Cast your burdens on the Lord and He will sustain you. Psalm 55:22
The principal of the school, Pastor Samuel, has done so much to improve the school in Carrefour Poy. Since he’s been in this position, he has implemented improved record keeping practices and added three grade levels plus several vocational and extracurricular options for the students to participate in. Every time I talk with him, I’m impressed by his heart for these kids and his desire to offer them a well rounded education.
Of course, all of these wonderful additions add to the needs of the school. In all honesty, there were several moments during this trip when I felt overwhelmed by the burden of the incredible amount of need & feeling like I have to figure out how to provide for these things:
The sewing class is in need of sewing machines.
The computer class needs 30 laptops in order to eliminate the ongoing expense of renting computers.
The music class currently consists of music theory and learning to play the recorder; but Pastor Samuel eventually wants to have a full band so they are in need of band instruments.
Honey bees got into the jewelry supplies. They were eventually able to get rid of the bees by burning everything, so now all those supplies need to be replaced.
The addition of the upper grade levels has meant many more teachers, since each teacher typically only teaches one subject at that level. That means that the school’s payroll has increased to the point that it exceeds the amount we are currently able to send each month. Combine that reality with the fact of out of control inflation in Haiti, and we have some underpaid and somewhat disgruntled teachers.
It felt like I was confronted with a new need each day of our visit, progressively adding to my feeling of stress and overwhelm. Even typing all that out, my heart begins to feel that burden.
Peter tells us in 1 Peter 5:7 that we can give all of our worries to God because He cares about us. Jesus told us that we can rest in Him because His burden is light. Clearly, I struggle to take a hold of these promises!
Thankfully, my husband continually pointed me back to God throughout the week, reminding me that this ministry originated from Him and that He will provide for the school’s needs as He sees fit. During one conversation with someone who asked me to meet another need, Jeremy said, “Instead of asking Wendy for this, you need to ask God!”
Truly it is God alone who has the ability to meet all these needs. He cares. Even more than me or Pastor Samuel or anyone… God cares about this school, the teachers, and these children. We get to partner with Him to do His work here on earth, but He is the One who provides what is needed, when it is needed. What a relief it is to rest in that truth!
Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7
The Bridge 