Blue, blue skies.. PTL

Awoke this morning to very wonderful blue skies.  Dark blue, with a few white fluffy clouds.  Praise God the rains are over.

We took a friend to town with us today.  We were totally amazed at how quickly the city workers are cleaning up the streets.  They have front end loaders and trucks everywhere, getting the garbage and mud up and out of town.  No idea where they are trucking it to, but it was overwhelming to see so much already done.  Things were almost back to normal, from the looks of things.  No idea where the people who lost homes and belongings are.  We did hear that the government had been trying to find places for them.  When we got to the waterfront, what we saw quite a ways out was brown water...all the mud and a lot of trash had washed out into the bay.  Sad, to see so much garbage and mud everywhere out there.  But we are so thankful the cleanup has been so quick.  

We went to a very small restaurant called Ti Bouk An.  Had cheeseburgers, french fries and coke.  We were sort of celebrating not only the wonderful cleanup of the city, but another milestone.  Twenty nine years ago today we officially moved to Haiti.  It's hard to believe it's been that long.  Anyway, Jenny, Savanah, Don and I had a bit of fun today.  

I was watching people while Don went into the automotive store.  Faces are so expressive, even when they try not to be.  It was sort of like seeing them say, "We can finally get on with life and get things done."  I can't explain that look, but you could "feel" it everywhere.  Yes, there was still mud in many places, and they had to step over it to get anywhere.  We live in a country that is in "disaster mode" most of the time.  Not always rains, hurricanes or earthquakes...simply LIVING.  People are resigned to living a life of poverty, illness and many times hopelessness.  Bringing them hope through God's word is the only way to overcome some of this.  So, please pray with us that God's word, and the message of salvation through Jesus Christ will reach out to many of those suffering...from the floods, yes, but from simply the life they are living.  

It is very obvious, even without them smiling, to see those who know the Lord.  They are not the stooped over, lost looking ones.  They have a ...  well, yes, it's almost a glow, or a radiance about them.  They are still poor, still wear old clothes, still have to do with almost nothing... but they are living for Christ, and you can see that.  

And through all of this, there is that thought.... "there, but for the grace of God, go I".  God is God, no matter where you live, what your income, or what your style of living is.  The message, "When all you have is God, God is all you need!" keeps popping up.  When these people, rich, poor, sick, healthy, or whatever...when they have God, they have all they need.  Oh, if Americans could only grasp that message.  It's hard when living in a society that pushes "need and greed".... and we see that every time we go to the states.  All the advertisements are pushing.. YOU NEED THIS, YOU CAN'T DO WITHOUT THIS... and on and on.  If only they could grasp the fact that having Jesus Christ living in you REALLY is ALL YOU NEED!  The rest is existence, not need.

Lord, teach us to humble our selves and be the kind of servant You need to reach the lost.  Keep Your hands on our hearts and minds.  Keep our focus on what is really important.  Lord, thank You for what You have done for us.  Thank You for the work of Jesus Christ.  Thank You for His resurrection and life.  Thank You for giving us a way to spend eternity with You.  We praise You, we thank You, we lift You up on high.You really are way beyond awesome.  We love You.  Amen!