Interested in supporting me?

Hey everyone!  I thought I would do a quick post with information in case you are interested in supporting me while I am in Haiti for the next year.

I will be leaving on August 5th for Haiti.  I will spend a year teaching kindergarten at TLC Barefoot School in Port-au-Prince.  The school will is providing me with my very own apartment (rent free).  However, I will need to pay for everything else myself (food/water, flight tickets, internet connection, etc).  The teaching position is un-paid so I am just trusting God to provide for me during that time.

I am working two jobs until I leave to try and save up, but I would gladly accept help from anyone who would like to support me.  If you are interested, you can contact me or you can send donations to me through my church.  100% of donations sent to Higher Hope will go toward my work in Haiti.  Checks can be made out/sent to:

Higher Hope International Ministries

P.O. Box 558 

Sunbury, PA 17801

**Don't forget to write my name (Katie Benner) in the memo!

Philippians 4:19

Today, for a brief time I let doubt creep into my mind.  The thought of going to Haiti for an entire year scares me, I will admit.  Mostly, it is the fear that I will not have what I need.  Since I will not be getting paid to teach, I worry about running out of money or not having stores to go to if I need something.  I worry about being homesick, and missing my friends and family.

I have conflicting thoughts.  While I know in my heart that God has called me to Haiti and has promised to take care of me, my mind tells me otherwise.  Satan sneaks in at my weakest moments and whispers lies.

Today when I read my daily devotional, the verse for the day reminded me of God's promises to me:

“And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 (NIV)

 Ok, God.  I got the hint. :)

The Narrow Path

“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’

-Matthew 7:21-23

The following experience has been on my heart so I feel that I should share it with you, blog readers.  At work a few days ago, I waited on a middle-aged couple.  The entire time they were dining, nothing seemed out of the ordinary.  They weren't overly kind or friendly and they did not make any effort to talk to me aside from ordering their food.

Later as I was clearing their table off, I saw that they had left their tip tucked inside a pamphlet.  On the cover of the pamphlet was a photo of a beautiful sunset with the words, "Are you going to Heaven?" across the top.  The restaurant was busy at the time so I quickly opened it up and skimmed what it had to say.  It was a watered down list of steps to explain how to "get into Heaven".  I don't remember the exact steps, but it was basically to admit that you are a sinner and pray a sinner's prayer.

I almost laughed out loud after looking at it.  It was a perfect example of what I had just read the day before in the book Radical by David Platt.  In one part of the book, David writes about how we have watered down Christianity to a series of steps and sales pitches that will assure we "get into heaven."  In the book David writes, "I invite you to consider with me a proper response to this gospel.  Surely more than praying a prayer is involved.  Surely more than religious attendance is warranted.  Surely this gospel evokes unconditional surrender of all that we are and all that we have to all that he is."

David goes on to quote Matthew 7:21-23: "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.  Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’  David explains that in this passage, Jesus was not talking to non-believers.  He was talking to very religious people.  People that thought they were headed to heaven.  People that thought because they prayed the sinner's prayer and they were 'good people' they were going to be ok.

Platt also writes, "The danger of spiritual deception is real.  As a pastor, I shudder at the thought and lie awake at night when I consider the possibility that scores of people who sit before me on a Sunday morning might think that they are saved when they are not.  Scores of people who have positioned their lives on a religious road that makes grandiose promises at minimal cost.  We have been told all that is required is a one-time decision, maybe even mere intellectual assent to Jesus, but after that we need not worry about his commands, his standards, or his glory.  We have a ticket to heaven, and we can live however we want on this earth.  Our sin will be tolerated along the way.  Much of modern evangelism today is built on leading people down this road, and crowds flock to it, but in the end it is a road built along sinking sand, and it risks disillusioning millions of souls."

It is so sad to think that I know more than a few people that fit into that description.  They call themselves Christians, but their lives do not model that of a follower of Jesus.  It is true that "it is by grace we are saved and not by works (Ephesians 2)" BUT we are called to live a new life, turn from sin, to pick up our cross, and follow Christ.  

While I do not want to condemn/judge anyone for the way that they evangelize, I am seeing now why so many Christians seem to be hypocrites.  They have been sold a lie.  Being a follower of Christ on the "narrow road to heaven" is going to be difficult.  We have to give up OUR dreams for His.  We have to die to ourselves.  God promises that as followers we will be persecuted, and crushed down but not destroyed.

As I reflect back on the couple from the restaurant.  I wonder if maybe they are unaware of some of these Biblical truths.  Maybe they were also deceived about what it means to follow Jesus.  Nothing about them showed me their love for Christ.  If I were a non-believer, that pamphlet would have been scoffed at and thrown in the trash.  If I were a non-believer, would that pamphlet have shown me God's love?  That couple did not seem to care about me or have any overflowing joy in their lives.  Why should I bother to accept their God if their life is no different than mine? 

The situation has caused me to take a look at my own self.  While I have never handed out an "Are you going to heaven" pamphlet, I know there are many times that I have taken the easy way out.  Instead of stopping for the person in front of me, talking to them, giving them the time of day, loving them, showing them Jesus in my life, or sharing the gospel, I walked right on past...or even worse, I might not have even noticed them at all.  While God might still somehow use an "Are you going to heaven" pamphlets for his purpose, I don't think that is how he intended us to share his gospel.  I believe that we are to be a bold living example.

**I would like anyone reading this post to know that although I wrote this, I was convicted by the words on this page just as much I think some of you might be.

Happy Father's Day!

"Grandchildren are the crown of the aged,and the glory of children is their fathers."

Proverbs 17:6

I love you, Daddy-o!

Old Pictures

While I was borrowing my parents' computer, I came across some pictures from November.  They were taken during my mom's visit to Haiti.  Seeing them made my heart happy so I wanted to share!

T-minus 48 days until I move back to Haiti!

Are you empowered?

This verse has been on my mind and heart today.

Anticipation, excitement, emotions, and faith

I bought my flight ticket to Haiti this week, and the countdown continues.  51 days until I am Haiti bound!  I have to confess that after I bought my tickets, I cried.  I am not completely sure why I cried, but it happened.  I think part of the reason was because it is that "time of the month" (yeah, I really just shared that on my blog) and I tend to be extra emotional during that time.  But not only that, buying the tickets always makes it "real" for me.  Whenever I purchase my plane tickets, I realize that it is really actually happening...I am going to Haiti.

Although I've been there three times now and it feels like home to me, it is still a little scary, overwhelming, and emotional when I think about leaving...this time around even more so.  This time, I will be living by myself in an apartment.  I will have my own classroom full of energetic and amazing kindergarteners in the fall.  I will be responsible for the education of these little ones.  I will be gone for a whole year.  This week, all of this is suddenly becoming real to me and I'm feeling the weight of it.  It is wonderful, exciting, and incredible, but also scary.  Don't worry...the "wonderful, exciting, and incredible" parts definitely outweigh the "scary" parts.

I really think that God was trying to tell me something today.  As I was going through my morning routine, I was thinking about my fears (fears for my life in general and fears for my life once I get back to Haiti).  While checking my e-mail, I saw that the daily e-mail devotional was called "Faith that Moves God's Heart".  It was all about how God rewards those that have faith in Him without any backup plans.  The writer talked about how all too often we have "faith with an exit strategy" or "faith with a backup plan".  We need to learn to have faith in God only.  We need to learn to have faith in circumstances in which we need God in order to survive....faith that says, "If God does not provide for me in this circumstance, I will not make it."  I need that kind of faith.  I want that kind of faith.

Shortly after reading that devotional, I picked up another devotional book and randomly opened it up.  The title of the devotion that it opened to said something to the effect of, "God will reward the faithful".  The devotional went on to tell the story of the woman on the street who reached out and touched Jesus' robe.  She was instantly healed because of her faith in Him.

An hour or two later, I got into my car to drive to work.  I plugged in my iPod and set my music to "random".  The lyrics of the first song that played immediately caught my attention:

Would I believe you when you would say
Your hand will guide my every way
Will I receive the words You say
Every moment of every day

Well I will walk by faith
Even when I cannot see
Well because this broken road
Prepares Your will for me

Help me to win my endless fears
You've been so faithful for all my years
With one breath You make me new
Your grace covers all I do

Don't you just love those days when God clearly speaks to you and there is no mistaking what He wants you to learn?  I had to laugh at myself today because He seemed to make His lesson so obvious for me that it was like He was just saying, "Excuse me!  Helloooo!  Don't you know that you just need more faith, Katie!?  Stop your worrying.  Forget your fears.  I will take care of it if you just have faith."

Father's Love Letter

My Child,

You may not know me,
but I know everything about you.
Psalm 139:1 

 

I know when you sit down and when you rise up.
Psalm 139:2

I am familiar with all your ways.
Psalm 139:3

Even the very hairs on your head are numbered.
Matthew 10:29-31

For you were made in my image.
Genesis 1:27

In me you live and move and have your being.
Acts 17:28 

For you are my offspring.
Acts 17:28 

I knew you even before you were conceived.
Jeremiah 1:4-5 

I chose you when I planned creation.
Ephesians 1:11-12 

You were not a mistake,
for all your days are written in my book.
Psalm 139:15-16

I determined the exact time of your birth
and where you would live.
Acts 17:26 

You are fearfully and wonderfully made.
Psalm 139:14 

I knit you together in your mother's womb.
Psalm 139:13 

And brought you forth on the day you were born.
Psalm 71:6

I have been misrepresented
by those who don't know me.
John 8:41-44

I am not distant and angry,
but am the complete expression of love.
1 John 4:16 

And it is my desire to lavish my love on you.
1 John 3:1 

Simply because you are my child
and I am your Father.
1 John 3:1

I offer you more than your earthly father ever could.
Matthew 7:11 

For I am the perfect father.
Matthew 5:48 

Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand.
James 1:17

For I am your provider and I meet all your needs.
Matthew 6:31-33 

My plan for your future has always been filled with hope.
Jeremiah 29:11 

Because I love you with an everlasting love.
Jeremiah 31:3 

My thoughts toward you are countless
as the sand on the seashore.
Psalms 139:17-18

And I rejoice over you with singing.
Zephaniah 3:17 

I will never stop doing good to you.
Jeremiah 32:40 

For you are my treasured possession.
Exodus 19:5 

I desire to establish you
with all my heart and all my soul.
Jeremiah 32:41 

And I want to show you great and marvelous things.
Jeremiah 33:3 

If you seek me with all your heart,
you will find me.
Deuteronomy 4:29 

Delight in me and I will give you
the desires of your heart.
Psalm 37:4 

For it is I who gave you those desires.
Philippians 2:13 

I am able to do more for you
than you could possibly imagine.
Ephesians 3:20 

For I am your greatest encourager.
2 Thessalonians 2:16-17

I am also the Father who comforts you
in all your troubles.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 

When you are brokenhearted,
I am close to you.
Psalm 34:18 

As a shepherd carries a lamb,
I have carried you close to my heart.
Isaiah 40:11 

One day I will wipe away
every tear from your eyes.
Revelation 21:3-4 

And I'll take away all the pain
you have suffered on this earth.
Revelation 21:3-4 

I am your Father, and I love you
even as I love my son, Jesus.
John 17:23 

For in Jesus, my love for you is revealed.
John 17:26

He is the exact representation of my being.
Hebrews 1:3 

He came to demonstrate that I am for you,
not against you.
Romans 8:31 

And to tell you that I am not counting your sins.
2 Corinthians 5:18-19

Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled.
2 Corinthians 5:18-19 

His death was the ultimate expression
of my love for you.
1 John 4:10

I gave up everything I loved
that I might gain your love.
Romans 8:31-32 

If you receive the gift of my son Jesus,
you receive me.
1 John 2:23

And nothing will ever separate you
from my love again.
Romans 8:38-39

Come home and I'll throw the biggest party
heaven has ever seen.
Luke 15:7 

I have always been Father,
and will always be Father.
Ephesians 3:14-15 

My question is…
Will you be my child?

John 1:12-13

I am waiting for you. Luke 15:11-32

Love, Your Dad
Almighty God

Father's Love Letter used by permission Father Heart Communications
© 1999-2011 www.FathersLoveLetter.com

Jesus Freak

"What will people think when they hear that I'm a Jesus freak?  What will people do when they find that it's true?  I don't really care if they label me a Jesus freak.  There ain't no disguising the truth

-DC Talk

Tonight I was labeled as a "Jesus Freak".  I won't lie, it kind of made my night.  I've recently started waitressing at a local restaurant in hopes of saving up money for my return trip to Haiti.  As much as I love working at my new job, it is quite the contrast from living and working in Haiti.  The majority of people that I work with at the restaurant, aren't Christians.  Typically when I am at work, I'm surrounded by cursing, crude jokes, sexual comments, and lots of talk of drinking/smoking/etc.  No one is ever happy to be at work, and they are always sure to let you know it.  This isn't the first time in my life that I've been in an environment like this, and I know it won't be the last.  But, I've decided to be the best example of a follower of Christ as possible.  I think I stick out like sore thumb. 

Instead of complaining, I smile and say that I'm thankful that I have a job.  When others complain about having to work late, I just smile and help them finish their tasks so they can leave sooner.  When others complain about not making many tips, I let them take the bigger tables.  Do I do this 100% of the time?  Ha, no!  I'm not perfect.  But, I try very hard.  It's fun being the only happy, upbeat person at work.  I think it confuses people :)

Tonight one of the cooks said, "Hey, so aren't you like one of those Jesus freaks or something like that?"  I laughed, and said, "Yeah I guess you could say that.  Why?"  He replied, "No reason I just wondered.  So, do you go to church every Sunday?  Do you only listen to Christian music and stuff?  I guess you aren't into smoking?  Have you ever done drugs?  Have you ever wanted to?"  And so the questions went for most of the night.  I know part of the time he was just poking fun at me, but I didn't care.  I was just happy that my faith was evident, and that I'm considered a "Jesus Freak".

1 Timothy 4:12 (The Message)

Teach believers with your life: by word, by demeanor, by love, by faith, and by integrity.

Colossians 3:23
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.”

1 Peter 4:7-16 (The Message)

 ^7-11Everything in the world is about to be wrapped up, so take nothing for granted. Stay wide-awake in prayer. Most of all, love each other as if your life depended on it. Love makes up for practically anything. Be quick to give a meal to the hungry, a bed to the homeless—cheerfully. Be generous with the different things God gave you, passing them around so all get in on it: if words, let it be God's words; if help, let it be God's hearty help. That way, God's bright presence will be evident in everything through Jesus, and he'll get all the credit as the One mighty in everything—encores to the end of time. Oh, yes!
  ^12-13Friends, when life gets really difficult, don't jump to the conclusion that God isn't on the job. Instead, be glad that you are in the very thick of what Christ experienced. This is a spiritual refining process, with glory just around the corner.
 ^14-16If you're abused because of Christ, count yourself fortunate. It's the Spirit of God and his glory in you that brought you to the notice of others. If they're on you because you broke the law or disturbed the peace, that's a different matter. But if it's because you're a Christian, don't give it a second thought. Be proud of the distinguished status reflected in that name!

Signs and Sympotoms of Haiti Withdrawal

Warning!  You may be experiencing "Haiti Withdrawal" if you have any of the following symptoms: a longing for intensely hot weather, an uncontrollable desire to speak Haitian Creole to someone that actually understands, cravings for fresh mangos, urges to ride in the back of a pick-up truck over pothole ridden roads, wanting to sit on a rooftop and star gaze, and missing lots and lots of brown skinned children.

64 days until I am back in Ayiti!

Katie Went to Haiti

I just couldn't resist sharing this on my blog.  Today I meant to type "katieloveshaiti" into my web address bar, but instead accidentally typed it into my google search bar.  I noticed the search results included a video of a song called "Katie Went to Haiti".  Naturally I was curious, so I clicked on the link to check it out.

The song made me laugh (then again I am Katie and I did in fact go to Haiti).  My sister just rolled her eyes, shook her head, and gave me that "you are so weird look" when I made her listen to it.  But who knows, maybe it will make you chuckle, too.

FYI, the singing does not start until around 40 seconds in.  Disclaimer: contrary to what the lyrics say, I did not "meet a natie" in the sense that this song suggest, hahaha.