November 15-22, I (Becky) had the chance to go out with the team from Florida Bible Church from Miramar, FL to visit their sister church in Maniche. Rob was brave and stayed home with the kids for the week. I really enjoy these opportunities! RMI always says our ministry is the “ministry of presence” and usually my ministry of presence is in the home with my family and in support roles with RMI in the areas of bookkeeping and hospitality. It sure is good for me to get out into the village with our teams. It really gives me a renewed sense of purpose and perspective. Well, enough about me!
This week we had a team of 11 and one of RMI’s new missionaries, Star Harvie, came with us for her first experience with a sister church team.
The team with Star and I:
Maniche is less than an hour’s drive away. When we arrived, we were greeted by the church’s Brigade. There was so much excitement from the church and the team members! I’ve seen many Brigade groups—they are so fun to watch and do a great job! But this team, with many seasoned team members, have never been greeted in this way before. It was the first year the Maniche Baptist Church has had a Brigade so it was a real treat for everyone.
This was the first time that the Senior Pastor and his wife from FBC visited their sister church in Maniche. This was extra special for Pastor Enoch and Madame Pastor! Church was packed Sunday morning and they saved Communion for that Sunday so they could lead it together.
Communion Service:
Star and I:
It was a full week of ministry to encourage the church in Maniche—there was little downtime! The youth had a Bible Quiz: Jeopardy-style. They made team names and had chants going and were trash talking—all in fun! The loser’s had to salute to the winners. The team used the kids to re-enact Joshua and the battle of Jericho during a program for the school kids. At one point I thought the church walls might come tumbling down! There were over 250 kids making as much noise as they could! They had special gatherings for the ladies and men and both played some games, including musical chairs for the ladies. It’s always a joy to see the Haitian ladies and men let loose a little during a game—they are very competitive!
Men’s Bible Study:
Visit to Robert Church:
FBC really has a heart for the people and as a whole church, they are very involved in the Hope for Kidz child sponsorship program. Spending time with and loving on the ladies, men, kids and youth was their goal, and they accomplished it well. They went out of their way to do special things for each of the people they came in contact with. And it wasn’t just the FBC team—the people of the Maniche church went over and above to love on their visitors. These 2 churches have a heart connection that is obvious and infectious!
~Becky
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