Thick Darkness

I'm sure a lot of people have at least heard some of the difficult situation going on here at Hospital Lumiere right now.  We want to ask for your prayers because we know where our strength comes from, and that is from God alone.  We have been assured by so many people that they are praying, and I can say that we really do feel them.  In an effort to communicate more, and share some specific prayer requests, here are a few blog posts that were written this week by the Aberle's (www.komaricka.blogspot.com) that they said we could share them with you.

Over the past months so many things have been going well at the hospital.   God's manifold blessings are evident in more patients coming to us for help and care and more people hearing the word.  The light of Jesus is shining forth at the hospital.  However, in the midst of these joys, the darkness of evil lurks.  For the past 3 days, satan has gathered his forces.  The mission at Hospital Lumiere is under his attack.   Several people in the community have risen up in manifestation and protest beginning Monday (June 6).   For two days, they blocked to road for parts of the day.  They are protesting about long past decisions/actions by the hospital administration related to electricity for the community, jobs at the hospital, and specifically are targeting non-local Haitian employees with their threats and demands.  

Presently, 2 of 5 missionary families are absent from the hospital, which increases the burden and load on the 3 missionaries and their families on-sight.  The situation is tense and stressful.   The past two days (June 7 and 8) we have found several threatening signs/messages around the hospital targeted at two of our Haitian staff members that are not local to Bonne Fin.

This is a very serious situation, one which we've not yet encountered before this time.   We have seen many evidences of prayer answered as God's power has been made evident.   Local and regional authorities have expressed their support for the hospital and told the protesters they must stop in an unexpected visit and meeting.   However, the group protesting is still "breathing out threatenings" if their demands are not met.   

As I reflect this evening, the scripture in John 3 comes to mind: [19] And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.[20] For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. [21] But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.

Please join us in prayer for this situation.

• Pray for the staff that are being singled out by this group.  Pray for them by name.  Mr. Pheguens (Figgins) and Mr. Blanc (Blan)
• Pray for the missionaries on site:  David and Janella, Lee and Desma and Sheila.
• Pray for the people who are instigating this situation.
• Pray for the entire missionary team as we seek God's grace and direction in dealing with this situation.

We do take comfort in God's protection and peace.  He is guiding and leading us and has the situation in His hands.

Thank you for praying with us.

We are feeling and seeing the impact of God's hand in the situation at Bonne Fin.   As noted in the title, the effectual fervent prayer of the righteous availeth much.   

While the situation at the hospital remains very tense, we are thankful that the road has remained open for the past 3 days.   We did have a minor incident last night and today that was not directly related to the manifestations, however, the authorities responded quickly.   We see the authorities involvement having an impact.

As an updated prayer request in addition to the previous post, we would ask for prayer for a planned meeting tomorrow (Saturday) afternoon.   This meeting has been organized by the local mayor with the community.   It is aimed at addressing one of the chief concerns, electricity.   The meeting will not involve any missionaries or official hospital representatives.  However, the outcome of the meeting will directly impact the situation as it will calm the waters and allow productive dialogue or spiral the situation back into unrest.   Please pray for the Holy Spirit's presence in this meeting and for all involved to have open hearts, minds and ears to listen to voices of reason and calm.

Thank you for battling in prayer.   We feel the truth of the scripture in Colossians 1:9 For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; 

In the midst of "thick darkness" it seems really hard to find the way to go or see that there will be a resolution to the problem. But we know we go to the Light of the world and He will make a way. That is our hope and confidence.