Manifest

The streets of Port au Prince are troubled.  President Jovenel Moise announced earlier this week that the government will be raising the cost of gas.  In a place where the vast majority of people struggle to find the means to provide for basic necessities, this kind of increased cost of living is difficult to imagine.  The domino effects of this economic decision will be significant and widespread.  The cost of riding tap-tap will go up, which means traveling from place to place will be more expensive.  When there is not always enough for needs, it's hard to understand where the average Haitian person is going to find funds to pay for this new expense in their daily lives.


As happens in places when people are desperate and frustrated, fearful and angry, there has been some unrest in the streets.  Across the city last night we could see plumes of black smoke, signs of tires being burned in the streets.  The Haitians call these demonstrations "manifestations."  They take to the streets and build blockades to prevent the flow of traffic.  They use their voices and the often destructive works of their hands to make their message known.  It is their way of telling President Moise exactly what they are feeling and thinking.  A manifestation is an attempt to clearly and loudly declare something, to make it known, to ensure that it is evident to all.



I've been thinking a lot about this word manifestation.  It's a word I don't use regularly in English and I'm wondering if it should be added to my lexicon.  As I've been thinking about manifestations, I've been thinking about this prayer that I've been praying a lot lately - for my Mom and the rest of my family, for friends in different trying circumstances, and now for the country of Haiti.  I've been praying that we would see and know that God is near and know that He is sovereign over all things.  

The beauty of the coming of Jesus, our "Christmas story," is that God made Himself known to His people.  He made Himself seen and evident in the most tangible ways - He took human form and walked among us.  

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, 

and we have seen His glory, 

glory as of the only Son from the Father, 

full of grace and truth...

John 1:14

The story goes on to show how John the Baptist helped the people to see this Jesus was the manifestation of God to His people - He was God made known to us.  What a glorious and complicated truth to contemplate.

The manifestations couldn't hide the beauty of this sunset...

As we all walk through days of uncertainty and trial, pain and sorrow, or days of joy and excitement, I'm praying that we'd see God's hand of grace be made manifest to us.  I'm praying that we would see and know that our God is with us.  I'm praying, too, that we would be used to make Him known to those around us - that through us our God would be made manifest to our friends and families, neighbors and coworkers.  

Thank you for following along on this summer's journey in Haiti.  I'm thankful for the loving support of my family, friends and church family and the ways that you all have been Christ's hands and feet in my life - reminding me that God is present.  Much love in Him, Jessie

Pray

"Miss Jessica, don't forget to pray for your Mum!"  Rosemarline shouted to me as I walked through the gate and away from the Rev Home.  

The past couple of days have been a lesson in faith in God's goodness.  Prayer has not felt quite as essential, as life-sustaining, as it has to me in recent days.  My Mom has had a sudden and significant development with her health which required urgent surgery.  Yesterday I was able to talk with her while she is recovering in the hospital and she is strong and faithful and motherly even as she waits to know more about what battles her body may be facing.  There honestly aren't words to describe my Mom and the ways she has modeled faith and courage and strength to her children.  I told her on my way to Haiti this summer that all of these summer adventures in Haiti, any good thing that comes from them, is a part of her legacy.  It was her trip to Haiti and her love and compassion for these people that opened doors in my heart and life to make Haiti a part of my story too.  

I don't know what the coming days may hold, but I know that God will be with us.  My Mom always writes me a note when I leave for Haiti.  Each summer I tuck it away and when I just need to hear a word of comfort and encouragement from the person in the world who knows me best, I open it and find the words in that familiar handwriting speaking right to my heart.  They're not usually overly sentimental, because that's not who my Mom is.  They're words of encouragement and practicality and reminders of the faithfulness of our God.  I read this summer's note yesterday morning and found among the words of encouragement some verses to use in times when I "might be struggling with fears, anxieties or doubts and need wisdom".  And so, as I try not to live in fear and worry about my Mom's physical state, I'm finding such comfort and encouragement in her own words and the reminder to look to God in all things... 

"Do not be anxious about anything, 

but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, 

let your requests be made known to God.  

And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, 

will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."  

Philippians 4:6-7

The children from the Rev Home were told that my Mom is sick when I didn't come to see them.  When I went over to visit them yesterday, they greeted me so sweetly.  "How is your Mum?"  "I pray for your Mum!"  And hugs.  Lots of hugs.  

Rosemarline, who is 15 years old now, gave me a big hug and looked right into my eyes, which were full of tears after such sweet greetings by these beloved children.  She said simply, "Miss Jessica, you must pray for your Mum."  How is it that a 15 year old who has lived a life of hardship - loss, poverty, violence, neglect, and uncertainty, should be the one to encourage me to walk by faith?  I am overwhelmed by these children and am honored to be able to watch them grow into remarkable young people who are so deeply rooted in faith in the goodness of our God.  So, as I walked away from visiting with the children yesterday, Rosemarline's shout to me is a faithful reminder - turn to God.  Trust in Him.  Trust those you love into His fatherly care.  Remember that He is here.  Remember that He cares.  Remember that He cares.  And don't forget to pray!

Love

At church yesterday we sang this song that I'd never heard before.  As often happens during worship time in Haitian churches, I was way outside of my comfort zone and also completely knocked off my feet by the heart of thanksgiving and praise in the body of believers.  What a beautifully joyful noise our Haitian brothers and sisters make when they raise their voices in worship together!

Here is just a small part of the song that keeps echoing in my heart...

There's no shadow You won't light up,

mountain You won't climb up,

coming after me.

There's no wall You won't kick down,

lie You won't tear down,

coming after me.

O the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God

O it chases me down, fights 'til I'm found,

leaves the ninety-nine...

I think so often I can say the truth, but it doesn't always leave its imprint on my heart.  God loves me.  God loves me.  God loves me.  God loves me.  There's no way to place the emphasis on that small sentence that doesn't send me spinning.  I wonder what my life would look like if I really believed and lived out of a place of confidence in the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God.

One way that I have seen evidence of God's care and love for me is the provision of people in my life.  Dear ones who know how to love me well.  Ones who challenge and encourage and accept and welcome and forgive me in the midst of life.  Family and friends and church community in abundance - some scattered far away and others close enough to see every day.  As I get to connect with my Haiti family, I'm so thankful that God has demonstrated His love to me in allowing me to know these dear ones.  

Thank you for being one who has loved me well and in doing so, has been the hands and feet of our Savior - reminding me of God's love in tangible and life-altering ways.  I'm so thankful for your support during this summer in Haiti!  Much love in Christ, Jessie