I have replayed the events of last week in my mind over and over. The Churches Helping Pastors retreat ended with Dr. Dorlus, the President of S.T.E.P., privately saying to me, “This is the best conference we’ve ever had.”  Here are just a few of the reasons why:

• Personal spiritual renewal: It is relatively easy to put together a gathering that results in intellectual enrichment. But this wasn’t our goal.  We were praying for God to bring healing to pastors’ afflictions as they opened up.  The first evening, one of the pastors shared in tears about the loss of his son and daughter.  At one point in the conference, one of the most respected church leaders in the country stood in front of 200 peers and confessed a personal sin committed just the day before.  The S.T.E.P. faculty later told me this never happens in Haiti.  This kind of vulnerability and brokenness does not get crafted by human hands. God was clearly at work.
• Practical equipping: I will never forget this sentence that was repeated before and during the conference: “You already have more than you know to counsel those in need.  You have the gospel.”  Many pastors came thinking they would receive new skills to put in their toolkit, but instead, they learned how to practically use the one they already had.
• Revitalized vision and passion: The final day, we gave an opportunity for pastors to come and share final words.  Pastor Ford Estima, a leader of leaders, started off, “For me to say how much this week helped me would diminish its value.” After a few more words, he finished by looking directly at the teaching team from the U.S. who challenged and encouraged the Haitian pastors throughout the week.  Estima exclaimed, “What you asked for, you will get it!”  The entire room burst into both laughter and agreement.
• About the container: Many have asked me about that.  The container didn’t show up, but God did. The shipper delivered the container four days later than promised, which did not give us enough time to get it through customs.  The most critical item was our 5,000 square foot tent.  With rainy season in full swing ramping up into hurricane season, it literally rains everyday in Haiti.   I arrived a day early, and sure enough, the rains poured and the power went out.  But once the men started to arrive, the weather patterns throughout the week seemed to revolve around our program.  For five days, we did not get rained on once. Many of the Haitians were scratching their heads in disbelief.  On Friday, when we left, it was as if God let go of the edges of clouds he was holding open.  The sun disappeared, and the rain poured.  I was reminded that it wasn’t the first time I’ve seen mysteriously favorable weather for the sake of ministry.
• Church Reconstruction: Based on the needs, we will either rebuild or repair churches. Based off an approach developed with Habitat for Humanity, we are partnering with Calvary Chapel Ft. Lauderdale to donate a frame structure and tarp covering to 30 smaller churches in Jacmel. For donors who are interested in sponsoring specific needs and permanent building materials beyond the initial frame structure, direct sponsorship opportunities will be made available online.
  
  Haiti is no longer in a state of emergency, and some form of regular life has returned to the street of Port-au-Prince. Because of the extreme poverty and lack of infrastructure prior to the earthquake, however, proper recovery is extremely complex and fragile.
  
  Therefore, one of CHC’s core operating principles is to lead from behind. This is why we are being very careful not to rush these rebuilding plans. Haitians have to own and execute initiatives for sustainable recovery. Many well-respected NGOs are responding the same way: Plan slowly by consensus, then execute quickly through Haitian leadership. While this plan might seem slow, we are convinced it is the best way to ensure that the church in Haiti rebuild and be strong, not just until the next crisis, but for generations.
  

To the men who attended Churches Helping Pastors, I can’t wait to see what the Lord does in and through you in the weeks to come!

To those that gave toward and prayed for this event, thank you.  A special thanks to those who keep up-to-date on the latest happenings for real-time prayer needs.  We felt an uncanny connection with you throughout the week.

And so after it was all finished, I was exhausted but found myself lying down – eyes wide open, mind racing, heart pounding – surprised by God.  To Him be the glory!

–Tom

Thomas Kim is the executive director of Churches Helping Churches. He is based in Chicago.