HAPPENINGS AROUND THE WORLD n HAPPENINGS AROUND THE WORLD n HAPPENINGS AROUND THE WORLD n

We provide primary education to orphans and about 120 kids from Delmas . . . Thanks to all of you.

The brothers of Taizé consciously live their

faith in Jesus Christ in material simplicity. Few luxuries are permitted. Such luxuries often make us complacent in our lives and in our relationship with Jesus Christ. The most fascinating aspect was the strength

that radiated throughout Taizé. From the begin- ning, young people have been impressed by the way faith in Jesus Christ is being lived at Taizé. Scheduled repetitive prayer, stillness and a simple way of life spark an indescribably deep longing for life. For many, it is the first time to actually

experience their faith, their first encounter with the crucified and resurrected Jesus. The opportunity for “confession” and coun-

seling following the daily evening prayer is gratefully enjoyed by many. We lived in Taizé for five days, along

with many people. We met the brothers and experienced a “heaven-like” atmosphere. To live together also means learning to give

up many comfortable habits, to intentionally simplify life and to serve each other. For some pastors this meant scrubbing pots in the kitchen or handing out meals. We all learned that greatness in God’s kingdom is directly linked to serving God. On our last day we had the pleasure

of personally meeting the prior of the COMMUNAUTÉ, Frère Alois. Never before in the history of the COMMUNAUTÉ had a group of pastors as large as ours participated in a youth gathering in Taizé. We met people who passionately search for

unity between Christians and their churches. The difference is that this unity is not established in negotiations and written agreements between church representatives. It is made tangible through practical living, a way of living faith that is close to our Baptist hearts. Our visit here could be an opportunity to

develop into something more than a pleasant experience, the beginning of a broader connec- tion between the COMMUNAUTÉ and Baptists in Germany, Europe and worldwide. A global approach to evangelism is evidently

felt in Taizé. We are very grateful for the opportunity to

experience some of the greatness of God. We take with us the knowledge that there are people all over the world who are seeking God and who are experiencing the resurrected Christ in many ways. True to the spirit of Laudate omnes gentes –

“Praise the Lord God all nations!” Thorsten May and Siegmar Assmann

are pastors of free churches in Lübeck and

Heikendorf/Holstein, respectively. 18 BAPTIST WORLD MAGAZINE in Germany, A HAITI: Source of Light

project in Haiti, largely funded by the Baptist World Alliance, has made an indelible mark

on the Delmas 19 community in the country’s capital, Port-au-Prince. Source of Light cost approximately

US$1.5 million to construct. The majority of the funds were provided by the BWA through its relief and development arm, Baptist World Aid. Contributions came from other sources such as the Virginia Baptist Mission Board. Construction was supervised by Hungarian Baptist Aid. The facility was dedicated in 2012. “Source of Light Center at Delmas 19

Haiti is a blessing for Haiti and couldn’t happen without your support after the earthquake in 2010,” wrote Ronel Mesidor, vice president of the Haiti Baptist Convention (HBC). “We (HBC and Delmas 19 community) are very proud about this ministry. With limited resources we keep growing.”

Source of Light meets an urgent

need for education in Haiti’s capital as approximately 90 percent of the schools in and around Port-au-Prince were either severely damaged or destroyed by the January 12, 2010, earthquake. The building was constructed on lands owned by the HBC. “We started with a few kids and

now we have 35 orphans at the center,” Mesidor said. “We provide primary education to orphans and about 120 kids from Delmas community. Besides primary education they have computer, English, music and soccer classes.” In addition, he said 12 handicapped

children receive daily therapy for free, the complex provides potable water to the community, and it creates employ- ment opportunities. “Most important, we preach the Gospel,” he declared. “Thanks to all of you; you are part of this blessing.”

Above and below: Students at Source of Light in Haiti. The facility was built with funds provided by the BWA