Growing His Church

This past Sunday our family made the hour long trek to the church in Port-au-Prince.  We do this at least twice a month where Ben teaches Sunday School (currently working our way through the Gospel of John) and preached during morning worship.  With Tropical Storm Isaac still dumping rain on Saturday we were not sure if services would be on.  But God was gracious in keeping most of the folks out of harms way and the streets clear of debris.  We did cross over the River Grise and it was definitely at flood stage - normally a small flow of muddy water it was up about 8 feet.  Going home we crossed the same river further upstream where it had nearly topped the banks the day before.

The service was a very important one for the church plant in the Delmas area of Port-au-Prince because we welcomed into membership 15 folks Pastor Octavius and I had interviewed the week before.  Our membership classes had been going since May and now everything was ready for them to make public profession of their faith and for some to be baptized.  They join the 16 members of the church and the 80-90 who regular attend on Sunday.

Midway through the service we had the group come to the front to make their vows.  We then shook their hands and welcomed them into the church.  I then had the privilege of conducting the baptisms of 5 adults and 1 teenager.  Then with Pastor Octavius interpreting I preached a message from Titus 3, encouraging each one to recognize the work God has done in moving us from a life of foolishness to a life of faith and trust in Jesus Christ.  Thank you for praying for these new members as they take up the role God has given each of them in the local church in Port-au-Prince.  Pray that God would strengthen them and help them to continue to learn.

We also welcomed by letter of transfer the Broersma family who work at Adoration Christian Center, the school where the church meets.  The church is truly an international body with Mindy and Cornelius along with their two children coming to us from the Canadian Reformed Churches.  When we began services at the church again two years ago we did not know what God had in store.  But he has certainly done more than we could have asked or imagined.  To God be the glory!