April 9, 2012

Undeserved Grace

I don’t think its any coincidence that one of the themes to my daily devotional during the Easter weekend was about unmerited grace. First of all, I hope that you all had a great Easter week/weekend. I can say with out a doubt that this was the best Easter week I have ever had. For all the right reasons, each day was filled with opportunities to study, for fellowship and worship, and to speak with so many people about what the week meant. There have been weeks that have been long, hard, frustrating and difficult; this was not one of them. It might have been one of the most meaningful I have ever had and I know it is will not soon be forgotten. I love this place. Its called the South Department of Haiti and many folks give a new definition to, and also hold their own, in what we know as Southern hospitality. 

Back to the subject at hand, I know many of you have reflected on the sacrifice of Christ over the last week. If not, there is always next year, next week, tomorrow or right now! I’ve always wanted to have an Easter service in October and a Christmas service in July just for reminder sakes. Sometimes as we get in a regular routine of church attendance, or no attendance for some, I wonder if we forget that undeniable and all important concept of an undeserved grace? Internally I believe that many of us boast to ourselves about our Christ like behavior or attitude. I have an ego. I’m guilty of it. This reality reminds me of a time where my attitude was different; but, my intention was almost the same. However, at this time, like many of you have once thought, I felt that I was undeserving or not needing of God’s grace. More importantly its something that was never thought about or cared about. Although the attitudes are very different, the idea that God’s grace is predicated on our intention still resonates. A few times when I was in serious trouble, sometimes with the law, I would plead to God to get me out of trouble. “If you just get me out of this...” I would say. I would wager a change in behavior with God’s extension of mercy. I’m sure many of you can identify with this type of exchange. Many times he delivered. Did I? No. My intention was never pure, sincere or honest; but, did he care? No. It does not, therefore, depend on man’s desire or effort, but on God’s mercy (Roman 9:16) 

So I wonder how long this Easter joyfulness, this buzz is going to last? Is it something that you can sustain for this week or possibly this month? I pray that this idea of an undeserved grace remains in our hearts until we hear our name called. I pray that we may be able to give our brothers and sisters the undeserved forgiveness, compassion and love that we also were/are given. You show your thankfulness to God by your willingness to give undeserved grace to others. It is a radical ideology; however, even those who were physically beating and crucifying Christ received it. Even though their intention and effort was to destroy, God’s effort was to give an unmerited love to a people, to us, that wasn’t really interested in receiving it in the first place. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions - it is by grace that you have been saved (Ephesians 2: 4-5) 

Sean

What Are You in Business Of?

So it took couple of days to upload this to the website. Its for those of you who don't have FaceBook.

What are You in the Business of?

Earlier this week I was reminded of this question & the purpose of our overall mission outlook. Every now and then I must remind myself to reign in on the energy & outreach and check it with the what my purpose as a Christ follower is. One of the best ways to do this is to pick up a little book called 3 Simple Rules. I would encourage each person to have a copy of this book and familiarize yourself with its contents. It is written from the writings of John Wesley and narrows down, almost to a perfect form, 3 simple rules for the plight of evangelism. Now if you cringe about hearing the e-word, please remember, God didn’t screw that one up, we did. We have modified the e-word in our day and time to mean missions; but, the word remains the same and no matter its direction or appearance, it is what we are all called to do; to witness & testify about the love of God that is within His son Christ Jesus.

So that brings me to my question, what are you in the business of? Many times it is very easy to start listening to the crowds, the mobs, applaud you and tell you that you are doing the right thing; a wonderful thing. But, what are you in the business of, pleasing them or God? In a world of Twitter and FaceBook, you have followers & friends you never have heard of. A lot of times you’ll write something that puts a smile on their face or makes them feel warm and fuzzy inside; but, whats the point of that really? I think a lot of times we get caught up the mob activity and want to provide the miracles, instead of concerning ourselves with the individual human spirit.

If your still with me, I’ll explain. I have had the opportunity to see three teams come from different parts of the US since I have been here. Each one has had an unique quality about them; each having great people apart of them. I’ve also seen all the stuff that they bring with them, for the entertainment of the masses. I like to call it, Junk for Jesus. All these games, crafts and arts are cute; but, what is the purpose and point that they serve? Its very easy to be popular in a place like this, especially when your handing out all sorts of free stuff. For some of you who have had the experiences like this, you’ve seen kids come from near and far just to see whats going on. Now the miracle is this, that no matter how many kids come, and this week I saw a number approaching 250, all seem to be served. These hoards of kids remind me of the 5,000 that got served one day on a mountain side. In actuality, thousands needed to be fed on multiple occasions, and Christ delivered. But, Christ’s purpose was not to corner the market on the fish and chips business. Our purpose is not to provide necklaces, bracelets, etc... to every starving kid. Its easy to make them happy. Its also easy to create a riot and chaos. But, is that what God has called us to do; to happily please children with cheap crap from China? No. We are called to something a bit more meaningful. Something a bit more soulful.

Unfortunately, children get most of the attention. Some of them are just so darn cute. I would like to tell you about an experience I had this week that made the point clear of what I, and we, are here to do. Herman, the boss man for the construction crew at Torebeck said it best. That under these teams, he has noticed an absolute transcending of racial, economic and social barriers that he has never seen; EVER! Kids don’t understand that. What we are here for, and Christ was here for, is for the individual soul. The individual relationship. The soul of that person is the most important part to reach, to touch, in your evangelism effort. Many times its your own soul that is touched. That is the business that we are here for. It doesn’t matter the numbers of kids get a laugh from the blancs handing out stuff. The miracle isn’t necessarily the number served by the fish and chips; but rather its the multiplication of Christ’s efforts in your heart and how that effects each individual you interact with. Don’t get caught up with what the masses want; but, what does God want? I would like for you all to take this to heart and not concern yourself so much with the quantity of those being served; but, rather the quality of your effort and what that means to the preservation of one’s everlasting and immortal salvation; both your soul and theirs.

Shawn

February 21, 2012 - Fat Tuesday

Due to the inconsistency of my internet I have not been able to update as often as I would like. I extend my apologies first to my parents; but also, to those who have helped, prayed and funded me through this adventure thus far. 

Carnival the last few days have been an experience that will not soon be forgotten; however, this day, Fat Tuesday or Mardi Gras brings to mind the excess that we so comfortably live with. Wealth, material and luxuries of our privileged lives are not what I speak of; but, it is our words that have consumed my thoughts as of late. The excess of words that we use and the lack of substantial meaning in them is what I would briefly like to share with you. I should take caution so that by my words, and hopefully they remain short and to the point, I do not risk jeopardizing my own legitimacy in this subject. 

The words that so aptly come to mind are those that we so readily profess every Sunday. The belief in Christ and the embodiment of that love is so willfully spoken; however, they lose value when the honest and steadfast endurance inspired with the vision of Christ is not followed through. All this came about from my daily devotional which had me read from Luke 6:27-39. I believe we are all comfortable with being in fellowship with our brothers and sister in Christ; but, how comfortable are you with being merciful, forgiving, loving and yes, even Christ-like, in relation to your interactions with your enemies? This statement is in truth and is what we are called to do. We as believers give to, love and respect each other; but, this is also what sinners do among themselves. What then are you to do about this? What then are we to say when our words that speak of Christ are not followed by actions that testify to him?

This became a reality yesterday when I found my self holding another man’s hand while in my pant’s pocket. This obviously was in the throng of people that comprises Carnival. My initial reaction was to knock him out; but, with my better judgment I realized that this would not be a good idea due to the fact that I was in a well liquored crowd of Haitians at night that would have loved any reason to jump and riot against a blanc. After this morning’s devotional, and pairing it with what I knew Ecclesiastics 11:1-6 to say, I was disappointed with myself that these were the two thoughts that entered my mind, instead of how I could assist or bless this man. Instead, I was limited by my lack of Creole and my natural defensive human nature. So then, are my words void of love and meaning? 

My prayer is that over this lenten season I, as well as you all, may lose the excess words that we so often use. I ask and pray that we may find the words that will appropriately define our actions with the earnest desire that our words may then shape and transform our response to this world. Don’t tell anyone you love them if you really don’t. Don’t tell anyone you will pray for them if prayer is something you don’t do. Don’t tell anyone you’ll spend the time with them when all you want is to be rid of their presence. Don’t give God all the thanks for the love that He has given you if you aren’t willing to give all the love you have to others in His name. I pray on this Fat Tuesday, we trim the excess and focus more on what the Word really means. 

February 12, 2012

    I really should make more of an effort to write on a more regular basis instead of waiting for almost a full week of thoughts and emotions to erupt all in one cataclysmic event. All I have thus far is praises to sing about how good, and faithful, God is. Although I must admit that my real intentions for coming down here were primarily self centered (some of you know about this), I thank God for  providing me thus far with all I have needed in the fulfillment of that purpose. From the very beginning up until this exact moment, I have been blessed by the presence of God which has manifested its self in so many ways; primarily through people I have met. This place is very real and highly functional (although to a different standard than what one young privileged American man may have expected). The bliss that is felt from a weeks missionary journey is now over and this “blanc” is still here. Over the last week I have bucked the feeling of spiritual euphoria that paralyzes so many in the mission field into being utterly useless and have adapted the “be real and get with the program thought process.” In the edited, mild version of what one of my American collegues said, “Its Haiti, shit ain’t perfect, get over it.” Its time we see things for what they are. We can only do what we can, when we can and with what we have. I say, with the knowledge of God’s blessings not only in my life, but in many that I am so grateful to share this glorious faith with, there is the ability to make that needed difference from the greatest to the least of these.

   Teaching here has been awesome thus far! There is an age group that ranges from about 18-25 with a couple of older folks thrown in the mix as well. It is a very energetic, hormonal and enthusiastically rich group of students. The difference between American style education and the Haitian system is quite large; but, I would rather focus  on the brighter side and tell about what great promise lies ahead with some of these students. I enjoy so much picking their brains and being unrelenting in my pursuit of them to expand their thought patterns. The past week & this coming week, our main subject of education, besides English, has been advertising in a global market. It has been a great joy to see them reach further into the corners of their minds and pick out ( sometimes pulled out involuntarily by me) a larger dynamic system of evaluating different variables that go into the marketing process. Its been fun to say the least and I’ve got to admit at time I think about applying these lessons the importation of Haitian coffee to the US market. Just a thought. I can’t say enough about how excited I am to challenge & be challenged by this wonderful group of men and women. With God’s love and grace, I pray that we may continue in the making of a good relationship. 

   There has also been a team from New York working at the Torbeck church this weekend. They arrived on Friday and I spent Saturday working with them. I also enjoyed fellowship and the beach with them today. I hope to be able to join them once or twice this week out there before I have to teach classes in the afternoon. Good group of guys. Hard workers. Best time I’ve had with a bunch of yanks. 

  I have also had the privilege of meeting the new dean of the Agro-Forestry program here at the school. He is young, very well educated, Haitian man that actually lives here in the guest house with Earl and I. I look forward to talking more about him with you all. On Friday, I visited and then worked for half the day out at one of his “gardens”. This place is huge and it is just outside of town. It is his goal to make it an educational/event venue for the purpose of teaching people about the importance of agro-forestry and agro-business (there is also a large nursery there) in Haiti. Many of you know that this one issue has one of, if not the largest impact on Haiti’s social, economic and political culture. I look forward to working and learning from him (Professor William Cinea) over the next few months.

   I close this entry with a prayer. I can’t possibly go through the list; but, Bret Winston you and your family are in my prayers everyday. I can’t imagine the disappointment and pain this set back brings to you and your family. I pray though that you may be comforted by the presence of God through our prayers for you. I pray that in His own divine way, He may work His healings on you. I pray also for your wife Danielle and two boys. That this situation may be a time for prayer and growth among your relationship with each other. I know that this is much easier said/prayed than done; but, in God I place ALL my trust. Because of His son’s name I know Him and I pray for you in that name. The name of Jesus Christ, Amen!

Sean

February 7, 2012

Team Ralph (minus me) left early this morning after we parted ways (only physically) last night. I can not express the gratitude that I have for them. The work that they did over the last few days has been wonderful and I know that they have forged many relationships w/ the people of Les Cayes and Torbeck that will not soon be forgotten. The team was/is very supportive of me as I left and we enjoyed a great fellowship/devotion before my departure. I am especially proud of my father. The strength and courage that he has shown this week is inspirational. Not only has he been able to “survive” Haiti and do it in God’s glory (as construction boss, with the kids of Torbeck and our Haitian co-workers) he was able to let me walk into the dark of night fairly easy. As I go w/ full confidence in the presence and ordination of God, I pray that my courage, inspired by the hope that is in Christ Jesus, may be an example for others to endure, persevere and further glorify the earthly kingdom of God. 

Yesterday was the beginning of class. I thoroughly enjoyed the introduction to these promising young men & women. Each class will pose its very own challenges; but, with the confidence of God’s presence, and a lot of patience, they and I will prevail. I look forward to teaching them as well as learning from them. I look forward to building a lasting relationship w/ those that I can. What a great start it has been!

I would like to close this entry w/ how I begin my day (w/ the Solo devotional that I received from the UMM) & how I close most most of my days (besides the ones that end w/ me passed out on the bed from exhaustion.) I pray for the continued safety in travel for Team Ralph as well as Team Snyder ( they have by now arrived in Haiti). I pray for LeRoy and Grace for their recoveries from surgery. I pray for their spouses as well. That this time may be used for prayer and strengthening in the relationships that they have w/ one another and their trust in God. I pray for Terri Lupo & her mission at Hursey. I pray for my Young Adult group. That they may grow in numbers and in their faith. I pray for these students, my hosts at AUC, Pastor Ablamy and his wife Danette and so many others. I lift up these names, these people, to you God, so that they may receive your love, your mercy, and affection. I pray this in the name that every knee shall bow and every tongue confess, that Jesus Christ is our Lord and Savior. For it is in His name I give you praise! AMEN!

Sean

Haitian Vacation Partie Un

   If the same spirt that lifted to life a dead, beaten and crucified corpse lives within you, how then can you ever ask, can it be done?

  I want to apologize for such a brief update of this blog. There is not really a whole lot I can say at the moment. There are blessings beyond belief thus far, and I am so thankful for Team Ralph, our hosts, Pastor Ablamy and his wonderful wife Donette. The congregation and work staff in Torbeck has been most gracious to us in our endeavors here. 

I am quite busy now preparing for classes which start tomorrow. I have been assigned a total of 7 classes with anywhere from 30-60 students in each at 2-3 hours per class. Thats what I get for volunteering. The staff here at the AUC campus has been very helpful in getting me aquatinted. The adjustment to this life is coming quicker and easier than I expected; although, I know this is just the beginning. I now freely take taxis (mopeds) around town and can get to all the necessary stores with out much trouble. Our network of Americans here is wonderful and its nice to talk with folks that I have met thus far that have an eager heart to serve. There are many different personalities. Haiti seems to bring out quite a cast of characters from our country. 

  The statement that I introduced this blog with is one that I will basing my experience here in Haiti on. There is quite a story behind it and I look forward to sharing it with you soon. I thank you all for your prayers and ask that you continue you in them. They have most certainly paved a way for a “smooth” and comforting transition here. Please continue to pray for Team Ralph and the safe travel for them and Team Snyder. Most of all, give God the glory and praise for all the great things He has done in my life and in yours!

Your Brother in Christ,

Sean