“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.” 1 Peter 4:1-2
Last weekend, I spent some time on my PC looking through photos of schools that I had visited in Haiti over the years and came across a few with memories that were not pleasant, but rather brought back images of dark long corridors in a labyrinth of uneven steps and uncertainty of what was around the next corner and who might be waiting there.
Before going to live in Haiti in March of 2001, my prayer life was not always what it should have been and perhaps that is why God nudged me to go there and live with my fellow brothers and sisters whose daily lives were filled with prayer. HE also gave me much needed additional lessons in patience. Before entering a hallway such as the one in the attached photo taken while making my way to a school in PAP, prayers for protection for me and those with me would be offered. Before turning the key in my pickup truck, prayers were offered for safe travel. Safety was always an issue, looking at who was walking alongside the truck in PAP, who was following me for more than a couple of blocks when driving home, who was watching my transaction at the bank, who followed me while walking in the market. He was with me, always with me. I recently heard a group sing ‘Majesty’ and those words reflect the comfort that was felt by me, and those living in Haiti as we walked with our Savior.
“Majesty, worship His Majesty unto Jesus, be all glory, power and praise. Majesty, Kingdom authority flow from His throne, unto his own, His anthem raise. So exalt, lift up on high the Name of Jesus. Magnify, come glorify, Christ Jesus the King. Majesty, worship His Majesty. Jesus who died, now glorified, King of all Kings.”
Our prayers are with the children in all Christian schools, here in the U.S., in Haiti and throughout His creation; with their teachers, principals, pastors and parents now, every day. Thank you for also keeping them in your daily prayers as they do His work in the midst of unforeseen dangers.
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