“As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus continued on as if he were going farther. But they urged him strongly, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over.” So, he went in to stay with them.” Luke 24:28-29
The two disciples were walking down the dirt road to Emmaus, a journey of about seven miles when Jesus came up and walked with them. Their exchange recorded in Luke provides another account that assures us and all believers that Jesus Christ defeated death and the devil.
The people that live near the vodou temple with the two flags on the southern edge of Pont Sonde in the attached photo will tell you that the Gospel of Luke is nothing more than a story, a fable…a lie. The vodou priest has assured them that satan defeated Christ on the cross. The vodou spirit or war, Ogou, defeated Jesus Christ. End of story.
The 155 children attending the Lutheran School in Pont Sonde know the truth and face the mighty challenge of sharing the message of their risen Savior with the lost who have closed their ears to the truth. Thank you for providing prayers and support for their ministry efforts. Henry Lyte wrote the words to the hymn ‘Abide with me’ in 1847 and the words provide comfort for us, for the children in Pont Sonde and direction for those lost and waiting to hear the Gospel message.
“Abide with me! Fast falls the eventide; the darkness deepens; Lord with me abide. When other helpers fail and comforts flee, help of the helpless, oh, abide with me! Swift to its close ebbs out life's little day; earth's joys grow dim, its glories pass away; change and decay in all around I see. O Thou, who changest not, abide with me! Not a brief glance I beg, a passing word, but as Thou dwell'st with Thy disciples, Lord, familiar, condescending, patient, free. Come not to sojourn, but abide with me. Come not in terror, as the King of kings, but kind and good, with healing in Thy wings; tears for all woes, a heart for every plea. Come, Friend of sinners, thus abide with me. Thou on my head in every youth didst smile, and though rebellious and perverse meanwhile, Thou hast not left me, oft as I left Thee. On to the close, O Lord, abide with me. I need Thy presence every passing hour; what but Thy grace can foil the Tempter's power? Who like Thyself my guide and stay can be? Through cloud and sunshine, oh, abide with me! I fear no foe, with Thee at hand to bless; ills have no weight and tears no bitterness. Where is death's sting? Where, grave, thy victory? I triumph still if Thou abide with me. Hold Thou Thy cross before my closing eyes, shine through the gloom, and point me to the skies. Heaven's morning breaks, and earth's vain shadows flee; in life, in death, O Lord, abide with me!”
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