It had been two years since we last returned to our house in Cité Soleil, the place where we once organized a weekly program for children and food distributions. This year, we were determined to do something special for Easter. Wanguerre, who used to accompany me often, and Olivier, who lived there, were very motivated to return. I then asked Samuel, who is in charge of spiritual teachings at the Hope Community Center, to pray and discern if he should join us. For many Haitians, Cité Soleil remains too dangerous a place to go. A few days later, Samuel shared that God had convinced him with this verse:
"Go and make disciples of all nations."
Yes, Cité Soleil is indeed part of our calling!
After many discussions and a good deal of planning, Wanguerre, Olivier, and Samuel were able to go down to Cité Soleil to distribute food and proclaim the risen Christ.
The inhabitants, moved, kept saying: "They haven't forgotten us."
We were deeply encouraged to see our team taking on responsibilities, moving forward with the same vision, filled with compassion for others, and motivated to serve even in such a difficult context.
It was a powerful moment, like a loop coming full circle: Samuel, who has been with us for three years, was finally discovering where it all began. He better understood why we support these families, where our mission started, and most importantly, the heart behind it all.
And then came the questions:
How were you, as white people, able to have a house in the heart of Cité Soleil?
How did you manage to be accepted by the community?
How did your house remain intact without the material being stolen?
So many questions that remind us that God has watched over us and that this place continues to bear fruit.