Haitian Scrapbook--pages 1 and 2

Over the next several days, I will be posting thoughts and pictures of my recent mission trip to Haiti. This project will look much like theEthiopian Scrapbook, that can also be viewed on my website. Today's post is entitled Unity and One-ness.

page 1--Unity

Months before our team's trip to Haiti, I know that I know that I know the Lord wanted me to pray for unity among our team. We had 21 members of various ages from teenagers to 60's, so the diversity was obviously present. Therefore...I obeyed...and prayed (along with others) that the Lord would put His sweet blessing of unity within our group.

The main passage I claimed is found in Ephesians 4:1-6:
I therefore, prisoner of the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit--just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call--one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

I'm so thankful to report that God answered this prayer in rich and beautiful ways. The 5 adult men encouraged the 4 young men in their 20's, who encouraged the 3 teenage guys. Likewise, the 2 older women, loved on and laughed with the 7 younger ladies in the group, who each contributed to the unified bond.  We worked side by side all day, and then "circled up" together at night to share the great things that God had done in and through us.Thank you Lord, that Your bond of peace held us together while we were in Haiti. I pray that each of us would desire Your unity back home--may Your Spirit infiltrate our families, our friendships, our workplace, and our churches. Amen.

page 2-- One-ness

The verse that immediately follows the passage mentioned above is Ephesians 4:7
But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ's gift.

Inside the unity is individuality, and it was remarkable in our group. We had surgeons, medical doctors, and nursing students, all giving their knowledge and skill in the jungled-hills of Haiti. We had creative Young Life leaders who played games, and taught God's word, and poured out love to the children of Hands and Feet. We had a work crew that pounded large rock, and shoveled the small gravel to help the new development on the grounds. And we had those who gave spiritually through sharing the Good News and prayer. The one true God... poured Himself out through each one of us. 

Dear Lord, make us confident in how you made us. Cause us to shine Your glory in this appointed place. Help us not to crave someone else's gift, but to rise up to the great work You have already designed for each our lives. Amen