Haiti: Day 11

Morning view from campus at EBS

Today was an amazing day as I felt it was our best class session yet here at Emmaus Biblical Seminary in Haiti.  I spent yesterday and today giving the students a very practical and “hands-on” example of studying a passage of Scripture.  We have spent these two days diving deep into 1 Corinthians, giving an overview of the book, background, purpose, context, and then looking in detail at chapter 10 today.  As we have been immersed in this part of the Word over these two days, God’s power has been at work in a remarkable way.  First of all the students are seeing and embracing the Word and understanding the process of Bible study we are discussing.  Secondly, and most importantly, they are excited about Jesus.  There is a tremendous openness in them, and they are responding to the truth and letting Him speak to their hearts.  This was incredibly evident in the class today and has been increasingly so over the days of this course.  Yet, it seemed that there was even a greater breakthrough today.  It is as if the lights were going on it hearts and minds.  It was not an easy truth today as we spoke of idolatry and allowed the Holy Spirit to reveal the idolatry in our own lives and how Jesus is our provision for every need.  

But the response was earnest and sincere.  There was no question of the moving and power of the Holy Spirit in the room.  I asked Simeon after class how he felt like it was going and what the students were feeling.  He said that his own heart was touched because of what he could see in the eyes and hearts of the students -- how they are responding to Christ.  God is answering prayer.  I felt led to pray 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 early this morning:  “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh.  For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bring every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.”  As I remember seeing the cactus fences that are so common around the yards here in Haiti, I am grateful for the way in which God is pulling down strongholds here and in my own life.  Thank you for praying that He will continue to do so in an even mightier way, both in Haiti and everywhere in our world.  

In Christ,

John

Cactus "fences" common in Haiti