“Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28-19-20
Back in the day, 2001-2004, while living in Haiti and visiting congregation in the rural areas, it was not unusual to see this type of structure in the attached photo, there were a few that did not have the palm branches covering the walls but did have sturdy wood poles or concrete pillars supporting a metal or thatched roof.
When you get into your vehicle on Sunday and drive to your home congregation consider where most of the Christians living in Haiti were and still are worshipping on Sunday. They either ride in a taptap or walk to church and their pew is generally a small wooden bench that is used for a school desk during the week. No hymnals, no organ, no indoor plumbing, no electricity and their service will not be over in an hour or less. The best way to describe why their worship services last for up to three hours is because they have so much to be thankful for…a risen Savior who is Christ the Lord.
When Jesus gave each of us the great commission, He closed by saying that “He is with us always, to the very end of the age.” Please just stop for a moment and consider those words of His; imagine that He is with you always and with them always…to the very end of the age. Comforting, isn’t it? He delights in our opulent filled sanctuary and also enjoys their simplicity. Not interested in our surroundings, that is worldly thinking; He is interested in our souls and tells us to go and win more souls and save them from the burning lake of hell. Thank you for helping to prepare thousands of His children to answer His call.
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