Lots of people are talking about slavery these days. Haiti is one the countries that still has a form of slavery. They call them RESTAVEK. They are kids who live with a family and are there for service all day everyday with no pay and lots of punishment...mental and physical. If those families were to practice love and 'adopt' the kids as one of their own, it would be a different story. But as it happens in reality, the RESTAVEK system destroys both the servant and the 'master' family. They live a twisted reality, and it goes from generation to generation. A family with a 'slave' isn't a healthy family. It is indeed destructive to the whole family structure. It is one thing that keeps Haitians from thriving. 

In the 1700's and 1800's, slavery in the USA destroyed black families. Government regulations in the 1900's paid poor women to live without the father of their children. More black families were destroyed. 

Wherever families are destroyed, society degenerates. Would a movement that talks about black lives have the destruction of the black family as a goal ? It cannot. It's not hard (for me) to see that the family is God's plan. Children grow under the united leadership of mother and father. Progressive culture is threatened by that simple plan. People have the idea that 'their' idea is superior.  And so, the family is under attack. 

We all know that not every family can look like the model image. That (for me) is why the Psalms talk about God being father to the fatherless. God is the ultimate parent. Still, the family remains God's plan in general for most. (Let's all thank God He can do great things in horrific situations!)  

If Satan is the enemy of God, wouldn't he work to destroy what God establishes and blesses? It's not hard (for me) to see the hand behind the attacks on the family. It all makes sense if you believe what the Bible teaches about life on earth. 

Black families matter. All families matter. It's easy to see, and easy to say. 

My time in Haiti has often been spent strengthening families...helping young people to make good decisions about their future, helping couples to work together, helping kids to be obedient.  I believe in the family. I believe families matter.  

Any culture that desires to make progress must address the family. Black families are key to future of black society in America, in Haiti, in the world. Black families matter. 


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"There is violence in the streets. Going to the hospital is risky and worthy of serious calculation. Masses of people are out of a job. Prices are increasing. Store shelves are not close to full. Elections promise even more violence and upheaval. School is a great big question mark. You can't plan ahead because tomorrow is unpredictable." 

Those words are a description of life in many countries across the globe all of the time. You may recognize the situation now. They characterize life in the USA these days.  

Things I have followed pretty closely in Haiti are now a reality here in PA. In Haiti, you don't go certain places because it is too risky most days. In certain periods, you ask many questions before you even take to the streets to do common errands. It's a sad way to live, and something strange to most Americans...unless you live in a major city this summer.

It is a sad thing that Americans are now experiencing what much of the world lives every day. For some, they will say, "It's about time. America needs to be knocked down a few notches."  I am not in that camp. I see how hard it is to climb up from insecurity. I see how hard it is to move on from vengeance and general distrust. I see the fruit of a pummeled society. 

America is a necessary light on this planet. So many countries are downstream from the USA. When things are good here, those countries live better. When things dry up here, serious drought happens down stream. When America dips into depression, turmoil, strife...those things are piled right on top of the little countries in the shadow of the USA. 

The world needs light. America is a shining city on a hill. May God continue to bless it, and thereby the whole world. 

According to the things I have read and the news from 'my people' in Haiti, the country is now moving on from the virus stoppages. The airport is open. Churches are worshipping together again. Schools are making plans to open their doors. 

The virus apparently made its way across the island with little fanfare. Some died to be sure. But, Haiti is no stranger to illnesses and plagues. It has been down this road before in some ways. 

I have scheduled my flight into Haiti for early August. If things continue to 'flow', I should be there at my place the same day that I leave Pennsylvania. 

I am looking forward to reconnecting with those I haven't seen since February.  I am thankful for an internet connection that has worked about half of the time, and that allows me to visit with the guys at my house. 

I am also very thankful for these strange days here in the USA. I am glad to have been here during the strangeness..."close" to family and especially my mother.

It is not hard to image more strange days ahead. I trust that God will have us all where He wants us to be for the days that are coming. In His will is the best place for anyone to be at any time. I am clear that He is leading me back to the little community of Pasbwadom once again.  



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