Becoming!!!

Pastor Alan from our home church back in Carlisle, ask me a question in front of the church right before they prayed for us during our last Sunday before we came to Haiti. The question was "What is the one thing that you would ask us to pray for you and your family as you head off to serve in Haiti?" My answer was "Please pray for us to BECOME, become the people that God created us to be, become people that fulfills the dream that He has for each of our lives."

That is one thing that we want to continue to stress not only to ourselves but the people that are coming to Haiti to serve on short-term trips. There is a lot of work to be done here in Haiti. There are homes to be rebuild, there are the sick that need care, there is children that need love, there are families living in tents, there are so many that want to be self-sufficient, but there is so little opportunity. So there are businesses to start and jobs to be given. So yes, if you want to come and work in Haiti, there is plenty to do. Good things to do. But I would like to challenge those coming to serve here: Don't just come and do, but focus on Becoming. I feel that God has a dream for all of our lives. This is a great place to seek God's dream for your life. All you have to do is ask and then take a little time to listen.

As I seek God's wisdom to "become" he took me to a place in the bible that I feel somes up what it means to live for Him. It is in Romans 12: 3-21. Paul writes:

"Don't think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measure yourselves by the faith God has given us. Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christ's body (the church). We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other.
In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the gift of prophesy, speak out with much faith as God has given you. If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. if it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have the gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.
Don't just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine effection, and take delight in honoring each other. Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiasticly. Rejoice in our confident Hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. When God's people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality.
Bless those that persecute you. Don't curse them; pray that God will bless them. Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who mourn. Live in harmony with each other. Don't be too proud to enjoy to company of ordinary people. And don't think you know it all!
Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things is such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. Do things that you can live in peace with everyone.
Dear friends never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the scriptures say:

"I will take revenge;
I will pay them back,"
says the Lord.

Instead,

"If your enemies are hungry, feed them.
If they are thirsty, give them something to drink.
In doing this you will heap burning coals of shame on their heads."

Don't let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good." AMEN

What a beautiful yet very challenging way God desires us to live our lives. As I read that over and over again this morning, one thing that became very clear to me. I am glad I asked Pastor Alan for prayer to "Become" the person God wants me to be, because on my own there is no way I can be that person. I am far too impatient, unloving, unforgiving, prideful, and far too often seek revenge when prompted. Though I can't ever be that person on my own, I don't have to rely on myself any longer. The Holy Spirit dwells within me and He is patient, loving, forgiving, and seeks peace not revenge.

My prayer for myself , my family, and you, is that we all fulfill the dream God has for our lives. We play our part in His story and do our best to keep adding people to it.

Bondye beni ou, (God bless you)

Jeff