(Shirley Morley recently retired after 53 years of owning and operating a styling salon. She has a huge heart for people and quietly serves and ministers to people on a regular basis. She attends First United Methodist Church in Sedalia, MO.)
My Love For Missions Started At A Young Age ~
I grew up in a small country church back in the 50's and revivals were a big part of my life. In one of the revivals, a missionary from Africa was our guest speaker. I don't remember much of his message, but I do remember the "big" python snakeskin (that stretched clear across the front of the church -- through a child's eyes) and that he shared Jesus to the African people in remote villages. It is still etched in my memory how hungry the African people were to hear about Jesus and how peaceful they were with so little. I knew at a young age I wanted to go to a 3rd world country (although I didn't really know what that meant) to share Jesus and learn about their culture. I felt peaceful and knew God had a plan for me someday. "Come unto me and I will give you peace." Matthew 11:28
Fast Forward About 30 Years To A Much Larger Church ~
In the early 80's (at a revival), an evangelist came to our church. I remember his message was bold and his love for the Lord was evident. One evening he shared about his mission trips to Haiti. Again, I heard the words "peaceful with so little". I rededicated my life and signed up to go to Haiti. The Lord confirmed my decision with scripture. "I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, with all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." Ephesians 4:1-3 (KJV) My biggest concern was the language barrier, but the Lord continued to give me peace. A smile ended up being the universal language (but of course we used an interpreter too.) "Keep your mind on Christ and He will keep you in perfect peace." Isaiah 26:3
Time To Leave For Haiti~
We landed in Port-au-Prince and a missionary had our transportation waiting for us -- a deuce and a half truck (that's a 2 1/2 ton military truck). Thankfully, this truck was built for rugged terrain since our destination was in the northwest corner of Haiti. It was only 150 miles, but due to rough roads, it took us 21 hours... and several flat tires. This truck was a perfect fit for us.
Arrived In Our Village~
We were greeted by the Haitians with such joy! You could see it in their eyes, and I could feel it in my heart. This was my first time in Haiti, but it felt like déjà vu... so peaceful.
The Church Service~
Church is so different in Haiti. If you are in a remote village, the church is a lean-to (hut) and the church pews are a pole. Believe me, these pews leave quite an "impression" because they sing for at least an hour (everyone wants to sing a special), offering, baptism, testimonies, the Message, and then more singing. Oh what joy from the Haitians that have so little.
God's Lesson To Me~
God doesn't care what I have, but He cares WHAT HAS ME. I found peace and joy in a 3rd world country... and you can find peace and joy whever you find yourself today. Whether it holds sadness or joy for you, you can know peace, stillness, and grace in your soul today.
"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder; and his name shalled be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:6 (KJV)
