I traveled with Dr. Don Schreier to Cap Haitian, Haiti to support the Leadership Training Conference (LTC). We taught for four days. Don focused on Disciple making and I provided leadership training. More than 60 pastors, and lay leaders actively participated in the training. The follow up questions were a testament to the interest and need for training in these areas.
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| John Huston teaching in Cap Haitien. |
I was personally blessed by participating in the LTC and evening crusades. These men and women are hungry to learn and apply the principles we shared. They demonstrated great dedication and passion for Jesus Christ, by their worship and how they lived. A group of 17 traveled six hours in a back of a small pickup truck taxi and slept on the concrete floor of the church where the conference was held. They ministered to the neighborhood, going door to door sharing Christ and they worked to support the nightly crusade by singing and ministering to the attendees. It was humbling to me personally to be with these brothers and sisters in Christ. God was at work; we’ve learned since we returned that 190 people accepted Christ the week we were there.
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| John Huston teaching leadership principles. |
This was my second trip with Truth Connect and I was more comfortable but I still had reservations about going to Haiti. My first trip with Truth Connect to Haiti, I doubted what I had to offer would be helpful to the Haitians. It was far beyond my comfort zone. The needs there are so great, I doubted what I could provide would make a difference. I had every excuse not to go, but I’m thankful I listened to God and went. God showed me that He can use me. I learned that the Haitians need us and need what we have to teach them. They, like us, need brothers and sisters in Christ to come alongside them and pray with them, encourage them, teach them what God has taught us. They also need an opportunity to teach us what they know, and see us live out our faith in Christ.
The language barrier is challenging but not impossible. The joy of laughter is universal, and we certainly had joy on this trip. One participant in particular, Pastor Dumerver Acegene shepherds two churches, one in the Domincan Republic and one in southeast Haiti. He was a joyful man who had a laugh that brought a smile to all of our hearts. He was an intelligent man who spoke five languages and asked challenging questions. Below is a picture of me (center) with our host and interpreter, Pastor Bazil (left) and Pastor Acegene (right) before an evening crusade. One of the greatest blessings was sharing meals and spending time with these brothers in Christ. They are an inspiration and an example we should follow.
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| Pastor Bazile, John Huston, Pastor Dumerver in Cap Haitien. |
If you have thought about going with Truth Connect on a trip, don’t hesitate, GO. You will be challenged, but blessed beyond what you know, and the people you teach will greatly appreciate your investment in them and your service to Christ. If you have questions or reservations, please contact either of us. I know I’d be happy to help encourage and prepare you to go.
