place I have prepared." -Exodus 23:20) We are answering a call set before us to go and we are so beyond blessed for such an opportunity. ("However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace." -Acts 20:24) We are submitted in God's will so we don't walk in fear, but instead in a hope of where the Lord is taking us ("Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, it's God's." -2 Chronicles 20:15) As you pray for me and my precious God-picked team, we pray for you also. We pray that a comfort sweep thru your lives and that the enemy is completely bound up from placing concerns or fears in your mind. ("I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for He is right beside me. No wonder my heart is glad." -Psalm 16:8-9) What a joy to know that lives will be changed this week. Many will see the Light for the first time.("The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the Good News is proclaimed to the poor." -Matthew 11:5) Many will be set free from things that have trapped and bound them for years and years. Miracles will happen. ("The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the Good News is proclaimed to the poor." -Matthew 11:5) Many that were considered an orphan before our arrival will no longer be orphans upon our departure because they will come to know a Father that far surpasses an earthly daddy. ("Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give." -Matthew 10:8) we declare this is Your name Abba God. ("But God will never forget the needy; the hope of the afflicted will never perish." -Psalm 9:18) What an amazing God we serve for His continuous faithfulness in our lives. ("I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for He is right beside me. No wonder my heart is glad." -Psalm 16:8-9)
Please keep our team close in your prayers this week. Pray for travel mercies both to Atlanta today(march 12) and flying mercies tomorrow(march 13) as well as upon our return(march 19). pray for our health. our unity among our team. pray for the people the Lord has placed before us. And of course that our every step will be made because we were sensitive to where the Lord was leading us to go.
If you would like to pray for our team by name:
Benson
Dana
Ann Marie
Joshua
Chasity
Kelly Anne
Hannah
Rebecca
Jared
Becky
Nathan
Mary Beth
Allison
Michael
Just for fun, here are some facts about Haiti that we are believing for a change in:
* Haiti is the poorest country in the western Hemisphere.
* One out of five children die from preventable illnesses before reaching the age of five.
* Diarrhea is the leading cause of death for children under five
* Only 50% of the population have access to running water
* 300,000 child laborers
* 2,500 street children in Port au Prince alone.
* GNI per capita for Haiti is $450 (in 2005)
* Under-five mortality rate for Haiti is 120 (in 2005) 120 out of 1000 die before they are 5 years old.
* Infant mortality rate for Haiti is 84 (in 2005) 84 out of 1000 die before the age of one.
* Life expectancy is 51
* 50% of the population lives on less than $1 a day.
* 80% of the population lives on less than $2 a day
The journey begins when this post is published and I close the computer. Excitement overtakes me now! I love each and every one of you so much and am so honored to be the one going to Haiti to carry His name!! No matter where the Lord leads, so thankful for a grace to follow! Cant wait to share all about it upon my return! Trust me, pictures and videos are to come!
