Two-thousand-and-five. That’s the last time the Village Church had come to visit their Sister Church in Ducis. For a variety of reasons they hadn’t been able to visit Haiti. But in 2012, they knew it was time to return and both churches were extremely excited about being reunited.
Monday afternoon the team had already been in Ducis for 3 days. Team members John and Connie sat and chatted in the church yard with some of the kids after a meeting. As they chatted, an young lady appeared at the gate and proceeded to head straight for them. She walked with intention and had a big grin on her face. “I recognize that face…who is that?”, Connie said out loud. At that same moment, John’s gaze settled on the young woman and right away he knew who she was. “Katelyn!”, he exclaimed. And they ran towards each other and embraced. It had been 7 years since they had seen one another. Connie too ran to her and they hugged. It had been so long and yet they had not forgotten.
On Friday August 3, a team of twelve left their homes in Chicago to spend a few days with their Sister Church in Ducis, Haiti. Saturday, when the team arrived at Ducis, whether they had been before of were here for the first time, they were greeted like family. Warm hugs and kisses and lots of smiles filled the church yard. For those visiting for the first time, they felt immediately at ease. For those returning, they felt immediately at home.
The week was filled with the traditional RMI Sister Church activities; the Deacons Meeting, Ladies Tea, Hope for Kidz meeting and Sunday evening service. And in additional to those activities, the team hosted a men’s meeting, took a tour of the local market, visit two satellite churches, and spent Wednesday morning visiting shut ins and widows, delivering a box of food for them and praying with them.
At the Ladies tea, it was a reunion of the ‘sisterhood’. They worshiped and prayed together, ate together, and even had balloon races. It was a riot to see the little elderly ladies running down and trying with all their might to pop those balloons. Everyone had a great time! The Village Church ladies asked the ladies of Ducis for specific prayer requests (whether ministry related or personal) and before the meeting ended they shared in a time of prayer. It was a beautiful way to end their time together.
The men’s meeting had a similar format to the ladies tea. They shared a message, some songs, refreshments and then they engaged the men in balloon races. Again, laughter ensued as the men tried with all their might to pop those balloons. There wasn’t a solemn face in the room.
Monday and Tuesday morning, despite the rain, the team was able to visit two of the of satellite churches in the Ducis district. They were welcomed with open arms and even invited back to one of the Pastors house’s (his house wasn’t located on the church property) where the team was offered coconuts. It was a fun experience for all; some of whom have never had fresh coconut before.
The team also spent a lot of time playing with the kids; football, basketball, and jacks. And they even learned a new game called “Lago”; which required guessing in which hand was the rock, and then chasing after the kids if you chose incorrectly.
It was a great week for the team, being reunited with their Haitian brothers and sisters and the team has already challenged themselves to keep in contact with their sister church and visit on a more regular basis. Even though seven years had passed in between visits, God’s presence was evident and the bond was clear. This was a relationship who ties couldn’t be broken. God reminded us that He is a redeemer of all things including relationships and what man would consider lost time.
(Right) Jeff met his sponsored child and encouraged her to continue working hard in school.
(Middle) Angie was hanging out with the kids, laughing, and playing games.
(Left)Danny met the girl his parents have sponsored for many years. She is the Pastor’s daughter.
1 comment :
This story is an example to me of the power of the RMI way. I was instrumental in starting this relationship between VCOB and the Ducis church, what, 20 (?) years ago. I and the rest of the Missions Committee had hoped that the relationship would last, becoming intergenerational and mutual. What joy to see that this is, in fact, what has happened!
Recently I was in the Philippines and knew, to the astonishment of the locals, the correct way to drink coconut. Learned in Ducis, of course.
Blessings on this relationship, which after all, is just beginning.
Brad Ketch
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