By Art Smith, Council of Twelve Apostles
…let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God.
We braved Highway 3 heading north out of Hinche, Haiti, wanting to get to Gonaives eventually (although we’d only make it to Cap Haitien on that long day). We drove up and down and in and out of gullies on a highway made of gullies. Slowing down we waited briefly to drive through a river next to a construction site where a bridge was supposedly being built. The wait was a welcome respite.
I was exhausted and feeling lost in a strange land. Haiti will do that to a newcomer. My mind swirled as warnings from governments and travel services mixed with fearful questions from friends and family that began with the addition of Haiti to my church assignment. The fear and foreignness could have turned to doubts like those Nathaniel expressed in John 1: “Could anything good could ever come out of a place like that?”
But Jesus calls us to come and see. Come and see the worth of all persons. Come and see God’s Spirit at work everywhere. Come and face down our own fears and prejudice. Come and discover the wonderful ways the whole world is united in diversity.
Walking along beside us, coming up out of the river, was a woman with a large Bulk Barn bag balanced on her head. Bulk Barn is a bulk food store in Canada and something we really miss from Canada as we now live in the USA. I’ve never seen one in Missouri or one carried like that in Guelph or Gatineau.
We visited many congregations that day and shared in the lovely Holy Spirit. But the balancing Bulk Barn bag reminded me yet again how small and interconnected this world is.
Prayer Phrase
“Love your neighbor as yourself” (Romans 13:9).
Spiritual Practice
Healing for Broken Spirits
Begin with quiet prayer. Ask God to help you detect some “sore places” in the body of Christ and God’s creation. Become aware of people who feel separated, wounded, or left out. Reflect on or write a short journal entry of healing words to at least one person who comes to mind. Ask God for words that will touch this person’s broken spirit like healing ointment. Keep this person in your heart and prayers today and act on any ideas that come to bring blessing and wholeness.
Today’s Prayer for Peace
Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.