“Mesi” or Thanks from the Haitian Pastors

1 Jul

The following is a letter from Frantz Morisset, one of the retreat’s organizers. Frantz is a Haitian pastor and scholar who lives in the states.

Grace to all of you. It was one month ago when we were on our way back to the US after spending the week in Haiti. I am taking advantage of this occasion to say thank you for your marvelous work in my native country Haiti. Thank you, in the names of the Haitian pastors in the Diaspora and of those who participated in the May pastors retreat. Rather than using my words, let me share with you a few of the hundreds of written comments from Haitian pastors at the retreat.

The Pastors in Their Own Words

“This conference has comforted me… It challenged me to help my community and my country… I am now committed to comfort not only members of my own church but to go beyond… Thank you LORD, you have sent me what I truly needed.” (Les Cayes)

“I was satisfied with my work and concern for church members before the conference … Now I see the need to love, to love more for a truly biblical ministry… I will assist the members of my church in a better way and be available to answer their questions” (Bois Pin, La Gonave)

“Thank you. The subjects have stimulated me to want more seminars. Thanks to the TEAM. May God continue to bless CHC.” (Delmas)

“The conference is changing my life and will change the way I used to lead the church. I am better equipped to administer it, to develop it spiritually, socially and economically… (Cote de Fer)

“Thanks to the conference, I have new friends and contacts… new direction”. (La Gonave)

“Thanks. I have learned to listen to others… I see the importance of counseling… my duty to help other leaders in proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ… Please, make plan to invite more people next year…” (126 Gros-Morne, Gonaives)

“Thank you CHC and STEP for the beautiful initiative. It was a week of training and encouragement and meeting other evangelical leaders” (Arcahaie)

“I have been comforted and will go back to share it… I see the need to be transparent to all, in all good conscience.” (Port-au-Prince)

“Thanks. I knew I was a servant of God… I learned that I need to develop it further for the harvest of Christ.” (Port-au-Prince)

“I have new vision, new attitude…I see the need for character change… Congratulations for such an important conference… I hope to see another one.” (Cerca-la-Source)

“Thanks for your efforts and your sacrifice to help us spiritually so to bear fruit, much fruit in the growth of the gospel in Haiti and be useful to others… May God bless CHC, the teachers.” (Charlotin)

“Thanks for this initiative… I have learned much to help my pastoral ministry… I need radical changes in my life… For sure, I am better equipped to help people in my community and especially those in the tent cities.” (Port-au-Prince)

“I did not want to come to Port-au-Prince… But I am glad I did, especially to witness the attention that our brothers from overseas showed toward us Haitians… The small groups were so edifying, so profitable… an ambiance of good brotherhood (fellowship).” (Les Cayes)

“I can summarize that it is the work of the Holy Spirit.” (Petion-Ville)

“Thanks! Thanks! Thanks CHC! I was so discouraged looking at my future and that of my family. Now, I have a better understanding of God and natural disasters. It is good to see there are people who love me… I need help for my family, they are suffering and I cannot help much. I was alone but now I see there are people who think of me… Thanks.” (Carrefour)

“If you can afford it, please have another conference in 3 months.” (Kenscoff)

“My understanding of the word of God has been reinforced… I have more enthusiasm for my pastoral ministry in my community… May God bless CHC and preserve/protect you from now and ever.” (Port-de-Paix)

“This conference challenges me to have more love, more tolerance, and more compassion for others. As I reflect on the love of the teachers for us, Haitians, it challenges me to do the same… Thanks.” (Aquin)

“I have a new vision for love, hope, and am more committed to plant new churches and get involved with my team in tent city ministries and assistance to victims.” (Cayes)

“I am better prepared to work with difficult people… Have this conference next year in the South and Grand’ Anse.” (Maniche)

“I have learned that I must be engaged in the tent city ministry… (Cayes)

“Good to learn about group counseling vs individual counseling… secular vs biblical counseling… Want to learn more. Plan to have more of this type of conference.” (Petit Goave)

“I appreciate the way the American brothers in Christ cared for us… (Ville des Coteaux)

“I always like new ideas… better understanding of the word of God… Thank you God. Thank you CHC.” (Port-au-Prince)

To be continued …