Hope In Christ: Testimony from LeAnna Miller

I saw God work in my life in a mighty way while I was serving on the mission field in Haiti. I went with the expectation of lending a helping hand to a nation who had suffered devastation from an earthquake. I was hoping that by helping them rebuild, I would show them the love of God and they would be grateful. Upon arriving in Haiti, I saw the desperate needs of the people immediately. I saw the conditions that many of the people are living in and began to question how I was going to help them. It took me about three days to realize that “I” wasn’t going to be able to help them at all! My purpose was to stop trying to figure out God’s plan and to simply live out Acts 1:8 by telling others at the “ends of the earth” about Jesus’ love. It was important not only to tell them about the hope they have in Jesus, but to show them.


I realized after being there for seven days that the only way for hope in Haiti is faith in Jesus. I’ve heard this preached from the pulpit. I’ve read the scriptures that make reference to it. But it was made real to me through the eyes of children, the sweat and dirt of Haitian workers, and the sad underlying tune of their praise and worship songs. I knew right then and there, Thursday night while listening to the children sing, that Jesus Christ is the only hope for this nation. I know that prayer is powerful! I “pinky promised” two of the girls that I would NEVER forget them, and I know that my prayers and the prayers of others CAN help lead them to the hope found in Jesus Christ. This was far from the construction helper that I thought I would be. I now realize that is just rubble and concrete.

Hebrews 11:1 “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”

True Worship: The Testimony of Wilbur Phillips

Having never been on a mission trip, I went in to this with no expectations, just an open mind and heart eager to serve the people of Haiti. The one event that has been burned into my heart happened Sunday afternoon. I was wandering around the compound, and as I made it to the tent where church services were held that morning I noticed a group of five teenage girls singing the most heartfelt song. When they finished the song they immediately began praying. Their singing and praying went on for about an hour and a half. When they were finished they got up, hugging and encouraging one another. This was the most intense worship I have ever witnessed, and GOD was honoring it with the presence of the HOLY SPIRIT! Oh, did I mention that they were doing it on their own with no adults telling them it's time to start or stop? I shared with the Piney Grove congregation this morning that after seeing this, I felt ashamed and almost unworthy of calling myself a Christian. GOD broke my heart, showing me how I had been disobedient so many times in serving Him. I had always served Him on my terms and in my comfort zone, not answering the call of His will. I'm so thankful that we serve a patient and loving GOD who truly wants us to have what He has to give.

I think it's important for others to go on a missions trip because you have to get out of your "comfort zone," meaning when we step out of we depend on CHRIST and not our own abilities. I will be returning to the mission field so I can learn all I can about missions and lay a solid foundation for our missions outreach at Piney Grove Baptist Church.

Thank all of you and GOD bless,

Wilbur Phillips