On March 5th, 2011 my life was blessed through an experience that would initially last for a week, but ultimately will now last for a lifetime. As a 23 year old American citizen and recent College of Charleston graduate, my life has been blessed with luxuries that often times are taken for granted. Education, clean water, adequate shelter, medical services, law enforcement... All of these are provided for us in the United States for the most part to the extent that many of us cannot grasp how blessed we truly are. Traveling to Haiti on March 5th impacted my life in ways that has developed my understand and appreciation for the blessing I receive. More importantly, traveling to Haiti and immersing myself in the Haitian culture helped me understand that "It is more blessed to give than to receive" Acts 20:35. The intriguing aspect of the trip for me was that although Haiti suffered a massive earthquake on January 12th, 2010, the people are thriving and exponential progress is being made. Amazingly, through the power of prayer and determination, Haiti is receiving the blessings of help and support from dedicated brothers and sister in Christ. The qualities of life that I previously mentioned that often times we take for granted are being restored or implemented into their country. Through scholarships like the ones supported through CHAP, education is possible. Through Rotary, Rotary International, and Water Works, clean water is being supplied. Through mission teams and organizations like Habitat for Humanity, shelter is being provided. Through medical missions and charitable donations like the ones CHAP organizes, medical services are being offered. Through the United States military services and the United Nations, law enforcement is in place to ensure peaceful existence. All of these would not be possible without your prayers, charitable giving (time, money, energy) and love for our brothers and sisters in Haiti. During my trip to Haiti (which was my 1st) I saw incredible improvements like solar-powered units in a tent city, "Tuff Tanks" in remote villages that allow sunlight to heat water to provide warm water at night, children brushing their teeth for the first time thanks to Colgate's generous donation of tooth-brushes and -paste. Another powerful moment during the trip was attending church on Sunday (March 6th, 2011) and watching spirit-filled Christians praise and worship the Glory of God. It was simply amazing and truly inspiring to watch a congregation continue to lift their praises to God after having experienced such pain and suffering. Their love, passion, and commitment is unconditional, just as the Bible teaches us. Dr. Jeanne Fourrier once commented that we have so much to learn from the Haitian people because they are so materially poor, but so spiritually rich. Often times, our American culture provides opportunities for us to be exactly the opposite. This trip has influenced my life in ways only possible through meeting my brothers and sisters in Haiti and experiencing their culture and lifestyle. John 15:13 encourages us to lay down our own needs and life for other people. By fulfilling the commandment in John 15:17, “love each other,“ our lives will be blessed and rewarded through God's Favor. We must live to love, and it is then that we will love to live.
For anyone who is considering traveling to Haiti, I am willing to talk with you about my experience more thoroughly and answer any questions that you and/or your loved ones may have. Truly, if you are lead to this experience, just give it up to God and go! He is all the comfort, protection, and grace you will need. Although bug spray and a "Prestige" will be essential, too!
Please feel free to e-mail me @ jgbrown88@gmail.com, visit www.chaphaiti.org, follow this blog, and add "C H A P" (space between each letter) on Facebook. Thank you for your support!
We serve a God of excellence, so continue in your journey to be excellent! We are brothers and sisters in Christ, so go forth and serve your brethren.
Love and Prayers,
Joseph, CHAP
Useful links:
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100002252705413&sk=wall
http://chaphaiti.org/
