During the summer of ’08, two members of our Gathering family spent several weeks serving the people of Percin in Petit Goave, Haiti.  So much of what God has done in that village and so much of the relationship we enjoy with that community comes out of what Rachael and Sarah did during that summer.

One of their projects was working with the kids of Percin to paint the wall in this picture.  That wall has become a focal point for all the teams that have gone since.  It’s a beacon of light, of hope and of promise in a neighborhood where all three are way too scarce.  The devastation brought about by the earthquake in Petit Goave and Percin is immense.  According to the US embassy in Haiti, “the most significant damage after the January 12 earthquake is reported to be in and around Petit-Goave, 15 kilometers (approximately 10 miles) west of Port au Prince.”

I spoke to Brett yesterday and was stunned when he told me that wall is still 100% in tact today.  I can’t tell you how much I love that.  But here’s what I really love – the message that wall is shouting to Percin today.  Here’s what it says in Creole:

Shout for joy, O heavens;
rejoice, O earth;
burst into song, O mountains!
For the Lord Comforts his people
and will have compassion on his afflicted ones

Isaiah 49:13

How amazing is that?!?  I love that the people of Percin are rebuilding with that promise front and center, staring them in the face every step of the way.  And I love that God allowed my friends Rachael and Sarah to be the ones who put it there.

There is hope for Haiti.  And by God’s grace, we’ll get to play a part in that.  But for this morning, let’s thank God.  Thank Him our team is safe.  Thank Him that those words are true: “For the Lord Comforts his people and will have compassion on his afflicted ones!!” Thank Him that He is still the source of hope for Haiti.