Quakes, Faith, and Hope



A few times I've been up several stories in a building and felt it sway slightly and vibrate, but I cannot even imagine the actual earth shaking under my feet. I just returned from Haiti, where I saw the devastating effects of the earthquake they endured last year. Above is a photo of a mass gravesite in Haiti, where approximately 200,000 earthquake victims are buried. Now the people of Japan are suffering from the effects of an earthquake and a tsunami.

One thing I know in the midst of these tragedies is that God is love. That is an enduring truth that has not changed and cannot be shaken. As Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, stated so clearly, "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:38-39 (NIV)



This sweet girl came up and walked along with me, holding
 my hand and pointing to things for me to take pictures of,
saying "photo, photo". Smiles are the same in every language!



These boys in one of the poorest areas in La Gonave, Haiti,
were having a great time playing soccer with a tennis ball.

I have many stories and many images to share, but for now I just want to encourage you that there is hope in Christ, and there is peace in Christ. One missionary I met shared that he was working in construction when he felt like the Lord was asking him what he was doing that had eternal significance. That was the beginning of his journey into missionary work and sharing the great news of the love of Jesus Christ with the Haitian people. So many things are temporary, but a right relationship with God through Jesus Christ is eternal.

 Going to Haiti was an incredible adventure and privilege that I won't forget. As I said, I'll be sharing more. In the meantime, remember that you are loved and there is hope!