Our church here in Oriani is young and has normal young-congregation struggles and weaknesses, but we were really thankful for a week of revivals that really helped lift, encourage and bring some forward momentum to us here. God was good, the Holy Spirit was near, and with 4 ministers here, everyone (including us) came in for a spiritual checkup. There was good instruction given, and solid preaching done too.
Last Sunday we were blessed with a 5 hour church service that included 22 baptisms, 1 re-acceptance, and then communion, and then leaders election. Ozias will continue to serve as spiritual leader (under the guidance of missionary Min Dallas Koehn), and they elected 2 new material leaders.
This service was attended by more than 300 people. 5 hours was a long time for sitting on a 1x10 pine board, but I can say that I was inspired and enjoyed every minute of it.
Now we have another couple people who are bringing their repentance experiences to the church tomorrow night and if the Spirit witnesses to our hearts that they have risen again... they too may be re-accepted into church fellowship. If this happens, this will be a congregation of 73 Haitian members. Dallas is sorting through the applicants for the next round of doctrine class and wants to begin soon.
The challenges are big, and the continuing opportunity for spiritual work here is enormous. The people are thirsty. We see the growth here as higher than average compared to some other places, but yet we know that God`s will would be that every man come to repentance and that THOUSANDS would come. How could we handle that if it happened? Should I let these large numbers of 22 baptisms (large at least in our day and age) scare us, or make us back off abit? Do I have faith that God will be able to maintain what He has started? We also have many requests from the neighbouring area of Gwo Cheval (big horse), wondering when we can come preach the gospel to them. They genuinely want to know more. They say they are curious because they see light of truth being taught in our church and witness the changed lives of our members here. I have been looking forward to the day when we can take a few Oriani Brethren over there and start doing a Bible study or church services there. I think it would be a blessing to the Oriani brethren to get them involved and if God leads... maybe the Gospel will take off and grow over there too.
These members seem very solid for the most part and the losses have been small. These converts are examined by the Haitian people and it seems evident that they are not coming hoping for loaves and fishes. Some are poorer now than they were before becoming Christians because they do not have the many devious ways open to them to make a few dollars in these tight times. Their consciences simply do not let them live the old life.
Our medical clinic is looking after physical needs, but we feel it is all really part of the gospel outreach, and our job is to reach out spiritually as well. We feel blessed to be here. The devil has gotten in and troubled us too, but God has been good to our family, granting us many answers to prayer and deepening of our own, and our youth`s, walk with God. Our experiences here have made me a stronger Christian, and I have a strong confidence in the church.
I can`t shake the feeling that the end of time is near. Let’s make sure that the blood of Jesus has been applied to our hearts, washing us clean of the impurities of the world, freeing us from the slavery to self and corruption, making us worthy even in our unworthiness. Let`s look beyond, and be ready to soon meet Him in peace.
Keith Toews
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