Day 3

July 4

Today we drove to Ansafleur. Half of our team took a tap-tap and the other half took a bus. The drive was absolutely beautiful! Praise Jesus for creating such a stunning landscape!

Once we arrived in Ansafleur we split up and headed out to different places. As we walked through the town, tons of children came to hold our hands. We’ve realized that the more expressive and excited we are when we say “bonjour” to the locals, the better a reaction we get. The walk was marked by bright eyes and smiles.

Some of us went to the voodoo temple, while the others hiked up to the broken cross. My group went to the voodoo temple first. Unfortunately, we were asked to pay to enter and so instead we walked to a spot to pray for Haiti. 

After praying we started walking up to the broken cross. We were told that the stone cross was struck by lightening and destroyed many years ago. The legend goes that at the same time a black doll fell from the sky. The doll was named St.Anne and now sits in the voodoo temple. Apparently the event was a mark of Satan’s power over the region. Some of us on our team were allowed into the voodoo temple on our last trip to Haiti and saw the doll.

Our team met up again and we walked to a restaurant to wait for our ride to the beach. We found out that something in the bus broke and so we ended up waiting in the sun with the Haitian children. We blew bubbles, showed magic tricks, sang songs, and clapped. I’m very glad for the “chance” opportunities to show the love of Christ. Then we were asked to step into the restaurant were shared a light lunch. Soon after the bus was fixed and, loading up, we drove to the beach.

Honestly, I didn’t expect our time with the children to go as well as it did. We set up under the shade of some trees away from the beach. Our translators were a big help, the songs were fun, the kids listened quietly as we gave our lesson, the craft was enjoyed, and there were enough peanut butter sandwiches to go around. One small group within our team lead the lesson. It was about the story Jesus told concerning the unmerciful servant. It was exciting to hear the children respond correctly to our questions about the lesson. After, Jordy gave a clear presentation of the Gospel. Pray the Holy Spirit gives understanding to the young Haitians.

After the snack, everyone went down to the beach to play. As we swam out into the warm sea, many of the Haitians followed. Some of us found and touched many pokey and slimy things. It was a blast! Too soon, we had to drive back to the mission. 

Just before supper I had the privilege to go down to the market with just two translators and myself. I brought a dollar bill, went to a “bank” to exchange my money for Haitian dollars, and bought nine mangos! Why can’t we buy so many mangos for so cheap in Canada?! Also, the mangos are SO good here! 

This walk was probably the highlight of my day. It was so nice to talk to the translators, ask them questions, and say hello to the people. Getting out of the gates of the Mission and seeing Haiti in the raw, is quite an experience.

I’m very thankful for the way the Lord works. I wish I could explain how He is working in our hearts. I know He is working in mine. Praise Jesus for the matchless grace, steadfast love, and faithfulness He shows to us!

Grace and peace,

Colton Bercier