“Paul entered the synagogue and for three months spoke boldly, reasoning and persuading them about the kingdom of God. But when some became stubborn and continued in unbelief, speaking evil of the Way before the congregation, he withdrew from them and took the disciples (about twelve men in all) with him, reasoning daily in the hall of Tyrannus. This continued for two years, so that all the residents of Asia heard the word of the Lord, both Jews and Greeks.” (Acts 19:8-10)
These verses have rung in our ears for the last several years. Paul took twelve disciples into the hall of Tyrannus, trained them daily, sent them out, and the work multiplied until the gospel had reached all of Asia minor… in just two years!
Two years ago, Keesha and I made a decision that our home in Haiti would be our hall of Tyrannus, and from there we would train and mobilize disciple-makers and church-planters all over Haiti. The Holy Spirit blessed it and it is multiplying. But what we did not expect was that those whom we were training became much more than trainees. They became family.
Some of these disciples moved into our home and lived with us. Others spent multiple days a week with us. Many of them became a crucial part of our church-planting team. The vision to reach the lost through multiplication drove us forward. However, the real sweet spot was found in a rich community of love. We have shared life together, the good and the bad. We have learned and grown together, and we have truly become family together.
For nearly three years, my family and I have made Haiti our home. As we reported last month, the Holy Spirit is leading my family and I to leave Haiti. As we prepare to move into a new empty field, we are leaving behind a healthy team of indigenous leaders that are serving the movement in Haiti.
During this time of transition, would you please commit to pray for my family and I and for the family that we leave behind in Haiti? Pray for the work to sustain and continue to multiply into other nations (already it is beginning to spread into the Dominican Republic and Chile). Pray that the Lord will clearly lead Keesha and I as we discern where He is sending us next. We plan to visit South Asia and Southeast Asia in February. Thank you for your partnership in the gospel. We are so grateful for you.
– Jacob
