Weekly Text 3/21/2024

We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed—    2 Corinthians 4:8-9

I read these verses on Monday.  The night before I had returned from a wonderful few days in North Carolina with my friends and ministry partners at RLMI, Michael Sineus (Founder & Haiti Director) and Pastor Jonathan Reece, U.S. Director.  It was the first time in 2 years that we had been together in person.  It was good to be together to plan for the current and future ministry of RLMI in Haiti.  We met against the backdrop of the recent tragic turn of events in Haiti.

Hard times are nothing new in Haiti.  And the current situation has been brewing for several years with a significant increase in tension, violence, and hardship since the assasination of the President in July 2021.  But, what has transpired in the past few weeks is pure evil being unleashed in the country at a level not seen in a long time.  It has brought greater and much-needed attention to the plight of the common people of Haiti.  The very people I have had the privilege to meet and to serve.

Opening my Bible and reading these verses on Monday morning immediately drew my thoughts towards Haiti.  The people I know who are hungry, hurting and broken-hearted.  Surrounded by darkness, seeking protection and relief yet, faithful to God.  For many I know, God is all they have.  He is their only hope.  They have not wavered in their faith and their praise!  Many of our brothers and sisters in Haiti would tell us today that...We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed.

Friends, please pray for the people of Haiti.  Pray for your fellow Christ-followers.  Pray for peace, stability, and security to come to the country.  Pray for the provision of food, clean water, and shelter. Pray for godly leaders to step up and serve the greater good of the country by bringing freedom, prosperity and spiritual revival to the country.  May Haiti be the "foolish" nation raised up to shame the "wise" nations of this world!  Also, pray for Real Love Ministries International to continue to be one of many light-bearing, Gospel-sharing, life-giving ministries standing side by side with the Hatians in these dark days and to be ready when the brighter days come as they surely will.  The Lord God Almighty will make it so!!

You who love the Lord, hate evil!
He preserves the souls of His saints;
He delivers them out of the hand of the wicked.
Light is sown for the righteous,
And gladness for the upright in heart.
Rejoice in the Lord, you righteous,
And give thanks at the remembrance of His holy name.

Psalm 97:10-12