Rev. Bill Huegel, retired pastor from Wallingford (CT) shares about his recent short-term mission trip to Les Cayes located in the Southern part of Haiti.
“Monday, August 13, was a travel day. Seven hours after landing in Port-au-Prince, we arrived at the comfortable and attractive Mission House in Les Cayes, affectionately called “Mercy House” and greeted by the smiling face of Pastor Jean Phares Beaucejour and his wife, Gardinette.
Tuesday morning, we would greet 40 pastors from all over southern and central Haiti. some had traveled hours to be there for the pastor’s seminar scheduled to begin around 9:00 a.m.
First there would be warm greetings, worship, breakfast, more worship and prayer before we were introduced to the group of pastors who seemed happy to be there. Lectures finally began at 10:30. Each 45 minute teaching would be followed by lively questions, answers, and discussions. I’m always impressed with how comfortable students are in listening to lectures that need to be translated by my capable host.
Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday mornings and early afternoon would be filled with teaching. Following the teaching time, nurse Abbi, the wife of Pastor Lubin Beaucejour, our Haitian/American leader, took the blood pressure and offer medical consultation to each of the Pastors.
Thursday night began the first of 10 worship services that would take place over the next 3 days. We, the visiting pastors (from the US) did not attend the 5:00 a.m. prayer services, but it was reported they were very well attended by the devoutly praying delegates. Haitian Christians understand the power of prayer.
Pastor Mark Angerosa (my colleague from CT) and I each preached twice during the Grand Convention. Haitian pastors preached at all the rest. Services on Friday and Saturday were at 5:00 a.m, 9:00am, 2:00 p.m., and 6:00pm. The wonderful choirs, were surpassed only by the joyous singing of the congregation who were led by worship.
I am once again reminded of how the writer of the book of Revelation describes the Church of Smyrna: “I know your afflictions and your poverty—yet you are rich! ….”Revelation 2:9 NIV
What I have seen in the Haitian Church describes that richness of faith amidst object poverty. I am enriched being there.”
We are grateful to Rev. Bill’s hands and heart of service. Thank you for being God’s ambassador and instrument of peace, mercy and love.
![[logo]](https://internationalministries.org/wp-content/themes/blankslate/images/im-logo.png){kind=logo}
