2010 holds different memories for many of us. For some, it might have been the best year yet, but for others it might have been a year of trial. For me, it was a year of learning to properly communicate with my husband Corey (still learning in 2011), it was a year I got a dog, it was a year I started a new job, and it was a year I felt truly grateful for the Lord’s goodness in my life.
However, for Haiti, 2010 has been anything but prosperous. The Haitian people began the year with fear, tragedy, and death, as a catastrophic earthquake crumbled the nation on January 12. And Haitians ended 2010 desperately fighting the cholera outbreak.
These people have lost loved ones, lost their homes, lost their jobs, and lost hope, if they had any hope to begin with.
But remember, God has never forsaken us, and His light will always outshine the darkness.
Samaritan’s Purse (SP) responded to the earthquake with immediate medical attention, we built over 10,000 shelters, we provided clean water to thousands, and today we’re focused on beating the cholera epidemic. I have seen with my own eyes the quality of SP’s work as it meets the needs of this tiny nation. Through that work, we have built loving relationships, and we have built trust. During 2010, the Lord has provided opportunity for the Gospel to be seen through the works of SP. Despite all the heartache, we have seen lives change. We have seen people accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior. We have seen people restored.
As a result of the relationships we’ve built, local Haitian pastors have extended an invitation to my dad to host a festival in Haiti this weekend. Of course that is an opportunity my dad and his team would never turn down! Just 3 days before the one-year anniversary of the earthquake, Haiti WILL hear the Gospel of HOPE in Jesus Christ! 2010 might have started with devastation, but 2011 will begin with the Festival of Hope!
Please pray for the hearts of the Haitian people, that they will be prepared to hear the simple Gospel.
“And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” Revelation 21:4
What a sweet promise for all of us who believe. One day in Heaven, when Jesus rules over all nations, He will wipe away every tear.
Please join us for the LIVE webcast from Haiti, Sunday January 9 at 1:30 ET, at samaritanspurse.org/haitilive.