18/02/2024
THE DAY I KISSED A VOODOO PRIEST (Haiti Mission Trip-2010)
Our trip was ending after spending several days ministering to the physical and spiritual needs to the beautiful people in Citi Soleil, Haiti. After several minutes of sharing (through an interpreter), I finally asked Dielulifait, a community leader, if he wanted to pray to make Jesus Lord of his life. I emphasized Lord because I wanted him to know that he would have to get rid of the voodoo practice and dealings in the occult. Dielulifait looked sad because voodoo was not only his status in the community but it was his livelihood. Folks in the village paid for his services casting spells and removing evil spirits. In a real sense he was like the local medicine man that also performed curses on bad folks. I didn't want to be flippant nor offer cliches but I assured from God's Word that whatever we give up in the Name of Jesus, He would supply our need. Again he refused and said, he wouldn’t pray until he could make a total commitment to Jesus. Wow! I respected that. If we here in America truly counted the cost of discipleship what a difference our churches would be, probably not so crowded and more impactful. Motivated by intense love that flowed from the heart of God, I asked if I could give him a hug. He said yes. We embraced and the tangible presence of God came upon us. I prayed in his ear, (though he couldn’t understand much English.) He held me tightly and seemed to melt in the embrace, it was like he collapsed in my arms. I could feel his breathing come in sync with mine. We held each other for what seemed several minutes. Tears began to form in his eyes and also in mine. As we broke our embrace, I kissed him on his cheek and said Jesus loves you so much. He looked at me with tear filled cheeks and nodded yes and said, "merci jesu...merci jesu".