I have really felt the Lord speaking to me over the last several days. It’s not our normal banter – but more of a subtle reminder that He keeps trying to instill in me.
I had an interesting conversation with Mr. Nene. He had stopped by my house Tuesday night. By trade Mr. Nene is a steelworker. He’s been doing it for over 30 years. On a good month he’ll make 3000 Haitian dollars. Then sometimes he’ll go months and not make anything. Just by looking at him you can tell he’s been through a lot over the last 50 years or so. His wife helps us with the twins. He has 5 children himself.
I asked him why does he think God has allowed this to happen – for him to live in Haiti – and struggle for every meal? I wanted his view-point on God. I wanted to know if he ever questioned whether God existed since he lives in such an impoverished country.
He told me:
Who am I to question God? Did Jesus not suffer on the cross? He suffered much more than I ever have. There are nights that my children are hungry but each day we live. God can give and He can take. In the moments where He takes – my faith only strengthens. Each day is like a test. It’s not always easy – but I’m just His servant. It’s not supposed to be. When you have the Spirit of the Lord in your heart – isn’t that enough? For me it’s enough. I don’t have to question anything.
I just keep playing that conversation over and over in my mind. Can we say the same thing?
In a “give-me” kind of world – we’re always pursuing the next thing. Looking for the next power play or move. Wishing we had that better house, car, or job. Are we not always looking for something? Wanting something?
We sing – All Of You – Is More Than Enough
More than all I want (the car, the job, the money, the house, security)
More than all I need (food, water, roof over your head)
You are more than enough for me
We might sing those words – but here is a man who truly lives it. More than His needs – real needs – the need to have food and water – God is more than those needs? He’s not pursuing the next thing – or upset over what he doesn’t have. He is simply content in knowing that He has a Savior – who bore more than any of us could on the cross! And Mr. Nene is asking me what is left to question? What else could you ask for? I’m just blown away by that.
We might all believe that what Christ did for us is more than enough – we might even sing about it – – but does our life really reflect it? Really?
Categories: Mission Stories, Personal Stories
lifeoffering.org 
Jody,
I can not begin to tell you how excited we are about coming this week as part of the Savannah Christian gang. My wife and I have not been able to come back there sense 2008. Even though we will only be there a week, I’m ready to hit the ground running to help and serve the best way we can. Looking forward to putting on a sports camp – thought I would do some ultimate Frisbee stuff as I heard it was a big hit there.
I also enjoy all kinds of building and maintenance task so put me to work. How is Jose on tools? Need to bring any?
Also excited and honored to be able to speak on Sunday. I was wondering if you could give me some idea of the depth of the congregation.
Again, we are excited and please email me if there is anything specific we can bring.
One more thing, we will be bringing about $1000 dollars that was raised from a race event in the spring. Would like to put it all to good use while we are there and plan on emailing / facebooking all that did the race so that they can see exactly what there proceeds went towards. Many of these athletes are not Christians so it would be a great testimony for them to see and understand what is going on there.
Thanks,
Steve
We are excited to have you guys!! We are planning on you preaching this next Sunday. These kids are so thirsty for love and attention – i can’t wait for the sports camp!
The mayor has asked for us to help repair some places on the road. It’s almost rainy season and when it rains no vehicles can pass at all. So we would like to help the community by fixing these places. It’s important for them to see that we’re here for everyone. I believe we’ll need to get some loads of gravel/sand/cement to fix those places.
There is also a place that no longer has water. They have to walk miles to get it. We would like to try and fix their small community’s pipes.
Great – we will be ready to love on those kids and serve the comunity! So how about those tools? Does Jose have many? Just trying to get an idea what to bring. I assume the pipes are going to be some type of metal piping. Will there be a plce to buy some supplies?
Thanks,
Steve