By Margot de Greef
Going to church in Haiti
It is six o'clock on Sunday morning when the alarm clock goes off. Half an hour later, it is time to go to church. I enjoy the drive there, descending through the mountains and looking out at beautiful vistas that make me see God's special creation. The church is at the end of a cul-de-sac. I walk up the steep slope, an unpaved path. From the roof of the church, there is a beautiful view of the opposite slope.
At seven o'clock, the pastor slides open the gate. Members trickle in. Adults go to one side, children to the other. For the children and youngsters up to about 16 years old, there is their own service and programme. Not everyone is there right at the start. The rest come in later. There are two people at the door, recognisable by their uniforms, who show congregation members to a seat, but also, for example, fetch a glass of water or be helpful in some other way. The pews are filled from front to back.
Sunday school
Prior to the service of worship, there is Sunday school. In Haiti, this has a different meaning than in the Netherlands. At Sunday school, a subject is discussed on the basis of one or often several texts. It is a conversation with room for questions and answers. Important topics are discussed, in line with current events and daily struggles. For example, the local church, the role of the church, talents, different functions and positions in the church, behaviour in the church, the importance of counselling, reconciliation and forgiveness, acknowledging sins, sharing our faith, but also various aspects of communication are discussed.
Being church on Sundays and during the week
Sunday school concludes with prayer. Then all those who have a responsibility in the service gather in the office for common prayer. Meanwhile, the congregation sings. The names of birthdays are called and people visiting the church for the first time are greeted. Prayers are said for both the birthday recipients and visitors. Then the service begins. The first part of the service consists of worship; singing. This is done standing. Every time again, I am amazed by the beautiful harmony, the great singing. Every time, it is a delight to see the vocal talents. The singing is accompanied on guitar, keyboard and drums. This is done by heart, without music books. Songbooks are few and far between; most people know the songs by heart.
Prayer and a collection are not missing either. Sometimes one of the church's choirs or singing groups performs. Again, all songs are sung by heart. Finally, there is a sermon. The pastor himself preaches every first Sunday of the month. The other Sundays, other preachers speak. These may be committee members (similar to the church council), but they may also be other brothers or sisters, usually from their own church, sometimes invited from another church.
The service concludes with singing, prayer and blessing. The singing is often swinging. Instead of folding hands, hands go up in the air. A different way of worship, in a different language, but the same God.
Being church does not stop after the Sunday service. There are almost daily activities at the church. For instance, a special service of fasting and prayer is held every Thursday from 6 am to 12 noon. On other days, there is Bible study, training, choir rehearsal, preparation of Sunday school teachers, or activities for the youth. Services are also held in the homes of church members during the week.
Rock solid confidence
The rock-solid trust in God has amazed me on several occasions. After the 2010 earthquake, people did not turn away from God, they did not ask 'why', but the first thing that sounded was: glory to God! The church had to close its doors a couple of times. First because of corona, later because of insecurity. The neighbourhood in which the church is located became the site of gang violence. Although only about three men come to the church in cars, gang members were targeting them precisely. Church members were driven out of their homes, robbed, destitute. Services have been shortened because of the insecurity, so that people are not too at risk when they come to church. Because of course we may pray for protection, but we also have a responsibility to act prudently and protect each other.
People stand by each other, for better or for worse. If there is a sick person, he or she is visited, at home or in hospital. If there is a death, people attend the funeral in large numbers. If there is a marriage, it is celebrated together in the church. The pastor is authorised to marry people before the law, so there is no need to go to the town hall.
That rock-solid trust and being there for each other in word and deed have touched and shaped me. Everything happens for a reason, though that doesn't mean we get to know that reason, but God is in control and everything is part of His plan.
Brothers and sisters across national borders
The boldness and openness about faith open my eyes. As colleagues, we pray for and with each other, including for wisdom for work. When people visit each other's homes, there is prayer and singing together. Many families are in the habit of ending the day together with singing and prayer. And even then, the voices sound beautiful and harmonious. Every time I tell people that there are prayers for Haiti in the Netherlands, they experience it as very valuable. United as brothers and sisters in one worldwide church, as children of God.
