God’s Grace (and Subwoofers)

Two things that North American believers might not put together are God’s saving grace and subwoofers. But in Haiti, they are like two sides of the same coin.

“One way churches can attract non-believers is through engaging and animated worship,” explains Zachary King, a Christian Reformed World Missions missionary in Haiti. “In Haiti that means electric keyboards, microphones, guitars, and, above all else, big speakers (subwoofers).”

Pastor Exuma Exinord, a participant at a recent Timothy Leadership Training event led by Ministry for Christian Development—CRWM’s partner in Haiti—identified this need for quality equipment as he worked through the training’s theme of Christian Stewardship.

Exuma considered his church’s needs when it came time to develop an action plan to implement after the training. He decided to work with members of his church on saving money for new sound equipment.

After many months of hard-nosed saving, Exuma’s church purchased a new set of speakers for 37,000 Haitian Gourdes (about $600 USD).

“This may not seem like much to a North American, but for a Haitian this is a princely sum,” said King.“Eighty percent of all Haitians live on less than two U.S. dollars per day. That means that Exuma and his church saved the equivalent of nearly a year’s worth of income to enhance the worship of Christ at Bethel Christian Assembly.”

Exuma has been a valued member of the Timothy Leadership Training events in Haiti since he began attending in October 2014.

After taking part in the first training, “Caring for God’s People,” he was convinced that God gave him and his fellow church members the task of visiting three lapsed members whom no one had seen for many months.

Exuma quickly learned good pastoral care practice from the training and began making regular visits to the homes of the lapsed members. 

Two of these members responded positively and re-engaged with their faith. Moreover, in the process of the pastoral visits, five acquaintances of the lapsed members came to faith in Christ.

“The love and care shown by Exuma and his friends convinced them of Christ’s gracious love for them as well,” added King.

Exuma’s next training will work through the topic of biblical preaching that he and other members of the group will continue to gain new skills from the events and learn from one another.

Pray that Exuma’s gifts and enthusiasm for improving his church’s ministry will continue to yield positive results.