Weekend Reflections

Wow, I’m completely drained. This weekend at PVC was absolutely incredible, emotional, and rewarding. God was obviously at work in a significant way, challenging us as a church family with what it means to be the body of Christ during crisis. Here’s some thoughts…

• I wrestled Tuesday night and Wednesday with changing the message and dealing with the Haiti crisis. I really felt God was leading me to speak into this; so glad I listened to Him.
• We asked the question “Why?”.  Ultimately, we’ll never know why this side of heaven, but 3 things we do know…
  • We live in a fallen world, so we will have crisis.
  • We have a mission, so we must respond.
  • We have a loving Father, so we can trust Him!
• The worship music was incredible. Thanks to Derrick and the team for putting their heart into it!
• Sean went way beyond the call to put together all the special elements for this weekend. From print, to web, to video in service, he did it all in 2 days.
• The people of PVC have truly wrapped their hearts around our ministry partners in Haiti. I could sense a great empathy in our body for the people of Haiti.
• Right before the 8:30 service this morning, we heard from Joaquin in Haiti.  He tells us the pastors are discouraged and hurting as they minister to the people.
• 70 pastors in the Haitian Baptist Association died in the quake.
• Praying hard today for Maison Des Anges, the orphanage run by Gladys. 80 kids displaced, running out of food and water.
• Haiti Arise is a partner in Petit Goave, the technical school was damaged.
• The ministry center in Petit Goave collapsed. Pastor Franklin escaped with minor injuries.
• Our church building in Value is destroyed. Pastor Emmanuel is okay.

  No word yet from Julien. Praying for them tonight!

  I was deeply moved by people leaving their shoes today, walking out barefoot. Not only did they provide shoes for Haitians, they identified with them by walking home barefoot.  Hundreds of pairs of shoes were left on the stage; don’t think I’ve ever seen such a beautiful altar!