Oct. 31

From: http://www.wehaitians.com/day%20of%20the%20dead.html

"Day of the Dead - November 1-2, 2003

Vodou believers light white and homemade yellow beeswax Vodou candles and make requests at the foot of a cross dedicated to Baron Samdi, the head of the Gede family of spirits, the spirits of the dead, which is decorated with offerings of flowers and food in the National Cemetery in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, on November 1, 2003 - All Saints Day and the first of two days devoted to the Gede, who are feted for most of the month of November. One of the most important Vodou holidays in the country, but especially in the capital, Vodouists go to cemeteries to pray with food, coffee and peppered alcohol, to light candles and to put fresh flowers on graves, and then dance all night at 'peristyles' or Vodou temples. "

Last year in November we heard a Wesleyan Pastor talk about seeing some of this celebration in the Port Margot cemetery. So sad to hear about people gripped in fear-terrified of what their gods may do. Night before last we did hear the drums and chanting. Sad to think about people giving precious and expensive food to the dead when it is so badly needed by the living.

We recently found out that a new building that is being built just across the ravine from the clinic is to be a new Voodoo worship center or 'peristyle'. Believers from outside of Haiti are sending money here to build the new temple.

I'll confess to you that my first thoughts were not compassionate. A well placed lightening bolt to destroy the place would be good. This thought was quickly followed by a more practical thought that the good building shouldn't be wasted as it will be better than some we have-so we should pray that it becomes a building for good.

Immediately the Lord convinced me that my concerns shouldn't be that my family has a peristyle so close, or the usefulness of buildings but for the lost souls who will gather there looking for hope.

Every Sunday I see the joy on the faces of those freed from fear. It may be true that the church building isn't new and the members are struggling to provide their families with the basic living the necessities. But there isn't fear. The joy of the Lord rings heavenward. The promise of eternal life without suffering in the presence of a Living and Loving God is strong.

Maybe the new neighbors are right where the Lord wanted them. We pray that they too can find the freedom and joy in the Lord. The battle lines are clear. Please join us in praying.