Why are you going to Haiti?
My team lead Sara asked us a few weeks ago to write a couple paragraphs about motivations/expectations about our trip to Haiti and unbelievably the question that stumped me was: Why are you going to Haiti? Can you believe that question has kept me up at night? Unbelievable?! I've been talking about this dream for a year, I have been praying for this opportunity for many nights, I've driven people crazy with my dream to go to Haiti and this simple question took me on three weeks of thoughts, sleeplessness, and questioning my motives.
And then yesterday, out of pure "coincidence" I am sitting at my church office mulling over these thoughts writing my thoughts and emailing them of course late to my team lead when my friend Rick strolls in with all his calmness and peaceful demeanor takes a seat at this desk and softly greets us. Meanwhile I'm here distraught thinking my email is so simpleminded should I even send it. What will Sara think? Late and lame!
Now if you know Rick Guzman you know exactly what I'm talking about. This man walks around like there are no troubles in the world, with a brain full of knowledge that God has gifted him with, and so much wisdom that honestly sometimes I feel like I'm feeble minded next to him. A man full of justice thoughts and has educated many about fair trade, coming alongside the least of these, and opened our eyes to the world outside our own. This is a blessing of a man! Well who does God send my way? A patient man that will let me air, vent, and quite honestly go in circles with my thoughts, emotions, fears and of course my confusion. (God is good). Towards the end of my whirlwind rambling discussion THE QUESTION haunts me again in my head and I share with Rick the cause of my anguish. (i know i can be a little dramatic) and i tell him my great conclusion.... "maybe I'm not suppose to know why? maybe because it's not up to me to know. All I know is I am suppose to go show them that we love and care for them and bring news of how we as a church can help. Kind of like a messenger" and he says, "Yes you are the voice to the voiceless. That is why you are part of the Ambassador Team." Then he turns around calmly grabs a book from the shelf and starts reading to me a part of "Holy Discontent" by Bill Hybels. It all all of a sudden makes sense! maybe if I were to pay attention a little better i would have seen the definition of the name of my team. So I went to the dictionary.
ə–noun 
an authorized messenger or representative. Abbreviation: Amb., amb.
I have found my purpose and mission! I am an Authorized Messenger of Jesus who will be a voice to the voiceless and this is why I am going to Haiti. This is my calling and I am responding to it! I envision a nation that will rise from the rubbles with the church working right by their side. The name of the Lord will be proclaimed and glorified because of it!
With a purpose,
J-
Exodus 9:16
But I have raised you up for this very purpose, that I might show you my power and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.
Psalm 57:2
I cry out to God Most High,
to God who will fulfill his purpose for me.
Proverbs 19:21
You can make many plans,but the Lord’s purpose will prevail.
P.s.
Thanks Rick Guzman for letting yourself be used by God, teaching us so much, and heading this team! Well done.
