Lessons From Haitian Church

There are a lot of things that Haitians do extremely well, and church is definitely one of them.  I do not think that you can go to church in Haiti and not be inspired, encouraged, and challenged.   The only way I can think to describe it as is a little glimpse of Heaven. 

Church in Haiti is a big deal.  Everyone wears their Sunday best.  Their Sunday best could be a ball gown, or a pair of gym pants with dress shoes, but they do whatever they can to dress nice.  Everyone walks to church, and many people walk from very far away.  The worship is incredible.  Everyone sings, everyone claps (even if you cannot find the beat like me), everyone waves their arms.  There is dancing, tears, and prayers.  Their way of worship is such a biblical way of worship.  Their acts of reverence to God do not stop there.  Even though most Haitian families live off less than a dollar a day, they still put whatever they can in the offering basket.  During prayers, they do not get frustrated when the prayer goes a little too long.  Rather, they get on their knees and pray along with the pastor. 

Not only was I inspired by this, but I was also challenged in church.  During church, I was reminded that church is not supposed to be a place of comfort.  Rather, it is supposed to be a place where we go to worship, encourage, and learn with other believers.  Haitian church is anything but comfortable.  There is no air-conditioning, and it is so hot.  Everyone is crammed together.  The benches are made for about three people to sit comfortably on.  Today, my bench had eight people.  Even though it is hot and crowded, church services last over two hours.  The Haitian people do not go to church for the donuts or the appearance or any other reason.  No one would sit that crammed in such a hot area for that long just because.  They go for the reason we should all be going to church: to worship our creator. 

Now my question is: are we going to church for the right reason? Would we continue to go if the air conditioner was broken and everyone had to sit on the front few pews?  Do we respect God by dressing our best for church?  Do we worship with no reserve?  Do we stay faithful in offering when other needs seem greater?

As my perspective of church has been and will continue to be challenged and changed, I challenge you to think about all of this as you go to church next week.  Don’t just go because it is a habit, but go to worship our Savior. 

Part of my Haitian family after church.  From left to right: Jumar, Richie, Yoli, and Niason