Carnival Time in Haiti

We have a new blog post up on the Baptist Haiti Mission website.  Just in case you decide not to click on this link, Haitian Carnival, I will post the blog here as well:

It is officially time for Haitian Carnival 2013. Over the next few days, as we approach Ash Wednesday, the streets of Haiti will be full of music, dancing, masks, parades, drinking, and non-stop celebrations. Haitian Carnival is one of the largest Mardi Gras celebrations in the Caribbean and North America. Carnival is a time to indulge, celebrate, and subvert authority. Haitian Carnival is greatly influenced by local customs such as Voodoo and Haitian music.

 

A heavy darkness is felt among believers across the country side during this time of pleasure seeking and spiritual celebrations separate from Jesus Christ. In the midst of Carnival season we are reminded of the familiar hymn, “On Christ the Solid Rock.”

When darkness seems to hide His face, I rest on His unchanging grace.

In every high and stormy gale My anchor holds within the veil

On Christ the solid rock I stand All other ground is sinking sand… all other ground is sinking sand….

 

 

As believers we are reminded that it is during times of great darkness, that the light of Christ can shine the brightest. Schools are closed and businesses are shut down for the celebrations and rituals over the next few days. However, we are pleased to report that the churches of Haiti and BHM are not taking this time to be silent, but instead to speak out. Here are a few of the ways:

• Camp LePhare (BHM camp in Montrouis) is hosting camp this week for students as a positive alternative from the activities of Haitian Carnival. Students will be housed in a safe environment and be exposed to the truth of Jesus Christ instead of the darkness of voodoo and spirit worship.

• BHM missionaries Darlene Wynn and Elsa Peterson left the mission property in Fermathe for the week. They are leading Vacation Bible School in a province highly saturated by Voodoo. Children in families who practice voodoo will be sent to participate in this time of VBS and the gospel will be presented!

• The schools connected with BHM are hosting a spiritual retreat for their teachers this week. This will be a time of encouragement and reflection for those in the school system seeking to point their students to the Lord.

• Multiple churches throughout the country side are hosting youth camps, conferences and other times of worship for their church families. Our hearts are overwhelmed by the response the church of Haiti is taking to combat the ways of the world.

We are seeing first hand, what Satan intends for evil, the Lord works for good. Pray for the country of Haiti over the next several days. Pray for the thousands who will be participating in Haitian Carnival. Pray for safety for carnival participants. A spiritual battle is at hand, this is quite clear. We know the outcome of the war and are praising the Lord for His victory.

Romans 8:28 -And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.