FOUNDER’S NOTE: As Coreluv’s founders, Mandy and I can’t say enough how proud we are of Micah and Jada Ennis for leading the summer interns (the magnificent six) in Haiti this summer! God sent us six pretty amazing young adults with a passion for Him and a passion to make a difference in their world. Here’s a powerful blog written by one of those interns! If you’re considering a summer internship with Coreluv, I pray this blog impacts you! –Mike Reiszner
Going on a mission trip for the first time can be nerve racking for many. I know it was for me: I was thirteen, and the only time I had ever been out of the country was when I went to the Bahamas as a pit-stop during a cruise. When the plane touched down in the impoverished country of Haiti, I felt a sense of heaviness resting deep in my spirit. I knew I was going to be transformed in a way that would be impossible had I not followed the promptings of the Holy Spirit and left my comforts behind.
Now, being eighteen, I can look back on every summer since 2016 and pinpoint moments in Haiti where God revealed Himself to me in the most simple yet miraculous ways. For this trip specifically, I flew by myself from Dallas to a nine-hour layover in Miami, and continued on to Haiti. It was an adventure to say the least, but the Lord knew I was supposed to join the team already there for the Coreluv 2021 internship.
Each team that goes to Haiti with Coreluv is given a challenge: to find ways they see Jesus every day. It can be as simple as seeing a child do something kind for another, or drinking cold water after a long and sweltering day. I wouldn’t say that in my past trips I haven’t taken this challenge seriously, but I will admit I haven’t kept as keen of an eye to the Jesus moments until this internship.
As I flew back to the states, I reflected on my time spent in Haiti, and all the ways in which I saw Jesus. I realized it was only when He drew me to Haiti and the internship—out of a place of complacency and the American way of life—that He greatly revealed Himself to me.
First and foremost, I saw Jesus in my internship leaders, Micah and Jada Ennis. They have such a deep love for the Lord and for the work they do, and I am so honored to be able to call them my mentors. During my internship, seeing Jesus in the day-to-day developed a new meaning: it meant learning to seek Him out in everything.
For me, seeing Jesus in this way is waking up much earlier than you normally would, going up to the roof of the guest house, and quieting your spirit while you pray and read God’s word.
It’s closing your eyes on the bumpy truck ride to the children’s village, and being able to quiet your spirit in the chaos of town because He seems to speak clearer there.
Its going to the top of Prayer Hill, looking over the children’s village, seeing a physical example of God’s faithfulness, and thanking Him because He’s not done yet.
It’s going to church on Sunday morning, not being able to understand a word anyone is saying, but being able to feel the power and presence of God resting heavy in the space.
It’s sitting under the stars outside of the children’s village gates and praying to the Lord while you hear the children worshipping Him—their voices echoing in all directions.
It’s walking through the village of Myan, asking if anyone needs healing, and praying for miracles; hearing stories of people getting delivered from pain and demon possession—former witch doctors now leading the crusade for discipleship in a desolate place.
It’s hearing every intern share their testimonies, how they came to the Lord, and then surrounding them in prayer.
It’s giving Bibles to recently saved neighbors, and leading another to Christ in the process.
It’s feeling the rush of the cool breeze on a hot day.
It’s picking leaves off stems with the mammas in the cafeteria to prepare for dinner while listening to Papa Rubens give the kids a lesson on what it means to be a good steward of the things God has blessed you with.
It’s spending time with the kids, having conversations with them, and learning about the dreams and desires God placed in their heart—inspiring you all the more to have the wonder and faith of a child.
It’s going on a long mountain hike and encouraging your friends the whole way up; it’s making it to the top where you feel filled, fulfilled, and are able to draw a parallel between the hike and your spiritual walk.
It’s having to be on lockdown in the guest house for two days because of the President’s assassination, and growing even closer to your roommates in the process.
It’s building unbreakable friendships with those on the team.
It’s humbling yourself, taking up your cross, dying to your flesh, and becoming a servant; physically being the hands and feet of Jesus, and following through with the Great Commission.
It’s learning the name of an orphan.
It’s defending the orphan and the widow.
It is through our discomfort that we hear Him more clearly; that we experience His still small voice more abundantly. He calms our storms and grants us overflowing peace. Going into the mission field means cutting out distractions embedded in the American mind. By removing ourselves from what we’re used to, we are better able to dismantle the idol of comfort in our lives; we can quiet our minds and spirits, seek first His kingdom, and hear from God in new ways.
I encourage everyone reading this to follow the prompting of the Lord and GO! It doesn’t have to be full time. Even a week has the potential to change your life. When Coreluv founders Mike and Mandy first said “yes” to going to Haiti ten years ago, they had no idea what would come of it. We never know what or who is on the other side of our obedience, and Mike and Mandy’s story is a true testament to that. Isaiah 1:17 tells us to “take up the cause of the orphan; plead the case of the widow.” Supporting Coreluv means supporting the orphan, widow, and—most importantly—glorifying God and obeying His commands.
Written by Ashlee Houghton, Coreluv 2021 summer intern
Interested in learning more about Haiti summer internship opportunities? Learn more about Coreluv Haiti internships