Djembe
Intercultural Magazine of Concordia College
Fanmi nan Kris ("Family in Christ")
Dr. Connie L. Peterson
I was in a small town outside of Port au Prince during the recent earthquake. Though the ground was shaking, I felt the palpable faith of the Haitian people. I heard them wail in the streets as they grieved the deaths of family and friends. I watched them walk into town lonely, lost and hungry. I saw people who were starving share their food with strangers. Through it all I heard them praise God and depend on his personal presence in their lives. We sang the song "Great ls Thy Faithfulness" (the lyrics appear in bold letters below) together on the morning that we were evacuated from the city. I will never forget that moment for as long as I live.
Great Is Thy Faithfulness
I see Your face in their trusting eyes and white tooth grins. . .
They are starving. . .Jesus can you see them?
I hear Your joy in their lilting voices. . .
They are hurting. . .Jesus can you hear them?
I sense Your love in their gracious hearts and humble service. . .
They are dying. . .Jesus can you feel them?
I feel Your hands in their work worn fingers and giving spirits. . .
They are lonely. . .Jesus can you touch them?
Great Is Thy Faithfulness
I feel their faith in Your mercy and covenant. . .
Jesus they are thankful.
I feel their passion when they praise Your name. . .
Jesus they are faithful.
I feel their trust in their treasure in heaven. . .
Jesus they are waiting.
All That I Needeth Thy Hand Hath Provideth
Yea though they walk through the valley of the shadow of death
They fear no evil, for Thou art with them.
Thy rod and Thy staff comfort them. . .
And they shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever
Great Is Thy Faithfulness
Jesus loves them this I know.