Church at Trou de Nord

Once we made it to church [see previous blog about the trip] we were already 1 hour late. But it was a special day of praise and offering so we made it for the last 3 hours of the service.

There was an overflow crowd at every door but they moved people off the front pews for us. Shortly after we arrived Pastor Rigo introduced us, the band and other visitors from Fauche. Cory and I both gave greetings with Cory talking about the nice fruit laid on the alter for the offering.

There were about 5 groups that had special music, normal tithes and offerings, the sermon. Pastor Osias talked about making vows to God during times of trouble and then forgetting our promises to God when the trouble passes. At the end he urged people to ask forgiveness of promises not kept, to promise something to God as He has done so much for us and that the best offering you can give God is your own life.

Then was the time of the special offering. The money and gifts were to go for fans and sound equipment so that they can better serve the community. While the groups preformed more special music the different churches, Sunday school classes, visitors were called on to donate their gifts. Pastor Rigo [also the hospital administrator at Fauche] even asked for expecting mothers to put in an offering for their unborn babies. He asked that people give joyfully which they did.

Gifts included: popcorn, fruit, veggies, a bottle of Coke, fruits and veggies as well as money. I recently read that 80% of wages in Haiti go for food. I knew that some of these dear people had gone without meals to have a gift for the church. I really felt the Lord in that small, hot church on Sunday.

After service the visiting pastors, our band and truck load were given a nice meal of rice, beans, chicken legs, beets, tomatoes, lettuce, fried cooking bananas and juice. Cory arranged to take home 3 of the donated avocados so he could plant the seeds here. We were also given a pineapple.

If you ever get a chance to attend a Harvest service in Haiti I recommend you go.