PAGE ALWAYS UNDER CONSTRUCTION. --Aren't we all as well?!
However, while waiting, please pray for ALL that do not know Jesus, not just those in Haiti, but in all countries. Also pray for basic physical needs to be met that most take for granted--clean, running water, a place to sleep at night, and opportunities for a new tomorrow.
______________________________________________________________________
However, while waiting, please pray for ALL that do not know Jesus, not just those in Haiti, but in all countries. Also pray for basic physical needs to be met that most take for granted--clean, running water, a place to sleep at night, and opportunities for a new tomorrow.
______________________________________________________________________
Habakkuk 3: 17-18
The bible verse that Joy in Haiti has as its basis for ministry is Habakkuk 3:17-18. And because honesty is always best, it can be admitted that the verse was a bit quizzical to several curious friends of the organization. This verse was given to the board upon the birth of JIH from Pastor Brisenault. And we all have been asked a time or two, "Why THIS verse?" There are, indeed, SO MANY verses about JOY in the bible, after all. So many verses that to be honest,--just plain "look" and "fit" better on a T-Shirt, on PR items, they may even be more well known! And so, let's explore why this verse might've chosen as our trademark verse, so to speak...
I'll quote from the NIV Bible, below;
Habakkuk 3:17-18
17 "Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, 18 yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior."
In hoping to better understand God's word and how to apply it, will you read along with me? My study bible says this, about the above verses;
Was Habakkuk kidding himself? To rejoice during disaster seems like denial--and totally inappropriate if one looks only at present circumstances. But faith in God adds a new dimension. Habakkuk learned to look beyond his present troubles to a broader perspective.
Faith assures us, just as it did Habakkuk, that even when things seem hopeless, our all powerful God will eventually restore us
(see Heb. 11:1, 6).
How can we rejoice in the Lord when everything around us is destroyed? In the midst of great suffering, loving God and rejoicing in His grace and wisdom is the ultimate act of exercising faith. Habakkuk ends a rather dismal prophecy with a call to rejoice. "Though bad things happen, I will rejoice in God my Savior," he says.
Link: Paul echoes this verse when he writes of joy regardless of circumstances (Phil 4:4)
Heb. 11: 1, 6 --1 "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." 6 " And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone that comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those that earnestly seek Him."
Phil 4:4 -- 4 "Rejoice in the Lord always, I will say it again: Rejoice!" And when we read further into the verse-- 5 "Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
And after reading, praying, asking God for understanding--Habakkuk 3:17-18 DOES suit Joy in Haiti. It may not look good on a shirt, it may be long, detailed and need further explanation, but not all of the bible IS easy to understand And God WANTS us to work at understanding Him and His word. And not much about Haiti is easy or convenient or even fun at times. But Haiti and Habakkuk is worth the extra effort to study, to understand, and you will be blessed for your efforts, so says God's Word.
It is, after all, the believers in Haiti that will draw you in when on mission there--and leave you wanting to return. Their rejoicing, their faith, their love for Jesus is contagious. Despite the surroundings, despite the daily hardships, despite it all--many Haitians love Jesus--and more need to know who He is and about His word, so that they too can say "Rejoice!".
The bible verse that Joy in Haiti has as its basis for ministry is Habakkuk 3:17-18. And because honesty is always best, it can be admitted that the verse was a bit quizzical to several curious friends of the organization. This verse was given to the board upon the birth of JIH from Pastor Brisenault. And we all have been asked a time or two, "Why THIS verse?" There are, indeed, SO MANY verses about JOY in the bible, after all. So many verses that to be honest,--just plain "look" and "fit" better on a T-Shirt, on PR items, they may even be more well known! And so, let's explore why this verse might've chosen as our trademark verse, so to speak...
I'll quote from the NIV Bible, below;
Habakkuk 3:17-18
17 "Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, 18 yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior."
In hoping to better understand God's word and how to apply it, will you read along with me? My study bible says this, about the above verses;
Was Habakkuk kidding himself? To rejoice during disaster seems like denial--and totally inappropriate if one looks only at present circumstances. But faith in God adds a new dimension. Habakkuk learned to look beyond his present troubles to a broader perspective.
Faith assures us, just as it did Habakkuk, that even when things seem hopeless, our all powerful God will eventually restore us
(see Heb. 11:1, 6).
How can we rejoice in the Lord when everything around us is destroyed? In the midst of great suffering, loving God and rejoicing in His grace and wisdom is the ultimate act of exercising faith. Habakkuk ends a rather dismal prophecy with a call to rejoice. "Though bad things happen, I will rejoice in God my Savior," he says.
Link: Paul echoes this verse when he writes of joy regardless of circumstances (Phil 4:4)
Heb. 11: 1, 6 --1 "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." 6 " And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone that comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those that earnestly seek Him."
Phil 4:4 -- 4 "Rejoice in the Lord always, I will say it again: Rejoice!" And when we read further into the verse-- 5 "Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
And after reading, praying, asking God for understanding--Habakkuk 3:17-18 DOES suit Joy in Haiti. It may not look good on a shirt, it may be long, detailed and need further explanation, but not all of the bible IS easy to understand And God WANTS us to work at understanding Him and His word. And not much about Haiti is easy or convenient or even fun at times. But Haiti and Habakkuk is worth the extra effort to study, to understand, and you will be blessed for your efforts, so says God's Word.
It is, after all, the believers in Haiti that will draw you in when on mission there--and leave you wanting to return. Their rejoicing, their faith, their love for Jesus is contagious. Despite the surroundings, despite the daily hardships, despite it all--many Haitians love Jesus--and more need to know who He is and about His word, so that they too can say "Rejoice!".
