“Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin. As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God. For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. They are surprised that you do not join them in their reckless, wild living, and they heap abuse on you. But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. For this is the reason the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead, so that they might be judged according to human standards in regard to the body, but live according to God in regard to the spirit.” 1 Peter 4:1-6
Suffering for Christ, how often have we been oppressed or beaten or been humiliated because of our faith in our risen Savior? Chances are that none of us have been really been physically persecuted because of Whom we proclaim as our Lord and risen Savior.
The teens in the attached photo attend the Nouvelle Semence school in Port-au-Prince and living in the capital city of Haiti with a population of 3 million people and sixty five percent of them practicing vodou, a large area of their capital run by gang; it is reasonable to say that they have been asked why they attend a Christian school.
The verses in 1 Peter mention a list of sinful qualities; they are prevalent in both North America and also in Haiti. You and I have seen them on our television, computer, on our phone, at the movies, at work and possibly next door. Why don’t we follow in the ways of this fallen world and follow the ways that the world tells us is the normal thing to do, have fun, after all, it is all about me.
We follow Christ as He died for us. The teens attending the school in PAP follow Christ and turn away from the lies of the vodou priest and his followers. It is a difficult road at times, for them and for us. Please keep them in your prayers and also ask that our Triune God will continue to provide you with strength as you support their spiritual and physical lives.
Dear Heavenly Father, you have called your servants to ventures of which we cannot see the ending, by paths as yet untrodden, through perils unknown. Give us faith to go out with good courage, not knowing where we go but only that your hand is leading us and your love supporting us through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Amen.
May God be with you,
Jay