In December of 2012, the HAFF board approved a revised statement of purpose for HAFF to reflect a focus on bringing others into reconciliation with God. HAFF's vision statement now reads, “HAFF is a ministry of Haitian and American friends working together to make disciples of Jesus Christ through various educational programs and ministries of compassion.” The HAFF Haiti Executive Committee (EC) is working diligently to realize this vision.
Missionary Carla Wilson continues to supply HAFF gate guard, Paulers Pierre (right) with verses of Scripture to write on the chalkboard at the front gate (click here for more about this program). He explained, "Many people have been telling me how important this Scripture is to them. They really appreciate what the EC is doing. I had been taking two Scriptures and changing them every 3 days, but several people told me not to erase them because it was too important. So now I am leaving two Scriptures for the whole week.”
In his Gospel, the apostle John reported that Jesus said, “This is the verdict: light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil... If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you... I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world!” (John 3:19; 15:18,19 and 16:33 NIV). We are not to be surprised when we encounter trials, opposition or even persecution (1 Peter 4:12-19). Thus, with the Passion for Purity seminars planned for November, it is perhaps not surprising that the autumn of 2013 was a difficult one for the HAFF family.
One of the legacies of the voodoo world view is fear – fear of the spiritual realm, fear of the natural realm and fear and distrust of other people. Fear and distrust can lead to all kinds of poor and irrational decisions, reactions and behaviors. The last quarter of 2013 witnessed some conflict between some members of the HAFF staff and with some students at IPB, HAFF's school. The EC is learning that in times of conflict, pleading with people to look at what they believe about God and to evaluate their relationship with Him can be more effective than “reasoning” with them. Colin and Carla Wilson report,“In the midst of this God is teaching us that He cares more about souls than systems, and that our main job is to grow in the kind of personal, powerful love that brings others into reconciliation with Him.”
To this end, the Haitian Creole evangelistic film “True Security” was shown at IPB in late March on two days. The students in 7th and 8th grade saw the film the first day and the students in 9th through 13th grade saw it the second day. HAFF Administrative Assistant Derold Mompremier reported that the showings went well, “especially for the upper grades. The students paid attention and understood the message of the film.” The EC plans to show a second film, “True Pardon” during the Easter vacation.
Derold has been holding weekly Bible Studies with the HAFF agriculture workers (see the previously mentioned blog post). Derold shared, “There are many good things happening with the workers.” The study of creation and the importance of work “helps motivate them to be disciplined in work.” When they studied how to steward their time, the workers provided some good feedback and have been growing in leadership. After studying how to resist temptation, the workers seem to be supporting each other working out problems together. Derold summarized, “there is a change in the workers and their work and they are serving as good examples for others.”
More staff attend the ongoing Wednesday all staff prayer meeting than before. It is now 45 minutes long by popular request. Please join them as they study Colossians and sing and pray together for HAFF and for Haiti.
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