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They [Lifeline] have
authentic love for the
Haitian people they are
serving, training, equipping
and discipling to be
followers of Christ
and leaders in their communities.
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It’s hard to put into words just how amazing the women’s work trip was for me. II experienced a whole new side of Lifeline that drew me in so much more than I already was. This experience confirmed to me once again why I love Lifeline so much! They have authentic love for the Haitian people they are serving, training, equipping and discipling to be followers of Christ and leaders in their communities. Lifeline lives out this authentic love intentionally through their ministries to the people every single day!
There are so many highlights that I could share! I really enjoyed seeing the gift distribution. I was blown away by how Lifeline went the extra mile to make this program so personal for those that sponsor. The staff spends so much time, energy and effort into making this program special, not only for the children and families involved, but for us – the sponsors – to feel connected to our kiddos. It was truly amazing to walk through the line with several children and watch them receive their Christmas gifts, get their photo taken and be measured. What an honor to be a part of delivering over 1,000 Christmas gifts and seeing all of those precious smiles!! I will treasure them in my heart always!
Ladies Day was a wonderful experience! We saw women travel in from all of the Lifeline churches on this one day of the year, wearing their beautiful costumes and singing such heavenly songs. These ladies know how to have church. The music was awesome and we danced right alongside our Haitian friends. It was a pleasure to be a part of a day that encourages women in their walk with God. It’s not easy for them to leave home for a day, but they did and I believe they were blessed by it just as much as we were.
It was also a highlight to be a part of several home dedications. I hadn’t anticipated home building on this trip, so that was an added bonus. Especially since one of the homes built was sponsored by farmers from our community in Iowa. It was a special privilege to represent those farmers by gifting the home owner with a Bible inscribed with a message and prayer for the home to glorify God always. While we were visiting another home to be dedicated, the homeowner shared interest in becoming a Christian, and we asked him if he wanted to know Christ personally. When he said YES, and we prayed with him to receive Christ, I knew right then and there that this is what it’s all about! Nothing happens at Lifeline without prayer, and because of that God continues to soften hearts to hear the gospel message. And this man heard it and received that precious gift! There wasn’t a dry eye amongst the 63 women present there!
Visiting the churches of Torbeck and Lazile was such a blessing. I was anxious with excitement to experience Lifeline’s outpost schools and churches. We were received with open and welcome arms, music, dancing, a feast and prayer. They prayed for years for American visitors to come and we were the answer to their prayers…how humbling! We were blessed to hear Pastor Philipe share a message and to see how much his people loved him. It was also an honor to serve the children by fitting their feet with brand new socks and shoes. It truly brought our theme of taking our towel off and serving like Jesus did as he washed his disciple’s feet a reality for me. I held back the tears when I took off the sweaty, dirty shoes and socks of a young child. I chose to see past the dirt and the grime to the beautifully designed child he placed in front of me. Fitting them with new socks and shoes and then seeing their smile was all I needed to confirm once again why I love serving God so much! We are his hands and his feet on this earth, and called to do his work in His name! I’m so grateful to be a follower and servant of Christ! God is so good!
It will always be a highlight for me to spend time with my sponsor child of 13 years and his family. It completely fills my heart with joy that they all know who I am when I arrive to their home, and that they know my name. I am greeted with many hugs and kisses from young to old! They show it in their affection toward me and they always make me feel so welcome! I look forward to seeing how God works in their lives and how my family will continue to be a godly influence through prayer and example of love in their lives. It’s awesome to see our sponsor child grow in to a young man who loves God and tell us he wants to become a Pastor! I look forward to seeing the plans for his life unfold!
Serving alongside 60+ of the most incredible women from the States and all of the incredible Haitians that spend their time with us has left me going through withdrawal of not only the country of Haiti and its people, but of the friendships that I developed while I was there. I cherish my friendships with the Haitian staff and translators and look forward to seeing them again someday. I was also able to serve alongside my aunt, who came to know Christ as Savior while we were in Haiti. And it was through some very special kindred friendships that were established on this trip, and their testimonies, that helped lead her to that decision. God is so good in how he ordains EVERYTHING. His sovereignty never ceases to amaze me! We learned from one friend that there are no coincidences! He reveals himself in all things! I was so blessed to be able to spend this special time with these women and I’m so thankful I had the opportunity to do so! I hope to revisit Haiti during a women’s trip again for it is a very special experience and one that will remain in my heart forever!
Honduras
