I write this from Haiti. It has been a great time so far. Our small group of Pastor Marc and Lisa Honorat, Barrie Hoffman, John Fleck and myself all convened in Florida. We awoke at 4:30 am Saturday, January 4^th to begin our journey to Haiti.  We arrived at Port au Prince by 9:30 am greeted by heat and humidity. As we left the airport, we were not sure what to expect for our 2.5 hour journey to Grand Goave. But our fears were not realized. The trip was uneventful. After a stop at the warehouse to stock up with groceries, we made it to Grand Goave in time for lunch. After a short break and then unpacking our bags, we got in the car again by 3 pm and headed out to Les Caye were we helped plant a church two years ago. We arrived in Les Caye at 7 pm. In Haiti you never know what might happen. The hotel that was to receive us failed to mention to the organizers of our trip that they only had two rooms for six people. This did not seem a problem to them, as we could all share a bed. Canadians don’t like that too much, so we decided to move on. Fortunately, the church family we were visiting agreed to host us. At 9 pm they started cooking for us, but not as we would expect. This was a meal prepared over an open wood fire, which consisted of fried plantain, goat, and Haiti style, spicy coleslaw.  A wonderful meal. They brought us water from the well, so we could shower before bed. “Shower” means, dipping a bucket in the pail of water and then pouring it over our head and body. Their hospitality was complete when they gave up their beds (they slept on the floor) while we enjoyed the comforts of home. By now it is past midnight and we had been travelling for more than 20 hours. To say we were tired is not adequate. To say we were humbled would be an understatement. Here are perfect strangers making a meal (not just a snack, but with extravagance) giving up their bedrooms all at a moments notice -  late at night. The word “hospitality” could be shortened to Haiti.

In the morning, they had breakfast ready for us. We then went to worship which started at 8am. The church is just 18 months old, but have about 75 in attendance already. The building is really just a shelter, with a metal roof, no walls and a loose rock floor. The culture is to dress up for church. Perhaps the biggest miracle of the morning was that no woman sporting spiked high heels did not roll an ankle. We would like to help them with a cement floor. They have raised $300 for this already. Pastor Marc committed to matching any funds which they raise towards this project. Estimated cost is about $2000. US.  If you would like to support this new church plant with a decent flooring surface; so they can dance like true Haitian Worship, we would be happy to pass on your donation.

This weekend Haiti Arise is hosting approximately 200 pastors and leaders from the area for a two day conference. Please pray that they will be encouraged and strengthened for the work to which they are called.

We are happy to report that the children have returned to school, the country is back to commerce, and a cautious optimism has returned to the people.

I close with this from the ancient scriptures. “Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality.”  We can learn a lot from the Haitians. 

Pastor Jim Reimer