A letter from Suzette Geffrard in Haiti
June 2013
Musings from the Airplane:
I love the view of Haiti from the air. My heart begins to pound rapidly when I view that beautiful Port au Prince shoreline with the sharp mountain peaks in the distance. As we circle around for landing the rows of mountains become more distinct. The scarred hillsides barren from the decades of deforestation do not diminish the beauty of the majestic mountains in my heart. There is a Haitian proverb that says: “Behind every mountain is another mountain.”
Reflections since return to Haiti after a five-week itineration visit:
I enjoyed my time in Georgia, South Carolina, New Jersey and Kentucky, meeting so many faithful Christians interested in our partnership work in Haiti. Everyone made me feel so welcomed, and it is great that many of you have decided to support me in God’s work here in Haiti. It is reassuring to know that many of you will be praying with me as I begin this new role of Facilitator for Presbyterian Response in Haiti. It is really a mouthful as titles go, but it simply means that I will be that link between our church in the U.S. and our brothers and sisters here. My living and representing the PC(USA) here in Haiti will also make it easier for Presbyterians visiting this beautiful mountainous country to fellowship with our partners. Please prayerfully consider organizing a visit for members of your church or mission committee to come to Haiti to be challenged, renewed and strengthened in faith.
Yes, we know there is the ugliness of the pervasive poverty here and all of the consequences of years of disasters both natural and “people-made.” I need not repeat the mantras about hopelessness and despair that so often accompany discussions about this intriguing island nation. No, I am not blind to the problems—it is just that living here allows me to see “glimmers of hope” on a daily basis. In fact, we can now travel over a new road that connects our mountain community with the city, saving time and lives. Many churches are now engaging in health education and even trying to provide first aid stations and small clinics in rural areas. I also just love hearing the singing of the early morning prayer groups that visit with me and my neighbors. The life-changing gospel of Jesus the Christ has taken root in Haiti and thus its powerful force is at work here.
So when I see the layers and layers of mountains in Haiti and even its layer upon layer of problems I still recall a favorite passage of scripture: Psalm 121:1, 2, 4:
I will lift up my eyes to the mountains;
From where will my help come?
My help comes from the Lord,
Who made heaven and earth.
…Behold, He who keeps Israel (and yes even Haiti!)
Will neither slumber nor sleep.
Thank you for this opportunity to serve God in this place, at this time. If you have not already made a commitment to this work, please prayerfully consider joining with me and our Haitian partners in ministry in being a part of what our Lord is doing in Haiti!
Family news:
- Willys recently attended Living Water International meetings in Nicaragua.
- Gabii is a wonder with her camera and we are thankful for her help.
- I am visiting our partners throughout the country and ask for your prayers while traveling over some difficult roads. I will also be participating on a panel discussion at the World Mission’s Big Tent conference August 1-2 in Louisville and would love to meet you there.
Blessings!
Suzette Goss-Geffrard
2013 Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, Haiti, p. 25
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