Last Sunday, the day before my friends Vilmer and Lucner returned to Haiti, we were able to give them a few minutes to share during our Sunday morning service. Lucner did a brief version of the story of the Lord’s conquering the Voodoo village, that I wrote about a couple of weeks ago.
Then, Vilmer and I shared this exchange:
- Bob: In addition to being the pastor of a church, Vilmer runs a school because he believes deeply in the importance of Christian education. Vilmer, how many students do you have in your school?
- Vilmer: 1,087
- Bob: 1,087! Wow. But tell me, what is it like for you, living in a place like Haiti, to visit the United States?
- Vilmer: The U.S. is a wonderful place. I am U.S. educated. I would love to stay here. It would be better for my family and me to stay here. Living in Haiti is difficult. But the Lord has not called me here. He has called me to stay in Haiti. What would happen to my 600 church members and the 1,087 children in my school and their families if I stayed here? Jesus left heaven to come to earth not because it was easy but in order to save us. I can’t think about what is better for the six members of my family when there are thousands depending on me in Haiti. It’s a matter of what’s best for the Kingdom.
At this, the congregation, not given to spontaneous outbursts, broke into applause! They knew they were witnessing something significant.
After the service, there was a steady stream of people wanting to interact with them.
It is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. I am hard-pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith. (Philippians 1.20 – 25, ESV, emphasis mine)
It was such an honor to hear their respective stories.
Thank you for introducing me to Lucner. To actually hear his description of the Voodoo village, interaction with the Voodoo doctor and the transformation that is happening is a true gift. They are remarkable individuals.
Dan & I have discussed their work a lot. Knowing Vilmer’s conscious decision to remain because of the lives he can change and has changed is a great example of what one person can do to make a significant difference in this world.
Well said, Kathleen.
It was good to meet you Kathleen !
I enjoyed meeting you too Lucner!