Sunday, March 07, 2010

Haiti Day 1 by Louis A Chalmers



Our group of 15 volunteers left Atlanta this morning @ 6AM for Haiti. We are from many churches across the Atlanta area and a couple of guys from Quebec. We landed in Port Au Prince around noon. The rubble and earthquake devastation are apparent from the air as you land. Crowds mingle at the airport hoping to assist some tourist/volunteers with their luggage. Riding through the city you pass demolished buildings, tent cities, curb side vendors, and people milling about. As we drove across the city, I asked Pierre , our 21 year old guide to tell me his earthquake story. Pierre talked of being outside with friends and feeling the earth shift like a roller coaster, whole neighborhoods collapsing, and friends loosing entire families as buildings collapsed. Pierre spoke of a quiet faith that he believes God is still in control in the midst of this disaster. Pierre has told his friends that God spared their lives for a purpose- Piece's vision is a chance for Haiti to be reborn. We met our host today, Pastor Olistin, and are camping on the top of his home's flat roof. We ate dinner with him tonight and were blessed as our hosts led us in choruses of praise and worship. Tomorrow we worship with the pastor at his tent church and tour the city. Monday morning we will join the rebuilding of their church and should visit their school/ orphanage home to 100 children. I am amazed by the Haitian's who are a gracious people of faith and can smile beautiful smiles and sing praises to their Heavenly Father reg
ardless of their circumstances. Pray that we will remember that this trip is about the people and their stories. About the chance to share God's love in tangible ways that people may be encouraged to cling to hope & joy. Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

1 comment:

  1. God bless you Louis, and all of the volunteers. God bless Haiti and may Piere's vision become reality. God truly is in charge.

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