Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. (1 John 4:8, NIV)
In Haiti this week. This morning, after breakfast I came back to my room to write a few things. I was going through some files and saw Michael Gungor's 'God is Love' video and clicked it. I hadn't seen it in a while. It rocks. If you haven't seen it in a while, watch it HERE. I'm am leaving today with a profound sense of how much God love us all.
It's easy to get emotional in this place. It doesn't really help anyone, though.
Speaking with someone earlier in the week, he talked about a renewed spirit of gratitude among many Haitian people. Many are simply grateful to have survived the earthquake. Each day for them is a gift. Even in the most difficult circumstances, they find much to be thankful for.
In the US, even the poorest among us have far more than the vast majority of Haitians will ever see in their lifetime. In our country, our poor have access to public housing, food programs, health care, and education. Here, over a million are displaced, living in tents and on the street. The last time I was down here, I saw people living in the median of a very busy roadway. You can see a picture of it HERE.
A unimaginable number of people on this island live in conditions so bad they defy description. They have so very little. But their spirit is indominable. They are entreprenurial to the core. On every street and in every tent city and every camp, people are buying and selling and trading with one another.
I didn't come here to serve in the camps. I came here on business. The company that God uses to feed my family is establishing a full-time, permanent presence in Haiti. I don't know how all of that will play out, but I am confident that we will be a huge help to the Haitian people by providing training and jobs, and promoting economic stability through investment.
This week, I met with officials from the Haitian Government, the Central Bank of Haiti, the United Nations, USAID, Unibank, as well as some of the largest NGO's (non-governmental organizations) like CRS and CHF. Incredible people. Brilliant people. People who are here every day to change the world. Fantastically inspiring.
Can't wait to hug Leslie and the kids, and to see you all this Sunday at Crossroads!
Peace.
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