A Note to God from Haiti

When I was in Haiti, which is where I'll be going again this summer, Gary Hippolite asked all of us to write a letter to God. I can't quite remember all the specifics that he asked us to write to God but in any case I just received the letter that I wrote over 8 months ago. Here is what I wrote, bad grammar and all:

Dear God,

What you have shown me here is beyond anything that I have ever gone through. You brought a broken, weak minded, lacking faith boy here to Haiti. My thoughts about going to this trip was like any other I had gone to. You have truly shown what service is. You have truly shown what was said in Hebrews about how you will never leave us or forsake us. Us being your children. Us being the people of Haiti. You have staked your claim on this island. You have taken me, a person whose lack of confidence in himself and in your power to a place that I can never be the same. You have brought me to repentance, you have brought me to humility, and I was able to lean on people whom I barely know. It is by your love and grace only that these things were possible. God you have brought me drive and vision to spread your word to people who are unable to appreciate all the things they have been blessed with. You have brought me to a place of grace. You have brought me to a place of community. You have brought (me) to a place of family. Lord, I know that (you) have been willing me to step out into the harvest and be a laborer for the kingdom. I may not know where I'm going or what I'm doing but I know that in all things and all that I do I will bring you glory. I will show your light. I can't be afraid anymore to step out or to over wait. God I know you are calling me to do greater things. Even though I am weak, your strength is made perfect. You say in your word that I am indispensable. The purpose you brought me here to Haiti was to express the faith I have in (you) that I hide so conveniently. Lord, I know that it is only by you that your light can shine through me and in me. God as you were building that house for those needy people, you were building a house in me! One that was much firmer and stronger than the one I tried building myself. Thank you Lord for the compassion you have for your people. Thank you Lord for drawing us near to you even when we are drifting far from you. Oh Lord I love thee! Your will above all else my purpose remains. The thought of losing myself in bringing you praise.

Your undone and willing servant,
John Barnes