Hello, Haiti!

Hello blog readers! I apologize that I have not updated sooner, I am just now getting to electricity! We are back in Port au Prince safely after many adventures in the villages and at the orphanage!! SO excited to share these stories with you guys, but for now you can follow along on Jessica's blog! Thanks for all of your prayers and encouragement!!

Haiti bound!

I believe Africa and its people have taught me more than anything I could ever teach them. The Lord has taught me so much about Himself through spending time with these precious people. Thank you Lord that Your vision is so much bigger than mine.

As I think about my love for the beautiful continent of Africa, I can't help but think how the Lord sure didn't work this summer out like I had planned... but He is good!
Tomorrow I journey to Haiti. Although it isn't the Africa that I know and love, I am beyond excited to see what is in store not only for my own life, but for the people of Haiti. Seeing Haiti's physical and spiritual poverty has transformed me. I cannot wait to love on these beautiful people. My prayer is that our team be filled with a love greater than anything anyone can imagine... And unlike anything else in the world, as we give it away, it doesn't ever run out but only multiplies!

I am looking forward to being used by God to bring His Kingdom to Haiti in the smallest of ways. Join me in praying that mountains be moved and lives be transformed!

"Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for HE WHO PROMISED IS FAITHFUL! And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds."

Hebrews 10:23-24

"My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have full riches of complete understanding, in order that they might know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge."

Colossians 2:2

I pray that God will use OUR hands and feet for HIS glory!

Lord, we believe that YOU ARE ABLE!

May HIS KINGDOM COME in Haiti as it is in heaven!

1 John 4:19

Pou nou menm, nou gen renmen nan kè nou, paske Bondye te renmen nou anvan.

Lord, prepare my heart for YOUR work in Haiti. Amen.

Psalm 145

I will exalt you, my God the King; I will praise your name for ever and ever.
Every day I will praise you and extol your name for ever and ever.
Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom.
One generation will commend your works to another; they will tell of your mighty acts.
They will speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty, and I will meditate on your wonderful works.
They will tell of the power of your awesome works, and I will proclaim your great deeds.
They will celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness.
The LORD is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love.
The LORD is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made.
All you have made will praise you, O LORD; your saints will extol you.
They will tell of the glory of your kingdom and speak of your might,so that all men may know of your mighty acts and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.
Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations.
The LORD is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all he has made.
The LORD upholds all those who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down.
The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food at the proper time.
You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing.
The LORD is righteous in all his ways and loving toward all he has made.
The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.
He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them.
The LORD watches over all who love him, but all the wicked he will destroy.
My mouth will speak in praise of the LORD. Let every creature praise his holy name for ever and ever.

Throw it on the ground

Last weekend was our college ministry's disciple now weekend, Glow 2010! This video was made by the awesome Mr. Justin Bufkin as entertainment for the weekend. It comes from the SNL sketch entitled "Throw It on the Ground." Thought I'd share- enjoy!

This semester has been crazy busy and crazy fun! (and full of firsts!)

I got to watch the Saints win their very first Superbowl with my family and lovely new boyfriend!
With the help of some good friends, I got to build my very first snowman!!

I've also had fun sharing at some recent disciple now weekends!

Senior girls at North Monroe Baptist Church


Junior and Senior girls at First Baptist Church, Wisner! COLLISION 2010!

Junior and senior girls at Swartz/New Hope/Calvary Baptist Churches! SENT 2010!

And most recently, I was able to lead and help decorate at our college disciple now, GLOW 2010!

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"Once our eyes are opened

we can't pretend we don't know what to do.

God, who weighs our hearts and keeps our souls,

knows that we know, and holds us responsible to act."

Proverbs 24:12

My heart has been completely broken for the people of Haiti. I know that we sometimes let our love grow cold due to the desensitization of our emotions. We're exposed to so much violence, hurt, and suffering, and naturally, we are less moved by it. I am sending out a plea that we, as believers in a powerful God, continue to risk the pain of caring... of seeing and hearing things that break our hearts so that compassion can bleed through the cracks of our brokenness. One of my dear friends put it to me like this: "it hurts so bad to love so much." There's so much truth in that. We are responsible. NOW is the time for the body of Christ to mobilize and be His hands and feet.
We cannot turn our backs.
Love recklessly today.