“I have heard the prayer and plea you have made before me; I have consecrated this temple, which you have built, by putting my Name there forever. My eyes and my heart will always be there.” 1 Kings 9:3
Prior to living in Haiti, it was my perception that a congregation worshipped in a ‘Church’ and if the congregation had a day school that too was another structure. Most of the churches that are in Haiti are more like the early Church in Acts.
The attached photo is of the Lay Pastor standing in front of the Lutheran Church at Berjot which is located on the East edge of Les Cayes. This Church also happens to be his home and the woman standing in the doorway is his wife. I took this photo in 2002 and at that time the Pastor also had a few children from the neighborhood who would come daily to learn about Jesus Christ. Pastor Israel Isidor advised that this part of Les Cayes not only had a strong vodou presence but also had many cases of leprosy.
Whether you worship the Triune God in a large brick or stone Church or a small concrete block building tucked into a small neighborhood; He is always there. The hymn ‘Christ is our Cornerstone’ was composed by John Darwall in 1770 and translated by John Chandler in 1837 and its words still provide us with the importance of Who is the cornerstone of our Church and lives; here in North American, in Haiti and throughout the world.
“Christ is our Corner-stone, on Him alone we build; with His true saints alone the courts of heaven are filled. On His great love, our hopes we place of present grace and joys above. Oh, then, with hymns of praise, these hallowed courts shall ring; our voices we will raise the three in One to sing. And thus proclaim in joyful song, both loud and long that glorious name. Here, gracious God, do Thou forevermore draw nigh; accept each faithful vow and mark each suppliant sigh. In copious shower on all who pray each holy day, Thy blessing pour. Here may we gain from heaven the grace which we implore, and may that grace, once given, be with us evermore. Until that day when all the blest to endless rest are called away!”
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