Diary of a ghetto priest | Matthew pushes 'Moses' production into next month

The last two shows of Moses have been rescheduled for November 25-27, one school show on Friday at 10 a.m., one on Saturday at 7 p.m., and one on Sunday at 4 p.m. We really believe all events turn out for the good for those who love and serve Him.

It seemed that the weekend of October 1-2 would have been our biggest crowds. The phone never stopped ringing all week for our Moses production. The crowds had been full at the National Arena for all the nine previous shows, but then Hurricane Matthew whirled and crawled towards Jamaica. We prayed and were ready to accept whatever He willed.

Psalm 16:7-11, "I bless the Lord who counsels me; even at night my heart exhorts me. I keep the Lord always before me; with the Lord at my right, I shall never be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad, my soul rejoices; my body also dwells secure. For you will not abandon me to Sheol, nor let your faithful servant see the pit. You will show me the path to life, abounding joy in your presence, the delights at your right hand forever."

KINDNESS OF JAMAICANS

Major Desmon Brown, general manager of Independence Park Limited, and Horace Blaise, from the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management, allowed for the two shows on Saturday, October 1, at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.. For this, we give thanks. But by Sunday, we had to remove all the chairs, stage, and lights lent to us by Main Event.

Missionaries of the Poor cannot help but be impressed at the kindness of Jamaicans as they continue to help us serve the poor. Perhaps seeing all these good intentions, the Lord eased Hurricane Matthew past Jamaica, and, amazingly, spared Port-au-Prince and Cap-HaÔtien in Haiti. There was damage. Over 100 people died in Haiti, but it was anticipated that much more disaster would have happened. Thank God it did not occur, and our Brothers, who reside and work with the homeless and destitute in Cap-HaÔtien were spared catastrophic damage.

When we are disappointed or worried as happened when Hurricane Matthew approached Jamaica - we must remember that there is a plan, God's plan. He wants us to trust Him, depend on Him, seek Him in all events. We must realise that He knows what is best for us.

He wants to test us and strengthen us.

God in charge

As people of faith, Jamaicans never lose their joy and happiness even when under stress. "God is in charge." That is on the lips of Jamaicans through hurricanes, every sickness and death, knowing that better must come ultimately. When we arrive in Heaven, we will experience God Himself.

Christians are not just dreamers. I am a full believer in the reality of life. I have confronted hunger, anger, hatred, sickness, and death. I know the reality of paying bills for food, water, clothes, medicines, light, land, buildings. I know of sin, personal and communally. I know of hatred, jealousy, envy, theft, and even murder. But ultimately, I believe that God is wonderful. I also know that with God in our lives, all things turn out for good. His forgiveness of sins, His death and resurrection conquer our sadness and negativity. He will be truthful to us.

True Christians are realists yet positive. On the other hand, the devil creates negativity. He wants us to despair, to be hopeless, to be sad and to be apathetic, and even to hate life. He wants us to live in negativity, cynicism, disappointment, and finally reject God. God, on the other hand, brings good news, hope, and the promise of eternal life.

Pray for our Missionaries of the Poor. We are opening a new home for lepers in East Timor, next to Indonesia.