“Give thanks with a grateful heart,
give thanks to the Holy One,
Give thanks because He’s given Jesus Christ, His Son.”
-Dan Moen
As Paul concluded in his first letter to the church in Thessalonica, giving the people encouragement, he reminds us all today to “Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus,” (1 Thess 5:18). For many of us here in the United States, God has blessed us in so many ways and in so many areas that we take for granted some of the things that he has provide for us in our daily lives. For many of us, we have a job, we have a roof over our heads, we have the food and other provisions that sustain us each and every day that we tend to overlook these things.
Sonia, a student in our Mole St. Nicolas class, models a new dress she made.
We live in a society where we have many things available to us that are easy to attain. Yet for many people throughout the world, that is not the case. As I see the pictures and the results of what Haiti 323 and the partners are doing for the people of Haiti, creating opportunities for these people that many of us may frown upon or think is beneath us, yet the joy that I see in the faces of those who are learning these skillsets, and the hope that comes with it is just amazing. Not only do I see those, but I see the gratefulness within the eyes of those who are learning these skills.
I have learned over the course of the past five and a half years since I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior, being grateful for even the smallest or simplest things is what brings joy to my heart. Yes, things are difficult. There will be times of testing, times of struggles, times of tears, times of joy. But as Paul reminded the church, “Be thankful in all circumstances, if we take this attitude, we can always find something to be grateful for.
Haiti 323 is grateful for the supporters, mission partners, volunteers and staff that allow for this ministry to be possible, as well as our teachers, Professor Michel (Port-de-Paix class) and Professor Jean (Mole St. Nicolas class), for their hard work in teaching the wonderful students who enthusiastically dedicate themselves to learning the skill of sewing.
I have a challenge for anyone who reads this: find something to be thankful for in the everyday life situations, whether things are rough, or things are good. There is always something to be grateful for!
God Bless!
THIS IS A GUEST POST FROM JAMI SMITH
ABOUT JAMI
It has been a little over five years ago since she accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior. Over the course of this time she has witnessed the great and wonderful works that the Lord is doing not only in her life but in the lives of those around her. Jami currently is finishing her last semester in school, where she will receiver a Master’s Degree in Theological Studies in Biblical Studies. It is Jami’s desire to follow and serve the Lord all the days of her life, answering the call to go into missions. She currently attends Pfrimmer’s Chapel United Methodist Church.