My third day of the ‘Awakening Fast’ was dominated by the Haitian  tragedy!  It feels  biblical in proportion.  Our  ’21 Days of Fasting’   has only heightened it’s spiritual impact on me.  I had the opportunity  in the late 80’s   to preach in Port-au-Prince.  I have a photo of me standing in  front of the now destroyed Presidential  Palace.  It still lingers as a vivid spiritual  memory. Why? Because  just outside those iron gates of the presidential palace… gates that served to separate the president from the people … were several starving children … their bodies covered in flies … their stomachs protruding from malnutrition.  Yet, no further than 20 yards away… just inside  the iron gates… was a lineup  of Duesenberg automobiles (Rolls Royce’s) owned by then President ‘Baby Doc’ Duvalier.

It was mortifying.

I also remember how  Port-au-Prince  would come alive with the noise of  Voodoo and it’s grotesque rituals once the sun had set.   It was unlike any place on earth I have ever been. I feared for my safety, I sensed demons everywhere.

Much like 9/11 … the events of  Tuesday  will characterize the early moments of this 2010  fast for me.

I was talking with some college students about this today and  how they categorize an event like this  while also trying to defend the ‘character ‘of God.  What I mean by the ‘Character of God’  is His behavior and actions based on the consistency  of His purpose and promises.  In other words, if God is real and truly  loves the world,  how can He then  neglect to protect the innocent in a natural disaster of this magnitude?   Or, if this was somehow an ‘Act of God’ designed to judge  evil, then how could a loving God  allow so many innocent children to die?

This Sunday I will be addressing this major question during my  teaching time.  I just need more space than a blog to answer this incredibly important question.

Somewhat along these lines … I wanted to pass along this VERY controversial story  about the Haitian earthquake.  I would like you  to read this short excerpt and let me know your thoughts. Agree or disagree?

“But during bicentennial events in 2004, Haitian Christian leaders led a national campaign to “break Voodoo’s curse” on the nation, Williams said. That year, he assisted pastor Jean Chavannes Jeune, who sought the Haitian presidency in 2005, in hosting the first-ever national prayer breakfast at the national palace, as well as national prayer event in Port-au-Prince “to claim that going forward Haiti would be a Christian nation.”

“They had quite an enthusiastic and symbolic breaking of Voodoo on the island,” Williams said. “I believe by faith that [the curse was broken], and I think the Haitian Christian leadership believes that’s what happened as well. No doubt.”

Though Voodoo is still prevalent in the nation, Williams and Jeune believe Haiti’s problems are political.

“That’s why you’re seeing with this earthquake just an absolute inept response from the government,” Williams said. “Until the government gets their act together-and obviously we believe as Christians the only way that’s going to happen is if they put the Lord first-Haiti is never going to be the nation it could be. The people, many of them are saved and many of them are on fire, but they’re just oppressed people.”

Despite the flap, one Christian leader publicly came to Robertson’s defense Thursday morning. The Rev. Gary Cass, head of the Christian Anti-Defamation Commission, said Robertson’s comments were “well within the bounds of historic Christian theology.”

“Maybe that’s the real problem after all,” Cass said. “Man is offended by the fact that he is not God. They resent God’s providence. A simple reading of the Bible shows how God uses natural disasters to further His purposes. Earthquakes, floods, famine, locusts, etc. they’re all there, but man hates it.

“Rather than humbly acknowledging that God’s ways are not our ways, man rails against and accuses God. The last thing they will do is cry out for His mercy in Jesus Christ.”

Thoughts?

Hey, I encourage you to stay the course and set realistic goals for yourself during this fasting window at Mars Hill Community. Take time to enjoy the devotionals.  Everyday new people are jumping into our ‘21 Days of Fasting”…  Check out all the resources and ideas available to you and your family on the website under the “Awakening 2010″ tab.  There is a place for everyone during these ‘21 Days of Fasting”.  Karen and I love you and we are with you during these  21 days and beyond of seeking after God!