Is Anyone There?

After riding a bike for over two hours, his reward was an abandoned church overgrown with vegetation. But for Wiljean Compere that was enough.
When the pastor of the neglected Haitian Baptist church died, the congregation slipped away. Pastor Compere’s desired to fulfill God’s plan to establish another church in that area.
He preached the first Sunday under the mango tree. He worshiped alone with God. The next week he returned to preach. Again, he worshiped with God.
He persevered. Only after he helped convert the local witch doctor to Christianity, did others listen. The former witch doctor came and others joined. Slowly attendance grew.
That church formed the foundation of the present mission. Because of the initial faith of that man, a church, school, medical center, and dormitory now form a compound. Soon an orphanage will be added.
Not content to have one church, he planted two others. Each Sunday he begins preaching very early so that he can make all three. Residents of the area are served spiritually, emotionally, and physically.
In a country with 90% unemployment, staff jobs support families. Many volunteers also assist at the compound. In return, they receive a nutritious meal, community, and a sense of purpose within a Christian environment.
Though they have little, the pastor leads mission trips to the hills to minister to those even less fortunate. Clothes left by mission groups are taken to the hill people instead of being used at the compound.
In a deeply impoverished country where voodoo is common, the dedication and faith of one pastor has affected thousands. He did not give up when the task appeared overwhelming. He overcame obstacles and persisted. God provided and blessed his ministry.
That dedicated Haitian pastor inspires me with his obedience and faith.

Galatians 6: 9-10 So let’s not allow ourselves to get fatigued doing good. At the right time, we will harvest a good crop if we don’t give up or quit. Right now, therefore, every time we get a chance, let us work for the benefit of all, starting with the people closest to us in the community of faith. MSG

Father, show me your plan and give me the dedication and faith to obey. Amen