“The hope of this nation is Christ.”

Pastor Abraham Comper, Senior Pastor of Harvest Bible Chapel Jacmel, didn’t leave any room for misunderstanding. In a country that could be tempted to find hope in better social programs, vast economic improvement, or the elimination of poverty and disease, Jesus Christ remains the only true answer.

Haiti is a nation that has long been held in the bondage of false and dark religions. The power that voodoo once had over people is rarely (but sometimes) seen. The once-popular Santeria, a belief system that combines terminology and concepts from Catholicism and West African religions, has faded away. And these false religions are being overtaken because Jesus Christ is delivering people from bondage to these very things through the power of the gospel. With growing frequency and fervour in Haiti, evangelical churches are organizing themselves to lift high the name of Christ, who overcomes every evil power. In short, the work that God is doing here is astounding!

Though the earthquake of 2010 was devastating to this country – the effects of which are still felt in many ways – Pastor Abraham said the greatest need for people in Haiti is not physical recovery; it is spiritual restoration. Yes, the physical and material needs are great, and they will be for a long time to come. But greater still is the spiritual void in peoples hearts that can only be filled by Christ. Still, the material needs exist, and help is often needed in the form of medical clinics, work projects, and ministry opportunities. Some of these projects may require special skills, but you don’t need to be a doctor or trades-person to come and serve. Even in the specialized projects, many different people are needed for many different things, and many of these opportunities often lead to open doors to share the gospel.

Which is why it was so encouraging to hear HBF’s three Haitian pastors testify to the power of our shared mission. It doesn’t matter where in the world you go; if you’re committed to the Kingdom work of Jesus Christ, we must “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations . . .” (Matthew 28:18). What’s true for Harvest Bible Chapel in Brantford, Ontario, Canada is true for Harvest Bible Chapel in Jacmel, and all across Haiti. That’s the power of the AWESOME gospel that is changing lives no matter where in the world it is proclaimed!

Continue to pray for the work in Haiti. Harvest Jacmel transitioned and launched in April 2014. Harvest Maplat launched in September 2015, and Harvest Montagne La Voute launched just a few weeks ago in January 2016. Lord willing, Harvest Cap Rouge will launch later this Spring. Pray for these churches and their pastors, and pray for the quick completion of the new facility for Harvest Jacmel. It will also serve as regional training centre for Haiti pastors and new church plants within the country. Pastor Abraham’s vision is 10 church plants in Haiti, one in each of the 10 states in the country . . . each state with a Harvest Bible Chapel committed to preaching God’s word and worshipping God’s Son. That’s an inspiring vision worth pursuing! As of now, Harvest Jacmel still needs to raise $250,000+ to complete the facility and multiply their impact in training the next generation of church planting pastors.

God is doing great work in Haiti! It’s only day 2 and it’s already overwhelming to see and hear about the rapid forward progress of the Kingdom of God clear across the globe.

So thankful to the Lord for such an amazingly encouraging day today. Great things are happening. Great opportunities lay ahead. And all of it is possible because of an even greater God.

“Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O LORD, and you are exalted as head above all” (1 Chronicles 29:11).

#MissionHaiti2016