My story actually comes from a dream I had last week. It was a visit back to Terre Blanche in November 2018. I had the fortune of serving with a group of people from Harvest Church. When I woke from my dream, I wrote this down:
It is the sound of music that has me stumbling out of bed, in the dark, at 4:30 a.m. The night before, I had promised my teammate, Tiffany, and a couple others that I would treat them to music that occurs every morning in the church in Terre Blanche. I know it will be a long day in the clinic for all of us, but this is an experience not to be missed.
We make our way in the dark, out of the clinic building and a short walk to the church. Not wanting to disrupt the singers, we turn our flashlights off as we enter the church. Finding our way to the back pews in the dark proves a challenge but we finally find a place to sit.
The music is truly beautiful, led by Madam Elysee and accompanied by a pianist on this day. Madam Elysee is one of those touched souls who always has a smile on her face and a song on her lips. Her days begin early every morning, blessing us with her song. She is one of the last people in the clinic each evening as she prepares the clinic for the next day, humming with every movement.
This morning, she is singing at the top of her lungs. A few other congregants have joined her. She is pacing back and forth and around the church, arms raised to the heavens.
I recognize several of the songs, but the best I can do is hum along. As daylight slowly begins to creep through the windows, we can now see the faces of those around us. Oblivious to our presence, every voice is praising the glory of God.
I am acutely aware that at this very moment, I am the luckiest person in the world. In the presence of a loving God, surrounded by brothers and sisters, I am being treated with greatness. Terre Blanche at its finest. It is going to be a great day!
Madam Elysee.
My prayer: Father God, we praise you for your greatness. We praise you for your endless unconditional love. We thank you for the gift of singing and for beautiful people to lift joyful praises toward you.
Today, we ask you to open our hearts, to guide our decision making, to help us understand the needs of our Haitian friends and to make the best use of the resources entrusted to us by our partners. We understand that without You, none of this work would be possible.
Heavenly Father, please be with Pastor Delamy and Elvire as they continue the difficult work that you have led them to. Look out for their safety, for the safety of their family and the continued safety of the people in and around Terre Blanche.
Please heal the pain and suffering in Haiti. Let today be one step closer to a brighter future. And Father, please let Madam Elysee know we are thinking of her!
Father God, we love you so much. In Jesus’ heavenly name, Amen.
by Donn Raymond, HFH board member
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