Sorry, no pictures, just a lot of writing…

In John 7, Jesus said, “I’m not teaching my own ideas, but those of God who sent me…those who present their own ideas are looking for praise for themselves, but those who seek to honor the one who sent them are good and genuine.”

I read this today and it got me thinking. I have to admit, I’m not really sure why anyone would want to come to a place like this. This isn’t exactly a vacation destination; in fact, it’s quite the opposite. Leaving the comfort, security, and safety of the U.S., and willingly putting yourself in a country with virtually no law or government must seem pretty ridiculous, even crazy, to most people. Freely coming to a place where people are desperate for even basic necessities that I’ve always felt entitled to, like food, water, nice clothes, school, and a bed.

Reading Jesus’ words in John made me believe that God has called me to Haiti. Because in reality, why would I choose to come here if I was left to my own selfish choice? I probably wouldn’t.

But I want to be clear: I’m not writing these blogs from my trip to “present my own ideas” (as the verse says) and make you think that I’m cool because I went to Haiti after the earthquake. No. If I were writing for that reason, then it’s pretty clear what Jesus thinks about that from the verse above, that I’d be just “looking for praise for myself”. And that’s not cool.

But here’s the deal, and here’s why I write. To push myself, and to encourage others to push themselves, to learn what it means to live as an American Jesus Follower and the responsibility that it entails. Let’s face it, we have everything we need. Even in a “horrible” American economy, we’re still doing pretty well. There is still drinking water, usually for free, there is plenty of food for pretty cheap, and most of us live in homes and sleep on beds. Now, I’ve had problems feeling guilty for living the way I do. I don’t feel I live in extravagance, but seeing 3rd world countries like Haiti, I realize how much I have that I take for granted everyday.

I believe my responsibility as an American Jesus Follower is not only to advance His Kingdom by leading others into His Presence, but also to bring food, water, and clothing to those without.

I heard a quote once that metaphorically said, “If a man has two coats, while his neighbor has none, then he is considered a thief.” Basically, it’s saying that if someone has the basic necessities of life, and knows that there are some who don’t, then he is a thief for not helping that person. If I’m being honest with myself, I have plenty of “coats” to give; I have plenty of resources to help at least one person, either in Haiti, or right downtown.