“We've Decided to Serve God In Haiti”
Peter said to him [Jesus], “We have left everything to follow you!”
“I tell you the truth,” Jesus replied, “no one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and the gospel will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age (homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and fields—and with them, persecutions) and in the age to come, eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and the last first.”
Kerry R. writes:
I have been an optometrist for almost 10 years. God has blessed and we got to the place where we owned three practices, new cars, our dream home on a farm, and the “American Dream” was a reality.
We had just adopted two kids to add to our four others, and everything seemed perfect. But we knew God was calling us to something more.
We had been working in ministry in Haiti for about three years, ministering through churches and schools, feeding children and doing medical care. After our last trip in April, we felt God was calling us to minister there full time.
So just over a month ago, we surrendered to full-time missions in the poorest country in our hemisphere. No hot water. Limited electricity. No luxuries. But unlimited opportunities to minister in the name of Jesus.
We are currently selling our home, the land we own, and all of our personal possessions. We will be taking our three smallest children and two suitcases each … to follow the calling of the Lord.
In the verses in Mark (above), Peter says he abandoned all for the sake of the call, and Jesus tells him that it is no sacrifice.
Jim Elliot, the great pioneer missionary martyr to Ecuador said it best when he said, “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.”
We say, “Here I am, Lord, send me.”
You can read about our family on our blog.
Thank you for your prayers!
Please note that the views expressed in this story are not necessarily the views of the American Bible Society. Story posted on June 6th, 2008 and filed under Your Stories, God's Love, Prayer, Evangelization, Missions, Verses.
June 6th, 2008 at 12:51 pm
Dear Kerry R.:
You and your precious family have my highest respect and admiration.
Truly, you are a superb living example of following the calling of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ across oceans and seas:
“For what will a man be profited, if he gains the whole world, and forfeit his soul?…For the Son of man is going to come in the glory of His Father with His angels; and WILL THEN RECOMPENSE EVERY MAN ACCORDING TO HIS DEEDS.” (Matthew 16:26-27).
Thank you for renewing my faith: (Jesus said to His disciples) “If anyone wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me….” (Matthew 16:24).
May GOD ALL MIGHT Bless you and yours to be the “Sower” in Haiti, where many will be blessed by you: For
Jesus said: “He who receives you receives Me, and he who receives Me receives Him who sent me.” (Matthew 10:40).
GODSPEED, always and forevermore!
Mary Sun.
June 7th, 2008 at 9:53 pm
Dear Kerry,
Isn’t it amazing that all the material wealth and earthly possesions pales in comparsion to the deep riches of purpose and destiny that rest in a heart that is surrendered to God. Your story of conviction has compelled me to let go of the things that tie me to this world. Thank you for reminding me that God’s plan and purpose for our lives is the only true way of perfect happiness and joy. I pray that you and your family be embraced by the Spirit of God to withstand the elements and limitations that come from living in the poorest of countries. May His perfect hand of compassion and power strengthen for your journey as you abide in Him.
Peace and Blessings,
B. Michelle
July 22nd, 2008 at 2:23 pm
Your story is so inspirational to us all. All of us who would not yet do as you would and are doing. You are living the Gospel as sure as I am writing this. May everyone who reads your story be as motivated as you folks are, to live the life Christ wants us to live. I know you will make a huge huge impact on the people where you are going.