God has given me the extraordinary blessing of serving in the middle of His activity in Broward County. Sometimes that means that I get to do something; sometimes it means I get to see something. This weekend was an example of both.
On Saturday night (that's right, Saturday night) I was given the privilege to preach, bringing the Haitian Pastor's Fellowship Evangelism Conference to a conclusion. The night was filled with music, worship of many different styles, honor and the Word. Peterson Guerrier was the worship leader for the evening. He was joined by a dynamic praise team of four young women and a rocking praise band. They did a wonderful job of leading the assembly in worship and praise. Two choirs also sang during the evening.
On Saturday night (that's right, Saturday night) I was given the privilege to preach, bringing the Haitian Pastor's Fellowship Evangelism Conference to a conclusion. The night was filled with music, worship of many different styles, honor and the Word. Peterson Guerrier was the worship leader for the evening. He was joined by a dynamic praise team of four young women and a rocking praise band. They did a wonderful job of leading the assembly in worship and praise. Two choirs also sang during the evening.
The ladies choir from the host church, First Haitian Baptist Church of Pompano, filled the choir loft and filled the sanctuary with very traditional choir sound. Later, a smaller choir from Conservatrice Baptist Church did the same thing. I enjoyed the presentations from both groups.
The Pastor's Fellowship honored its officers for the year: Dr. Joel Lamour (president), Rev. Samuel Charles (vice-president) and Pastor Antoine Matieu Antoine (treasurer). Dr. Raymond Pierre, the counselor to the group was named, but he did not arrive until later. Three significant pastors in Gulf Stream Haitian life were honored with plaques. First, Pastor Jean Belier (Sichem Calvary Baptist Church) was honored for his sacrificial support of the pastors in the group. Pastor Belier is battling cancer and is in dialysis treatment, but not only faithfully attends meetings but finds ways to demonstrate his love for his fellow pastors. Second, Pastor Sylverus Francois (First Ebenezer Christian Church) was honored for his giving spirit and many years of service to the Lord. Finally, Dr. Jacques Dumornay (First Haitian, Pompano) was celebrated for his life of inflence among Haitian believers in Gulf Stream. This quote from the 50 year Gulf Stream history, We came from many nations, empasizes his depth of influence: "The Haitian ministry began in May 1976 under Jacques Dumornay with four members. Five months later 60 were participating in Sunday School, morning and evening Sunday worship services, Monday and Wednesday visitation, and Saturday night fellowship. “Eleven people have come to know Christ and five people have rededicated their lives, we have three baptisms and two weddings,” Dumornay reported." Dr. Dumornay's humility of spirit was the key to his celebration among his brothers.
I preached from the context of the theme passage, John 20:21, "As the Father has sent me, so I also send you." The key message for this large assembly of Christians of Haitian descent was this. You didn't leave Haiti. You were sent. You were sent to a new field of mission: south Florida.
Sunday, I was with Iglesia Bautista Canaan. The worship was absolutely vibrant! Young men creating powerful sound as a praise band and lifting their voices to lead the church in worship. Two special music presentations were made. A young man with a beautiful voice followed by two lovely (but very nervous) young ladies.
What a powerful preacher Canaan has in Domingo Arias! A clear exposition of 1 Corinthians 12:12-14 emphasizing the diversity of function but the unity of the Body of Christ was greeted enthusiastically by the congregation. Pastor Domingo was clear and direct, yet included humor and lightness of spirit as well. I came away encouraged and blessed.
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