Tim DeTellis

When I returned to Haiti after the earthquake, my expectations were mixed. I wanted to see progress, yet I wanted to see reality. I left Haiti three days after the earthquake and when I came back, I was shocked again by what I saw. Three key areas surprised me: the rubble along the roadside, the pain in the faces of those in the streets, and the vast medical care needed due to earthquake injuries.

Visiting a tent city just beside our Santo church, I saw poverty and then along the path…a bright shimmering light of hope. Two boys walking toward me were wearing their school uniforms. The sight of this reminded me that love pierces the darkness. Even though it has been months since the earthquake, the thought has stuck with me. Maybe in your world, an earthquake has happened. In that moment, hope seems impossible.

The light of love breaks through when you accept it. The source of hope comes from the love of God entering the world. When you share it, you spread it. God’s shining love is for us to receive and give.

“But from everlasting to everlasting the LORD’s love is with those who fear Him, and His righteousness with their children’s children–with those who keep His covenant and remember to obey His precepts.” Psalm 103:17-18 (NIV)

God’s eternal gift of love is freely given to everyone. But like any gift, it must be received and put to use. A gift that is rejected has no value to the one who rejected it, no matter the cost to the one who gave it.

You receive the fullness of God’s love when you love Him in return. This divine relationship continues to unfold and grow when you stay in a relationship with God and seek to please Him out of love and not duty.

God keeps things interesting by continually revealing greater dimensions of His goodness and love. He assures us that it is impossible to fall out of His love; it has no boundary.

I saw firsthand how God’s love is reaching children tucked away in remote villages across the Leogane Plain in Haiti. I visited five of our mission schools and saw children not only smiling with joy, but eating healthy meals and surrounded with godly teachers helping them grow even stronger. Wednesday morning, May 12, four months after the historic earthquake, I met with all our 22 pastors and office staff in Haiti. The time we shared was focused on how we would continue to serve with honor. The meeting agenda focused on our summer plans for VBS in each village and touching more lives in Haiti. Each person at the meeting  reminded me of the wonderful team of Haitians serving with New Missions. They are spreading God’s love in action.

You, too, can be a shining light of hope to those around you. But, first you must accept it. Are you feeling God’s love? Do you sense His nearness and long for His presence? Just reach out; He is very near. My prayer is: Father, draw me close. Help me to receive Your great love and then share it with those who are near to me. I want Your love to shine through me!

~Tim DeTellis