You'd think after traveling to 31 countries traveling to a country for 10 days would be a piece of cake. Something you could do blind and with your hands tied behind your back. You'd think after hiking volcanoes, bringing the gospel to islands where white men had never been before, and camping in Africa, a little trip to a little country just south of Florida would be barely a thought.
But man, it's been quite the adventure – and I'm not even on a plane yet!
(Haiti)
Maybe it's the fact that I haven't been out of the country for a year. Maybe it's the fact that last time I flew on a plane (home for Christmas) it was absolutely, terrifyingly turbulent. Maybe it's the fact that I'm leading a trip alone. Maybe it's the fact that I've never been to Haiti before and don't speak an ounce of Haitian Creole. Maybe it's the fact that we're living in tents. Maybe it's the fact that I'll be in the country alone for two days.
But whatever it is, I'll admit it's been more than a little daunting.
But you know those moments when every single song on the radio, sermon at church, and book you read is about THE SAME THING? Like God is trying to get a message across to you? Well, that's been my week.
"Stop trying to live in safety. Jesus has never let you down. Why did you randomly decide he was going to this time? It literally makes no sense. Stop trying to CREATE safety in your life. You already have it. You're already safe because of who Jesus is."
So, even though I believe God is calling me into a season of healing and rest, I don't believe that he's calling me into a season of playing it safe. Maybe that means having hard conversations. Maybe that means sticking with what I'm doing and where I am, even when it's hard and it would be easier to leave. I don't know all that it means.
But this week it means I'm leading a trip to Haiti.
I'm deciding to take God at his word. (I'm realizing that's more of a daily than one time decision.)
To decide that he's good. He's in control. And he protects me.
So, pray for us this week? I head to the airport Friday at 3am and, after a stop in Miami, land in Port-au-Prince. My contacts should pick me up from the airport, and we'll head to a village in what they call the "green part" outside the city. After two days of logistical set-up and prep for the team, we'll pick them up and begin a week of ministry in Merger! (If you look up Merger, Haiti on Google Earth, you'll see what I mean about the "green part.") We'll be working with the church, orphanage, and doing whatever else they need. This is technically a Disaster Relief trip, so anything could happen.
Honestly? I'm really excited. Admittedly still a little scared, but really excited to see all that God is going to do this week. Cause people, it's gonna be GOOD.
So, will you join me this week? Will you do something that scares you?
Will you decide to take God at his word?
Cause people, I promise you, this is gonna be GOOD.
Been there done that!! Been to South Africa during state of emergency, and on that trip had a phone call from from someone telling me ‘to go the —- home or he’d………!’, Right now I am getting ready to move to a state I had only read about until a couple of months ago, because my husband and I feel it’s where God wants us…………it would be WAY more comfortable to just ‘stay put’ rather than go through the rather grueling steps to moving, let alone leaving everything familiar (I feel like Abraham of old!!). BUT (that’s always a word I love in scripture because it says ‘sit up and take notice’), I have the ‘peace that surpasses all understanding’ (most of the time, sometimes I am weak and think of all of the things that COULD go wrong!). So I realize that the safest place on Earth is resting in the arms of Jesus…………just like yo do Steph, because I know you have been in some REALLY scary situations in the last year and you KNOW dependance!! You know we’ll be praying for you and we know your TOTAL dependance on God, so you go to Haiti in good hands AS the hands and feet of our Lord Jesus!
So, check it. I’ve been a little worried and stressed about finances in the in between time after the Race and before Georgia, and the other night at church, we sang that song. I had never heard it, but it was so encouraging to me. “I know who goes before me. I know who stands behind. The God of angel armies, is always by my side.” It is encouraging to know that God is going before me, and preparing the way (even in finances!). Thanks for posting that picture because otherwise, I would have just remembered it as that one song we sang at church. 🙂 Haiti is going to be awesome!
Yay, God! Steph is going to Haiti! You do such awesome things in your daughter’s life. Through all of your adventures, Steph, God is using you to magnify his greatness. Can’t wait to hear about Haiti! Praying for you.
YAY! Steph, I’m prayin for you. I’m so glad for you to have this opportunity :). love you, sis!
“Depart, depart, go out from there;
touch no unclean thing;
go out from the midst of her; purify yourselves,
you who bear the vessels of the Lord. For you shall not go out in haste,
and you shall not go in flight,
for the Lord will go before you,
and the God of Israel will be your rear guard” – Isa 52: 11-12.
Dear Father,
Thank You for directing our lives. I ask that You surround and protect, Steph and her team in Haiti. Bless and comfort Stephanie’s heart and bless their work in Your Name. May they be Your hands and feet ministering among those You lead them to. In and through our Lord Jesus. AMEN