Disciple Making Journey (Part 2)- Across Cultures

Haiti Summit in Constance Free Church



 

Connecting with Haitian brothers through the Haiti Consortium has encouraged growth in churches in the U.S. and in Haiti.  Dave Hyatt, Pastor for Local and Global Outreach at Hershey Free Church shared, “Their honesty about the Haitian church and how they haven’t done a great job of making disciples has allowed me to be a little more honest, to look at things.  Their candor, their humility to admit they want to do a better job, and they want to raise up disciples….It was convicting to me on one level.  They are asking us for help at something I don’t think we are doing great at.  In order to feel that we had anything to say, it pushed me back to the Scriptures.  It is a bit of a mirror for me saying, “How are we doing?  Are we raising up Christians who are really impacting our own society, who make a difference in their community, who are looking to reproduce their lives?”  Discipleship is a concept that spans all cultures.  Our goals are the same as the goals of Christians in other nations.

Dr. Jean Dorlus has been studying the worldview of Haiti.  He feels leaders are responsible to see that the worldview of the Bible is adopted.  He gave an example using the Haitian proverb that says, “What a person does to another, God laughs at it.”  This means that God is not interested in human affairs. “He is far away.  Someone who shared this worldview and becomes a believer has a problem understanding that God is interested in every detail in life.  It is not an issue of God being powerful, but does God care, and does He care for me.  He is an indifferent God.  He has other things to do.”  This affects ethics as well, because they believe God does not care about justice.  “The Law of the Strong wins.”

Every country has its own worldview, and none are the Biblical worldview.  We need to examine our culture to see what we have adopted into our worldview that comes from society and not the Bible.  We need to be careful when we go into another country that we do not try to teach principles that are part of our tradition but are not taught by the Bible.

Haiti Consortium in Haiti

Senior Pastor George Davis of Hershey Free Church has come to a deeper relationship with Haitian brothers through a commitment of slowing down and spending time with them.  In this he has learned, “Well, here are some challenges that they are facing that are the same challenges that we are facing.  We have talked about how to do ministry in a culture in a way that does not foster dependence.  When you start wrestling with that question, you have to wrestle with- in our own context- how do we do ministry in a way that doesn’t foster consumerism.  Because, really, they are the same issues but in a different socio-economic environment.”

What problems do you see in the American church?  What have we adopted into our worldview that is not Biblical?  I challenge you to come up with a worldview based solely on what the Bible teaches.  Know what you should believe and why, and make that a part of your life.   Then, pass it on to others.

Disciple Making Journey (Part 1)

One of the goals of ReachGlobal Crisis Response is to make disciples who make disciples.  So what is a disciple?  He is a learner, a follower.  Senior Pastor George Davis of Hershey Free Church explains this involves knowing, being, and doing.  It is not mere head knowledge.  It changes our whole life style.  Dave Hyatt, Pastor for Local and Global Outreach at Hershey Free Church explains the common trait is a devotion to Christ that will look different in different people.  He adds, “There is a desire for fellowship, God’s Word, and a desire to reproduce their lives in others.”  Their church website breaks discipleship into three areas.  Live with Jesus, love like Jesus, and lead others to do the same.

So, how do people become disciples?  It takes a disciple to make a disciple.  You do not have to be perfect.  In fact, it is important others see you are not perfect, but rather growing in obedience to Christ.   The article Disciples Who Make Disciples by Alex Absalom and Greg Nettle points out, “…discipleship is primarily caught, since the Biblical model is one of imitation and apprenticeship.  For this to happen, people need to be close enough to our lives that they can see what this looks like on an ongoing basis, rather than simply on special occasions when we are on our best behavior!”  Wawa, President of S.T.E.P. seminary in Haiti, lived with the Muchmore family as a young Christian.  He not only heard them talk about what the Bible teaches, but he also watched as they lived out their convictions.  He saw how they reacted to different situations and could hear their reasons for their choices.

Michael Kelley, Director of Discipleship at Lifeway, tells us to look at the example of Jesus to see how to disciple.  He says, “In the gospels, we see those followers listening and learning from the teaching of Jesus.  We see them spending time in real life situations with Jesus.  We see them being sent out by Jesus with purpose and meaning….we see that discipleship is a lifestyle.”  This is not an overnight process.  It takes time and patience.  It is not just taking a course and checking off learning basic principles.  It means committing to another Christian and spending time with them.  It is doing life together. 

In Called to Reach: Equipping Cross-Cultural Disciplers by William R. Yount and Mike Barnett, they say, “The goal is to disciple and equip after the example of Jesus.  He focused his teaching on the needs of his learners.  He perfectly melded thinking (parables, illustrations, interpretations), feeling (love, care, support, choosing ‘twelve to be with him’), and doing (demonstrations, modeling the role, practical guidance) elements as they were needed to transform the lives of his disciples.”  Pastor Davis stresses the importance of people being “in biblical community, in a group environment where other people are speaking into their lives, and where they have the opportunity to do that for others.  I think we would encourage them as well to understand what does it look like to live out your faith on a day to day basis….Also, you want to help them experience God in service in particular ways.  That’s where short-term opportunities become a part of the disciple making strategy.”  A disciple will have a changed life as they make choices based on their relationship with Jesus.  This is revealed in the way they live their lives with others.

Pastor Hyatt added the importance of learning people’s wiring and discover their gifts so they can serve in their area of giftedness.  “That doesn’t just mean taking assessments.  That means trying different things so they can figure out how they fit in the body, how they can serve with what God has created them to do.”  He told the story of a person who was exhausted before going on a very difficult short-term trip.  Although they worked hard on the trip, they were completely invigorated from it.  They exclaimed, “I feel so much better than when I left!”  Dave stated, “They had discovered some things about themselves in terms of how God uses them.”  We are all different, and God has a different plan for how He will use each of our lives.  Discipleship involves doing, not just learning.

Is there someone in your sphere of influence who you could disciple?  Be willing to invest in the lives of others.  A true disciple disciples others.

 

 

Multiplying Disciples

Claudy with some of his students



 

How do you transform a nation?  S.T.E.P. seminary in Port-au-Prince challenged their teachers to get involved personally in the lives of their students to teach and model a biblical worldview.  They are taking a new approach to equip students to live as disciples of Christ and lead others to do the same.  They are transforming students who will transform churches. 

Jean Mario Michel is in his second year teaching financial management at S.T.E.P., and he has wholeheartedly accepted this new course of action.  He invited Claudy and another student home for dinner where they informally discussed family relationships, discipleship in the church and community, Christian faith, and engagement in ministry.  They shared experiences from each of their lives.  This was just the beginning of the discipleship program.  Jean Mario took the whole class to visit a pastor and see him at work.  The pastor shared why he had come back to Haiti to minister and the students asked him questions.

After this, Claudy came to see Jean Mario at his office.  Claudy leads a primary school.  Impressed by the discipleship training at the seminary, he wanted to do something similar.  He plans that he and his teaching staff can bring students home with them and take them other places to influence them for Christ.  Jean Mario shared, “Claudy is passionate about it.  He expects to change the whole village he came from.  Most are unchristian voodoo parents.  He feels he can catch the parents through the children.”   This is multiplication.  Principles learned at seminary are taught to others by the students.  Claudy shared, “The idea is to influence children, young people, by making them become true disciples for Christ with the power of the Holy Spirit.”  This is how a country is changed heart by heart and something we can all apply in our own sphere of influence. 

Claudy

God Answers Prayer

Prayer walking in areas where we are serving has become an important part of our ministry.  There is a brick church in the Lower Ninth Ward well-known for the boarded up entrance with a warning painted in bright red letters, “Keep Out of God’s House”.   Many Crisis Response team members have stopped to pray for the future of this church flooded by Hurricane Katrina and for the surrounding neighborhood.  For nine years, nothing seemed to be happening, but God was at work.

Willie, a local homeowner we have been assisting, told us one day the church had been purchased and was being gutted.  A new sign announced the coming of Disciples of Christ Christian Church.  Lois Riska shared, “We called the number listed on the sign and arranged to meet Pastor Turner at his home. From the moment we met Darrell Turner, we were sure that God had called us to this project. He is a go-getter, pastoring the church, attending seminary, and restoring the  church building in the Lower Ninth, all while holding down his full-time job as chef for the Federal Reserve Bank of New Orleans.”

It is exciting to see how God answers our prayers in His timing.  Pastor Darrell shared his vision for this church to be a beacon of light in the community, “not just be a church in the community, but be a force in the community rebuilding it physically and spiritually.”  Keep praying for New Orleans and come on a team to be a part of rebuilding this church.

Willing to Risk Everything

In the countryside outside Kathmandu, a church service was being held when the ground began to shake.  The congregation fled the building.  As they reached safety outside, a nearby building collapsed, sending a large cloud of dust plunging toward the already frightened group.  The children panicked and ran back into the church.  One couple raced in to retrieve the children.  As the husband was once again exiting the building with the children he had rescued, he felt the building collapsing.  He grabbed for his wife, but only reached her scarf.  The force of the implosion knocked him out.  He lay on the ground clutching a piece of his wife’s scarf.  She and their three children were killed as the 3 story church was flattened like a pancake.  Please pray for this man and the many others dealing with tremendous loss and trauma.  Please give to help supply needs and rebuild lives.

PRAY for:

•The local churches to play a significant role in the ‘new normal’, one where the church is holistically caring for and serving their neighbors.

•Peace to overcome fear.

•Wisdom for local leaders and our assessment team in developing recovery strategies that tangibly express the Gospel.

GIVE to help these present and pressing needs, but also invest in the long-term recovery and ongoing Crisis Response ministry.

 
Email crisisresponse@efca.org with questions or for more information on how you can be involved or  go to http://go.efca.org/resources/project/nepal-earthquake-response

Where Are They Now? Nicole

Maya when I first met her

“We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers, as is right, because your faith is growing abundantly, and the love of every one of you for one another is increasing.” 2 Thess 1:3 ESV

On August 28, 2005, Nicole and Fernando hurriedly packed their most precious possessions into their car and left with their 2 month old daughter Maya, and Nicole’s mother and grandmother for central New Orleans.  They lived across the bridge in Slidell, but they were convinced the safest place to take refuge was in the power plant where Nicole’s uncle worked.  When they arrived and saw the police and firemen had also decided it was the best place to be, they felt they had made a good decision.  As the storm progressed and the levees were breached, Nicole watched in horror as her car with her valuables floated and then sank.   The worst was yet to come.  The generators for the power plant, “conveniently” located on the first floor, flooded with water.  Everyone in the building was trapped.

Helicopters came to airlift them to safety, but no one could bring anything with them, not even a diaper for Maya.  They were moved from place to place.  Nicole held Maya in her arms in a cot to sleep, but she spent most of her nights awake for fear of rolling over on Maya.  Despite the extreme heat of the season, they became chilled in their soaking wet clothes under the fans in the tent, and Nicole’s grandma became ill and died of pneumonia.

It was months before they were allowed back to check their home.  There wasn’t much left between the flooding, a tree through the house, and the winds that had ripped the house apart.  Her grandmother’s house, although badly flooded, was in better shape.  Nicole’s battle with insurance and FEMA would continue for many, many years before their house could be rebuilt.  God sent ReachGlobal Crisis Response to restore grandma’s house which Nicole inherited.  While teams gutted and rebuilt this house, the volunteers shared their faith with Nicole and Fernando.  They both accepted Christ as their Lord and savior.

Nicole, Fernando, and children in their home

 

It has been a joy over the years to revisit this family and see their faith and love in action.  They now have four children, and Maya will soon be turning 10.  I recently stopped in and listened to Nicole’s stories on ways they were showing the love of Christ to others.  Watch the video to hear how Hurricane Katrina changed Nicole's life.   https://youtu.be/j5xVhGc-ujU 

It has taken much perseverance to get where they are today back in their original home.  More amazing though is seeing how God has rebuilt their lives.   You can be part of this continuing story of how God is transforming New Orleans.  Volunteer on a team, pray for the ministry and/or give financially to provide for needs.



Maya will be turning 10

A Miracle for Dr. Jean Dorlus

While driving on the streets of Port-au-Prince, Haiti one evening around 6 P.M., pain suddenly gripped Dr. Jean Dorlus in his chest and arm.  He quickly pulled over to the side of the road.  As soon as possible, he drove himself to a hospital, but they lacked equipment to diagnose him and suggested he go somewhere else for help.  There was no ambulance to transport him, so he drove himself to a larger hospital.  The doctor he needed would not be in until morning.  Knowing better than to wait, Jean drove on to a third hospital.  They were closed for reconstruction.  He drove to a fourth, but the gates were closed.  Once again, despite his pain, he drove to a fifth hospital around midnight.  Through blood tests, they confirmed that he had indeed had a heart attack.  They gave him medicine and morphine to help him sleep. 

Jean’s doctor warned him that they did not have the resources in Haiti to discern the cause of his heart attack, and they could only provide medication, which might not prevent future problems.  The doctor counseled, “If you have the means, go to another country where they can find the problem and fix it.  Your choices are get help in another country or remain as you are and die.”

“I have no insurance.  How can I pay for all of this?” questioned Jean in his mind.  Fortunately, Jean serves a God who can do all things.  Mark Lewis asked Haiti Consortium members who were working with Jean to pray.  Jean is an influential Christian leader who is making a lasting difference in Haiti.  Prayers rose on his behalf from the U.S. and Haiti.

 

Curt Neff, a missions and community outreach pastor from Calvary Church in St. Peters, Missouri, talked to his church about helping when he learned of Jean’s plight.  Then, he called Suzi Mehlig, Senior Benefit Specialist at Mercy Hospital and wife of a pastor at Calvary.  Suzi contacted Chris Carter, a friend and the Executive Director of Human Resources who was glad to investigate what Mercy Hospital could do. 

Last year, Chris attended a H.R. monthly huddle.  Chief Medical Officer Dr. Paul Hintze was the presenter who talked about an international charity program that Mercy Hospital offers.  Chris put Suzi in touch with Dr. Hintze, and Suzi obtained an application for Dr. Dorlus.  A Mercy Hospital doctor willing to provide services was still needed.  Suzi’s husband had heart surgery 15 years earlier, and his physician was at Mercy Hospital.  Suzi emailed Dr. Ferrara, and Dr. Hintze followed up on it.  Dr. Ferrara said he was happy to do anything he could to help.  Next, Dr. Hintze presented the need to the committee at Mercy Hospital, not knowing what, if anything, they would be willing to do.

The next morning, Dr. Hintze sent an email to Suzi saying Mercy Hospital had approved all the care for Dr. Dorlus.  It was all happening so quickly!  Suzi broke down in tears right at her desk.  Co-workers around her asked, “What’s happening?’  Suzi explained the incredible blessing and answer to prayer.  Not only was Mercy Hospital willing to help, but they had approved providing all these services for him.  Suzi was thankful God had opened the door for her to work at Mercy Hospital where the mission’s statement reads, “As the Sisters of Mercy before us, we bring to life the healing ministry of Jesus with our compassionate care and exceptional service.” Suzi pointed out, “This exemplifies exactly who we say we are.  Dr. Dorlus is going to experience that firsthand.”

Suzi related the story to the Chief of Human Resources Administration, Cindy Rosburg.  Cindy had tears in her eyes as she shared, “Suzi, I’ve been here for 25 years, and I’ve never heard of this program.  If you had not spoken to the right people, this probably would not have happened.”  Suzi knew, once again, that God was in this and was excited to play a part in what God was doing.

The story of how the body of Christ came together continued as Harry and Madalyn Mathis offered to host Dr. Dorlus in their quiet home while he recovers.  They were glad to partner in this way with the ongoing work in Haiti where their son and daughter-in-law are missionaries.  A retired cardiac nurse, Bev Cushman from Fellowship Baptist Church, who lives 10 minutes from the Mathis home volunteered to provide daily follow-up care.  Mark Lewis already had plans to be in Haiti, and he brought Dr. Dorlus back to the U.S. with him. 

Dr. Dorlus flew into St. Louis the day before his appointment where Curt Neff picked him up.  Their dinner plans abruptly changed when Dr. Dorlus started experiencing chest pains.  Curt called Suzi who then met them at the hospital.  An EKG convinced the doctors Jean needed to remain in the hospital, and Suzi approved his admittance.  After his heart catherization, they realized he needed quadruple bypass surgery.  One main artery was completely blocked and three other arteries were partially blocked.  Jean, surprised at the extent of his heart problems, told God, “You have taken me this far.  I have to trust you and keep on going.” Dr. Ronald Cossman, the cardiac surgeon, knows well the situation in Haiti through his wife who has helped in Haiti, and he was glad to help.

 

After surgery, the cardiac team commented that Dr. Dorlus was a delightful man who had not stopped smiling and thanking God.  Jean commented how the Lord is paying for his surgery through Mercy Hospital who have been helpful and compassionate.  He added, “God provides every single day.”  He needed care to recuperate after surgery.  Speaking of the Mathis and Cushman families, Jean remarked, “There are two families who are the backbone of my recovery.  God is using them mightily.  God in grace and love provides people like that.” Mercy physicians comprise a team all working together in Jean’s recovery.  Dr. Czarnik is his follow up cardiologist, and Dr. Grimes has been providing tests and x-rays. 

The compassion and generosity of Mercy Hospital and the many Christians who provided care, a humidifier, meals, groceries, finances, transportation, and friendship add evidence to Jean’s faith in God’s care and ability to provide future needs.  Jean concludes, “So, I’m alive today.  Certainly God has a purpose for me to be alive.”  It will be exciting to witness how God continues to use Jean’s life and to know how many people are a part of this.