My Journal   

   A Visit to a Haitian Pastor’s Mountain Parish

Friday, January 11, 2013 at 4:30 am

The purpose of my visit to a Haitian mountainous village is to document the villagers’ lives with a camera.  Faith In Action, International has served these mountainous people for the past 15 years.  Many churches and individuals have faithfully supported FIAI’s ministry.  It is my hope that through the photographs supporters will come to appreciate the work that is being carried on with their help.

Upon awakening to the orchestra of the roosters at 4:30 am in the dark church building where Jean Rony and I are staying, I poured a two-day-old cup of coffee and set up an office on the dirt floor with a mattress and a pillow.  I began journaling thoughts and experiences of the first day’s visit to the mountain village of Dike.  

The local Protestant pastor, Mr. Gustin Enadieu (he goes by name of ‘Senusa’), escorted Jean Rony and me around his parish during which time we visited and photographed over 30 of his parishioner families in their homes.

At homes we sang hymns, prayed, shared our favorite Biblical passages and discussed Holy Scripture including the beatitudes, the teaching of St. Paul about being content in whatever station of life one finds oneself, the transfiguration, and others.  Two of the tunes that I recognized were  ‘Amazing Grace’ and ‘Alleluia’.

Senusa told us about some of his pastoral duties which include pronouncing God’s forgiveness upon hearing a parishioner’s confession, calling upon families, sharing with the most needy, counseling, preaching and teaching. 

I asked Senusa how he provided for his family of eleven children.  I knew that his salary as a full-time pastor was minimal at best.  He simply stated, “God provides.”

As I knew that the pastor had probably no more than an elementary school education, I asked him where he had received his knowledge and wisdom about being a pastor.  He said that everything he has learned is from studying the Bible, receiving revelations from the Holy Spirit and attending Faith In Action International’s quarterly Church Leadership Training.  I came away knowing that he had much to teach me about living as a follower of Jesus.

I slept only intermittently because the voodoo musicians were constantly beating there drums and singing nearby.  At one point they marched, danced and chanted just outside the church where we were staying.  I prayed for protection as I did not know the men’s intent. Thank God they left without incident.

I have learned from Haitians that the voodoo ceremony is meant to conjure up the spirit of the voodoo god.  The participants then become possessed with the god’s spirit.  Until they are thus ‘protected’ they do not leave the voodoo ceremony for fear of meeting another group of voodoo practitioners who might be vicious.  One of their beliefs is that when one is thus possessed with the spirit one can disappear and move secretly from one location to another without being detected.  

Last night before bed J.R. and I read from Thomas Merton’s book on contemplation.  We heartily agreed with Merton where he expressed his belief that the best form of prayer is when we ask God to water and nourish the seeds of joy, love, compassion, peace, stability, unity and understanding that are planted deeply within each of us. 

May the indwelling of God’s Spirit bring you immeasurable joy.

Larry

Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen:

to loose the chains of injustice, and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke?

Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter---

when you see the naked, to clothe him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?

Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear;  then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard.  

Then you will call, and the Lord will answer;

You will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I.

Isaiah 58:6-9