Today I saw the kingdom of God.
I SAW the kingdom of God. Right in front of me.
Today was spent at Wings of Hope. Before I had experienced this place, I described it as an orphanage that cared for children and adults with disabilities.
No. Not even close. At. All.
It is a family of 33 children, youth, adults and their caregivers all with various levels of abilities. Each, and everyone a beloved child of God.
We arrived and were immediately whisked away to basketball, drawing, walking, hand holding and smiling. Lots and lots of smiling. After greeting all of the Wings Family, worship began. You have not experienced worship until you have experienced it at Wings of Hope. Steve played the drums, we sang, read scripture and prayed.
And those prayers... oh, those prayers. Sarafina prayed from deep inside. The most beautiful prayer I have ever heard. I have no idea what it was she said. To a passerby it might have seemed like merely noises strung together. But each syllable was an utterance directly to the ears of God. With her eyes closed she bobbed her head with intention as she relayed her words directly to her creator. Goosebumps.
As worship continued communion was distributed among all. It was simply joy to see David's face smile bigger and brighter as the pastors got closer with the bread and wine. Shouldn't we all be that excited to receive the Lord's supper?
Let me say again... you have not experienced worship until you have worshipped with the Wings of Hope Family.
The remainder of the morning and afternoon we spent there. Some danced and drew pictures. Others played basketball and soccer. Some just cuddled while watching the girls do our hair.
Regardless of the activity, we all witnessed something powerful. The people at Wings of Hope care for one another. Regardless of age or ability they look out for one another and help one another. It is the Body of Christ in the most tangible form I have ever seen.
This is God's Kingdom come near.
A short walk in the evening
This is God's Kingdom come near.
A tap tap to get back to the hotel
Little fishing boats lined the shore
For more info about Wings of Hope... www.heartswithhaiti.org/wings-of-hope
For more info about Haitian Timoun Foundation... www.htflive.org
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