While on a trip to Haiti, Adventures staff Don Rock saw the story of David and Goliath come to life for a room full of children.
Over the years on mission trips, I have seen a number of VBS or children’s programs. They all seem to have the same elements: games, songs, stories, drama, crafts, and plenty of kids.
But on this trip to Haiti, I experienced something I’d never seen before.
The day the team taught on David and Goliath, they acted out the story while one person narrated.
The children were immediately captivated by the story as the narrator described the conflict between God’s people and the Philistines. They were so invested that when Goliath was introduced, some of the young children were even a bit frightened.
Then again, I would be too if I were four years old and saw a guy carrying another guy on his shoulders, acting like a menacing giant.
But when David slew Goliath with the stone, the room erupted in screams of joy.
The kids celebrated Goliath’s defeat with more enthusiasm than I’ve ever seen in a children’s program. They yelled, danced, laughed, and cheered — and it went on for a while.
As I watched and listened to their rejoicing it made me thinking that their celebration must have resembled what the Israelites where feeling when Goliath went down.
I can honestly say I witnessed and learned about pure celebration at the wonders of God’s works.
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Even before the 2010 earthquake, Haiti was the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere.
Now, the rubble of crushed homes still lies everywhere. Unable to rebuild their homes, many Haitians live in tent cities that sprawl across the country, even in the medians of roads.
*Photo by Colby Gardner
The Haitian economy lies in ruins as well. Eighty percent of the population falls under the poverty line, and many rely on foreign aid for food because they do not have enough money. People live in fear of diseases that are unimaginable to most Americans.
Corruption, crime, and the black market prevent Haiti’s people from working to rebuild the country on their own. False gods and dark religions lure people deeper into darkness.
Haiti needs your help. Haiti needs hope.
Ministry:
You will partner with one of three churches near Carrefour, a neighborhood in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Ministry will involve:
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Kids Ministry: There are kids everywhere and the opportunities for ministry are endless! From street ministry to VBS to sports ministry, much of your time will be spent with children. From organized children’s programs to kicking a soccer ball, every child you see will be an opportunity to change a life.
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Orphan Care: Your team will serve with an orphanage, where you will have another opportunity to play with the kids. In addition, you’ll participate in service projects.
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Community Outreach: Your team will go door-to-door to meet the sick and the unchurched. As you build relationships with neighbors, you’ll get to share Christ’s love.
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Church Ministry: You will also get to host a church service for the community!
As you serve in this beautiful yet devastated nation and show the Haitian people they are not forgotten, you will discover the richness of God’s unfailing love for Haiti — and for you.
Will you bring the promise of a better future to Haiti?
*First photo by Connie Rock
Click HERE for more information on trips to Haiti, including one in December and two spring break trips!
