I have learned many things from ministry over the years, but one thing I come back to repeatedly is that the tasks to accomplish must never overshadow relationships with people. This applies even more so in Haitian culture. Haiti is a very relationally-driven society, so the interpersonal element is crucial for gospel ministry. Fortunately, on this trip I have been able to do both. Poyis came by at breakfast and told me that the Mercy Network pastors would arrive between 9:00–9:30am, and that Jimmy would translate for the morning’s meeting (Poyis wouldn’t be joining us). As it turned out, it was good for me to be with the pastors on my own. Poyis is a central figure, and he probably recognized that it would be a good opportunity for me to spend some more concentrated time with these men.

The hour and a half I had with the Mercy Network pastors was one of the highlights of this trip. I have been a vocational pastor for nine years now (and was an elder for seven years before that), and there is a connection between vocational pastors that is hard to explain. Probably like in any vocation, we relate because we share the same objectives and carry a burden for our people and the lost in significant ways. Some might call this a “calling.” Well, I experienced this connection with eight Haitian pastors today, even though we don’t speak the same language.

With Jimmy translating, I led a short devotional from John 13:1–17 . This is the story of Jesus washing the disciples’ feet (vv. 1–11) and then explaining the significance of serving His sheep in this way (vv. 12–17). I so appreciated the response of these men. All of us admitted that ministry is not easy, but it was convicting and encouraging to remember that the definition of shepherding is to serve. We talked back and forth on this topic for fifteen minutes or so, and then the men started asking me questions about other things in the Bible. It was my delight to answer, and their questions were heartfelt and sincere. 

At the end of our time together, we sang one song and prayed. When we were done, I said goodbye to each of the men and went with them outside to where the staff were putting together Food-Paks from Children’s Hunger Fund and some other items for each of them to take back to their churches. I was blessed to be a part of their time together today, and it’s an incredible encouragement to see the Lord’s work through our Mercy Network pastors.

Please join us in praying for our Mercy Network pastors and their churches in Haiti. To support the ministry, you can make a donation at connect2ministries.org/pastoral-training.

Wiley Kennedy serves as Director of International Ministries with Connect 2 Ministries. To learn more about Wiley, visit Who We Are, and to learn how you can make a difference, visit Join an Outreach Program.