We started today with a hearty breakfast and then headed out to Ebenezer Baptist Church. We had a praise and worship session after their Sunday School, the main church service is at night when it cooler so that the service does not have to be limited to an hour. Brother Mike said many motivating words – to the host pastor (Ramone), to members of Ebenezer and to our team from Trinity. It was especially neat to worship in a church that members of Trinity helped build. Across the street is the structure off a three story school that will allow Haitian children go to school. Gaining citizenship, and the privileges that come with it such as attending public schools, is more challenging here than in the US.
After lunch we went to the beach. I was neck deep in turquois water yet could still see the ocean floor, the beauty of God’s creation is all around us. It is sadly ironic though that the ocean water is crystal clear while drinking water is unsafe for many people here. Our team will be doing something about that tomorrow. A group will deliver water purification systems to many homes to provide them clear water for up to ten years. We’ll also be having vacation Bible school, a health clinic and constructions on the school and homes in the batay.
After diner, and some pecan pie as fine as any I’ve ever had in Alabama (expect my grandmother’s), we went to evening worship at the Maranantha church close to where we are staying. This is the church that helped found Ebenezer. We could not understand the words to their music or the message, except for a small bit directed toward us, but there we definitely shared in their praise and worship of the God we share. Teresa and Mike offered an inspirational message through a translator thanking Maranantha for their faith and vision. He emphasized that though we live in different countries, we are brothers and sisters in Christ.
Though only a few of us are here, this is a Trinity trip. We know that many of you signed up to pray for specific individuals and that many more are praying for the group as a whole and good work to be done while we are here. Thank you.
Noel
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