Haiti

We often speak with much affection of our Montreal congregation, led by Pastor Albert Cineus. Check the Archives, over there in the left sidebar, for some old stories about them. Or do a word Search to pull some up to re-read.

Today I'm referring you to Art Smith's blog Impressions of Haiti for pictures and commentary of his latest visit to Pastor Albert's homeland. Many of our Montreal families have their origins there.

We all, along with our Montreal folk, have worried and wondered and prayed about the future of Haiti following last year's earthquake and several disasters that have followed. You'll get a bit of an update if you read Art's blog. You'll also read his reference to visiting Montreal years ago and enjoying the hospitality of that "small congregation." At 100 or more active members and friends, they are no longer small, but are one of the larger groups in CEM.

If you haven't thought about Haiti for awhile, let this be a reminder that there is still a great need. And if ever you have a chance to visit, know that you will be welcomed and mightily blessed by a generous people.

Posted by Marion

Celebrate

Some of you have asked for a report on my weekend trip to worship with the Montreal congregation. I know your thoughts and prayers have been with the Haitian church and the ties to our Montreal congregation are very close! (They and we are very grateful for all you've been doing to contribute to the relief efforts there.)

So you would likely not have been surprised to hear of a sad or sombre atmosphere in our worship there. You would have been wrong! This weekend was the tenth anniversary of the church's being able to purchase and occupy their facility. They feel truly blessed to have a place to worship. Every year they mark the date. They were in big-time celebration mode.

This is a people made for praise! Prayers are full of "Hallaluja!" and "Praise Jesus!" The energy and interaction in their gathering is high. Music and singing and movement and colour and flowers and everyone in their very best outfits mark the occasion. After the two and a half hour service we repaired to the lower room for feasting and conversation (and a spontaneous game of tag among the tables, played by children from just walking to teenagers).

Do they not care for the suffering of their compatriots? Absolutely! And they too are sending every bit of money they can. But they are not surprised, as we may be, by the singing in the rubble, because they are singing too.

No one knows the hour they will be called home; praise God we have Jesus in our hearts.
For this they will Celebrate!

Posted by Marion