Jesus’ heart is for the poor. We see it over and over in the Gospels (Luke 6:20-23, 18:35-43, 21:1-4). Jesus’ heart is also for the children. While others rebuked them, He said to let the little ones come to Him (Mark 10:13-16). While the world saw them as less significant, He said children have the greatest position in the kingdom of God (Matthew 18:1-6).
So imagine Jesus’ heart for impoverished children. Maybe that’s why serving those beautiful Haitian children is the most joyous, fulfilling, life-giving, eye-opening thing I’ve ever been a part of… because the love of the Lord abounds where His children are gathered. When we are dancing or playing silly games or shooting a basketball or crafting with those kids, we are aligned with the very heart of Jesus Christ and His purpose for us as believers. What could be more satisfying?
This past December, Orphan’s Foundation provided an opportunity for a team of sixteen American volunteers and fifteen Haitian volunteers to do all of that and more by organizing a camp for nearly 90 kids in the community. The camp gave them a space to play sports, participate in activities, hear the gospel and experience the love of Christ.
It all started with a time of worship led by sweet Murlene Mehu, a Haitian young lady with a beautiful voice and spirit. The kids then split into four groups based on age and rotated between four stations: basketball, kickball (which evolved into soccer and then dodge ball), crafts, and games. After two rotations, everyone gathered in the main gym for a sermon on the joy of playing sports by Pastor Daniel Joseph. Although we American volunteers couldn’t understand what he was saying, the campers’ head-nods and attentive faces showed how powerful his message was. One young boy, about nine or ten years old, went forward at the end saying he wanted to put his faith in Jesus. Right there he got to ask Christ to be his Savior! How sweet it was to rejoice with him and his new brothers and sisters in Christ.
After the message, the kids went on to the last two rotations and then gathered again for a delicious meal provided by a generous local church. The Lord’s faithfulness in every detail was evident as there was just enough food for each child and volunteer. As the camp came to an end, even the exhaustion and heat couldn’t keep everyone from lingering. Camp was special to be a part of, and I think we all felt it.
Aside from camp, we got to serve the kids at Orphan’s Foundation by throwing a “Happy Birthday, Jesus” party. There were decorations, cake, presents, and a precious performance of Christmas carols by the kids. At the end of the first song, the chorus came forward one by one and took our hands until our whole team had joined them up front. The porch of their house quickly became a dance floor. After some of the sweetest singing I have ever heard, the children got their Christmas gifts and showed their gratitude by giving each of us a hug. If you’ve never been hug-attacked by Haitian children, I highly suggest making it a priority. Those kids know how to love so well.
The camp and Christmas party brought so much joy to all involved, and paved the way for future camps and relationships. A special thanks to all of the wonderful Haitian volunteers: Daniel, Wilnick, Junior, Markenson, Wesley, Enoch, Ovid, Gracia, Alexandre, Murlene, Rich, Carline, Ricardo, Steven, and Pastor Daniel.
