The following is a transcript of my journal entries chronicling
the events of my first mission trip (with wife in tow) to Croix Des
Bouquets, Haiti:
June 29 / 2014
[Update], Sunday
Thursday night found me hospitalized from what started as flu like
symptoms and escalated to a fever that placed me into a state of
delirium worthy of an ambulance ride to our local hospital. I later
found out that my symptoms were the result of dual contributors of
dehydration and an intestinal bacterial infection.
My hospitalization lasted until Saturday afternoon before I was
finally released. I’m now just regaining my strength after this
health relapse; taking antibiotics and transitioning back to “solid”
foods are my natural priorities right now. This was quite alarming
for all involved, especially my sweet little wife. I am however
thankful for the support my natural and spiritual family gave both
myself and my wife during this challenge.
Given the reports of this experience, the “big” question from
many is this; “would I do it all over again?” well the short
answer is – yes, yes I would. What we did for the kingdom of God in
Haiti, and what God did in our own hearts is worth far more than any
temporary infirmity, I and others of the team may have experienced.
To clarify, I know I am not called to “go and stay”; but I
do believe in a general sense that all believers (myself included)
are called to “go”. While the mission field may not be my
final destination, it is one of the many required stops on the path
set before me.
So would I go back to Haiti? Would I go to another land should God
call me? I can only answer with the question; would Peter again walk
on the waters if Christ beckoned him? I believe he would; and therein
is my answer.
Friday, August 22, 2014
Monday, August 18, 2014
Haiti : Day 8
The following is a transcript of my journal entries chronicling
the events of my first mission trip (with wife in tow) to Croix Des
Bouquets, Haiti:
June 23 / 2014
Day 8, Monday
We rose with our hearts and minds focused on home; ready to be reunited with the varying people and places with which we are so familiar. It’s strange to me; now that the “work” is done my desires have so quickly shifted from reaching the Haitian people to getting home. How fickle our hearts can be!
We collectively made our way through the routines of security, customs, and immigration. As we waited for our scheduled flight time; looking around I realize that somehow I’m going to miss all these “strangers” that I've spent the last week with. I've made connections and found friendship among kindred spirits. It pains me that relationships that started so beautifully will be so quickly terminated. When I leave these people, I will leave a small piece of me with them.
These; my fellow travelers, my brother’s and sister’s in arms; I will long for the presence of their spirits for many days to come. Should our paths ever again cross, in that moment I am confident that the missing piece of my heart will be returned to me.
June 23 / 2014
Day 8, Monday
We rose with our hearts and minds focused on home; ready to be reunited with the varying people and places with which we are so familiar. It’s strange to me; now that the “work” is done my desires have so quickly shifted from reaching the Haitian people to getting home. How fickle our hearts can be!
We collectively made our way through the routines of security, customs, and immigration. As we waited for our scheduled flight time; looking around I realize that somehow I’m going to miss all these “strangers” that I've spent the last week with. I've made connections and found friendship among kindred spirits. It pains me that relationships that started so beautifully will be so quickly terminated. When I leave these people, I will leave a small piece of me with them.
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| The "Holland" Team members. |
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| My wife and I with a few of the "Detroit" Team members. |
These; my fellow travelers, my brother’s and sister’s in arms; I will long for the presence of their spirits for many days to come. Should our paths ever again cross, in that moment I am confident that the missing piece of my heart will be returned to me.
Thursday, August 14, 2014
Haiti : Day 7
The following is a transcript of my journal entries chronicling
the events of my first mission trip (with wife in tow) to Croix Des
Bouquets, Haiti:
June 22 / 2014
Day 7, Sunday
We rose early today. Unfortunately we had to leave before breakfast due to the time constraints imposed by the logistics of multiple ministry sites. I was slated to speak at the same church that had previously hosted the women’s conference, so I welcomed that familiarity. I gave a message entitled “The Way of A Spiritual People” that discussed the topic of Christian unity. It was well received, especially by the Pastor (given his words of praise). Our team did engage in hands on ministry which the congregation was hungry for. After the service a woman brought her daughter to our team for prayer; it was reported to us that she suffered frequent attacks by a spirit that would “posses” her. With my wife taking point along with myself and the majority of the team, we ministered deliverance. The unclean spirit began to manifest initially, she then fell out in the spirit shortly after. When we concluded our ministry, we all felt that progress had been made, yet we were all too aware that her deliverance was not complete (many of us suspect a generational issue). It is clear to me that I have a lot of maturing to do in this type of ministry.
After the morning meetings concluded the teams returned for an
afternoon of “down time”. We fellowshipped recounting the days
ministry events and partook in lunch. Some also attended the optional
teaching session on “The Holy Spirit”. As an unexpected bonus
several of the translators brought in some souvenirs for us to
purchase (with a significant price hike no doubt) as safety concerns
relegated us to the confines of the hotel grounds. We opted to rest
and prepare ourselves for the last crusade that evening, our minds
beginning to drift homeward.
We experienced some hostilities in travel to the crusade grounds, which placed many on edge. This caused us to remain in a “tighter” group for the remainder of the evening, but after binding the spirit of fear we once again were ready to pursue all that God had in store for us. Regardless of the opposition, we continued to see many healings and people being set free from the varying devices of the enemy.
The evenings debrief found us reflecting on the week’s events. It has been one wild ride to be sure! By way of overview, we collectively survived: random power outages, rashes, spider bites, viral infections, diarrhea, one broken arm, natural hostilities, and spiritual opposition. In spite of all these; what we accomplished both spiritually and naturally was worth more than any temporary infirmity we endured. Experiences were shared, friendships made, and most importantly God moved in such a way that none will soon forget.
June 22 / 2014
Day 7, Sunday
We rose early today. Unfortunately we had to leave before breakfast due to the time constraints imposed by the logistics of multiple ministry sites. I was slated to speak at the same church that had previously hosted the women’s conference, so I welcomed that familiarity. I gave a message entitled “The Way of A Spiritual People” that discussed the topic of Christian unity. It was well received, especially by the Pastor (given his words of praise). Our team did engage in hands on ministry which the congregation was hungry for. After the service a woman brought her daughter to our team for prayer; it was reported to us that she suffered frequent attacks by a spirit that would “posses” her. With my wife taking point along with myself and the majority of the team, we ministered deliverance. The unclean spirit began to manifest initially, she then fell out in the spirit shortly after. When we concluded our ministry, we all felt that progress had been made, yet we were all too aware that her deliverance was not complete (many of us suspect a generational issue). It is clear to me that I have a lot of maturing to do in this type of ministry.
 |
| The churches Worship Team. |
 |
| Poor pic: Myself and translator. |
We experienced some hostilities in travel to the crusade grounds, which placed many on edge. This caused us to remain in a “tighter” group for the remainder of the evening, but after binding the spirit of fear we once again were ready to pursue all that God had in store for us. Regardless of the opposition, we continued to see many healings and people being set free from the varying devices of the enemy.
 |
| The young man in the hat befriended us on the last few crusades. |
 |
| One of our translators (the white shirt) taking a photo. |
The evenings debrief found us reflecting on the week’s events. It has been one wild ride to be sure! By way of overview, we collectively survived: random power outages, rashes, spider bites, viral infections, diarrhea, one broken arm, natural hostilities, and spiritual opposition. In spite of all these; what we accomplished both spiritually and naturally was worth more than any temporary infirmity we endured. Experiences were shared, friendships made, and most importantly God moved in such a way that none will soon forget.
Tuesday, August 12, 2014
Haiti : Day 6
The following is a transcript of my journal entries chronicling
the events of my first mission trip (with wife in tow) to Croix Des
Bouquets, Haiti:
June 21 / 2014
Day 6, Saturday
Today is a special day for my wife and I; it’s our anniversary. Six years with the same woman and even on our worst days as a couple; I could not imagine not meeting her at the end of the isle. If it were possible, I would marry her over and over again. Being here in this foreign place experiencing these things together has only solidified that fact. She is my love, my friend and my life. I do truly thank the Lord that he has counted me worthy to spend my time on this earth with a woman of her caliber.
Today, the teams were re-divided between those who were going to the women’s conference and those who would attend the business conference. I was slated to attend the women’s conference at the request of my wife, and was glad to do so. Overall the conference went well, there were some concerns with the capabilities of one of the translators, but that proved to be a non-issue. Also two members of the host church had passed away so attendance was unfortunately low as the funerals were most likely taking place. I am really fighting fatigue today, to the point that I’m beginning to wonder if it’s actually some form of spiritual opposition. As the conference went long, we had limited time to recoup before the afternoons outing so we opted to stay behind (as did others) and get some much needed rest, this proved to be a wise decision.
The evening crusade was again marked by exuberant praise and
worship. Although we did see some enemy opposition in the form of
“pockets” of distraction within the crowd, in addition to two
fights break out. In spite of this we rallied ourselves once again
under the prompting of Cindy Williams, to prayer and intercession
during the word ministry. This resulted in great fruit during the
ministry time allowing us to snatch many things out of the hands of
the enemy.
June 21 / 2014
Day 6, Saturday
Today is a special day for my wife and I; it’s our anniversary. Six years with the same woman and even on our worst days as a couple; I could not imagine not meeting her at the end of the isle. If it were possible, I would marry her over and over again. Being here in this foreign place experiencing these things together has only solidified that fact. She is my love, my friend and my life. I do truly thank the Lord that he has counted me worthy to spend my time on this earth with a woman of her caliber.
Today, the teams were re-divided between those who were going to the women’s conference and those who would attend the business conference. I was slated to attend the women’s conference at the request of my wife, and was glad to do so. Overall the conference went well, there were some concerns with the capabilities of one of the translators, but that proved to be a non-issue. Also two members of the host church had passed away so attendance was unfortunately low as the funerals were most likely taking place. I am really fighting fatigue today, to the point that I’m beginning to wonder if it’s actually some form of spiritual opposition. As the conference went long, we had limited time to recoup before the afternoons outing so we opted to stay behind (as did others) and get some much needed rest, this proved to be a wise decision.
 |
| Melissa Cisneros ministering at the women's conference. |
 |
| Cindy Williams giving an illustrated message. |
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| A "little one" that wanted to see the skit; best seat in the house! |
The evening debrief typically goes without mention but tonight was
different in that the Holy Spirit broke out among all of us who
attended. There was laughter, people being delivered and
simultaneously slain in the spirit. As one would return to their feet
someone else would lay hands upon them and again down they would go;
(sometimes both would fall). This went on until approximately
midnight. This event challenged some of the teams’ perceptions on
how the Holy Spirit works and moves yet all received some touch and
no one to my knowledge decried this display. Personally this was one
of the greatest displays of the Holy Spirit’s moving that I have
witnessed; and all I can say is “I want more God”!
Friday, August 1, 2014
Haiti : Day 5
The following is a transcript of my journal entries chronicling
the events of my first mission trip (with wife in tow) to Croix Des
Bouquets, Haiti:
June 20 / 2014
Day 5, Friday
Last night’s crusade was so full of exuberant joy it was contagious, I couldn't help but get caught up in the fervor of praise and worship. I believe this was an extension of our afternoon outing where we set aside the skits and “ministry” and just had fun interacting with the people. These seeds of joy translated to a higher level of praise and worship than previous nights. We all danced with the people (and I was razzed some on account of my display), prayed some, but mostly entered into praise as one large body; Haitian and American, black and white, all crying out to Jesus with joyous expression. The Haitian people are capable of so much joy, and dance; it is a stark contrast from the hopeless expressions seen during the day in the markets and squares.
Today’s schedule was more of the same; Pastors’ conference,
street ministry, and crusade. However our team’s time at the
pastors’ conference was cut short due to a transportation shortage.
This minor hiccup did give our team some extra time to rest / relax
and afforded Maranda and I time to fellowship with Cindy Williams.
Tonight’s crusade followed the same as the previous night as to
exuberant praise. Yet during the ministry time the gathering “broke
down” in that (as best as I can put it) a spirit of distraction
entered in. it was visible to all the leaders. Pastor Joe Wentering
rallied the teams to intercession, and when we were released to pray
we saw great fruit. Some suggested that the cause for this was the
presence of a local witch doctor. As I had the “privilege” of
standing next to this person all I can say is that while I could
sense an unclean spirit around him, the presence we ushered in was so
strong as to make the unclean forces of no threat. My feelings were
later confirmed by others from our team as well. While the presence
of this witch doctor may have been a factor, my personal suspicions
as to the true source of this opposition lie elsewhere. We would find
later that this would not be our last run in with this type of
spiritual opposition.
June 20 / 2014
Day 5, Friday
Last night’s crusade was so full of exuberant joy it was contagious, I couldn't help but get caught up in the fervor of praise and worship. I believe this was an extension of our afternoon outing where we set aside the skits and “ministry” and just had fun interacting with the people. These seeds of joy translated to a higher level of praise and worship than previous nights. We all danced with the people (and I was razzed some on account of my display), prayed some, but mostly entered into praise as one large body; Haitian and American, black and white, all crying out to Jesus with joyous expression. The Haitian people are capable of so much joy, and dance; it is a stark contrast from the hopeless expressions seen during the day in the markets and squares.
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| Mandy's friends from the pastors conf. |
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| This young man found us at every crusade gathering. |
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| More of Mandy's friends. |
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