07 Feb Canada Goes to Haiti: Day 6

A team of 8 persons from UB churches in Canada has been in Haiti since January 30. Joan Sider (right), a retired schoolteacher from New Hope church in Toronto, is sending back daily reports. Here is Joan’s report about attending church on Sunday morning.

The service begins with the singing of a hymn or two and Scripture reading. Then the worship team leads in a time of singing–the difference in tempo is quite remarkable. The volume is as high as it can be. We know–we were sitting directly in front of the speakers.

It is interesting to hear the singing–often the leader begins and then the musicians catch up and finally find the key we are singing. It sounds somewhat discordant and it bothered me at first. But God reminded me that often my life is out of tune with him and I need to catch up and get on the same page as he.

After the time of worship, visitors are welcomed and each visitor, Haitian or Canadian, is given an opportunity to speak. Announcements and offering come next. Pastor Oliam Richard is trying to encourage his people to be givers and not just takers. Once a month, a special offering is taken and the people are to give 100 Haitian or 50 Gourdes–half of which will go for Delmas 33 church and the other half to our general church in North American for projects outside of Haiti. I think this is very commendable. Today’s offering was the special one.

A guest speaker spoke on Psalm 23. Of course, we couldn’t understand it, but it was a familiar passage upon which we could reflect ourselves. It appeared that the message was resonating with the people by their laughter at times, and very loud and frequent amens.

The service concluded with communion. It was very moving to share this very symbolic time with our brothers and sisters in Christ. All those who are members may take communion. They came to the front and we stood in a very large circle and were served the bread and the wine. At the conclusion the people greeted one another with hugs–and they included us, which was very touching.

Four of our number are leaving tomorrow. This makes us feel sad. The guys are geared up to find a way to watch the Super Bowl game. Some bought some snacks even. But I don’t think they are going to be too successful–just getting internet updates.

As we drove to and from church, I noticed a few tent areas that still remain. I am glad that these areas are lessening, but it is still a reminder that after 2 years, people are still in those conditions.

The usual radio man came by to interview me about our trip. This happens each time we’re in Haiti. Pastor Richard is very keen to get publicity for our work here. Pastor is my translator for this–I think he makes sure that what he wants is in there. How would I really know?

Some meds were brought along with us for Dr. Germain, the doctor we had with us in October. I am glad he was able to get these things, but regret that we did not actually get to see him. He arrived after we left for church.

Getting to church for the 4:30 service on time was not possible. The roads were so busy–more so because every Sunday has Carnival activities. Some roads are blocked off for this, and of course you don’t know which until you are right there. This church was in the mountains past Petionville’s centre. We climbed and climbed, thinking we could go no further, but each time we turned a corner it always went higher. It was so beautiful looking out over to the mountains in the distance. We were almost at cloud level, it seemed.

We reached the church at about 5:30. It was a beautiful large church–and one that is interested in becoming a part of the United Brethren Church family. They are in the “courtship stage” as Pastor Richard likes to stay.

The service was a youth one. They seem to have very capable youth leadership. Michel translated for the message, which made it very good for us. He had to work hard because the speaker hardly let Michel finish before he went on to the next sentence. The worship was well done–a young lady was the leader of this. I enjoyed having no microphones/sound system (I guess this shows my age–but I’m willing to admit that if the younger people are blessed and ministered to, then go for the loudness). The accoustics in this church are wonderful–while only a few were in attendance, it sounded like an full house. I enjoyed hearing singing in parts as well. That happens with a few of the Haitian choirs, but generally, they sing only the melody.

When we got back, we said our farewells to Michel. We have come to appreciate this young man so much. He has truly become a friend to many of us.

The SuperBowl game plan didn’t work out quite like it had been hoped. There was no way to watch it and we couldn’t even find a radio station to play over the internet. We did learn the outcome, so at least we know the winner. I gather from what was said, the right team did win.

Our debriefing for the last time as a full team happened after this. It was a good time of sharing the God moments of our trip.

I am deeply appreciative of this team and the work they all accomplished. Words can not express my gratitude. The camaraderie amongst us was so good.