We humans keep brainstorming options and plans,
but God’s purpose prevails. Proverbs 19:21 (MSG)
In September 2019, Hurricane Dorian struck the Bahamas becoming the worst natural disaster the nation has ever experienced. In November, I traveled to Nassau to provide spiritual care with survivors in the aftermath of Dorian. In the midst of vivid recollections of horrific circumstances, there dwelled a prevailing sense of purpose. ‘God has a purpose for my life” exclaimed a survivor as we connected in Spirit and lifted our voices in song.
Proverbs 19:21 reminds us that in our humanity we value the importance of planning. Yet, it humbles us with the understanding that Divine purpose supersedes our plans. Do you believe this? Do you believe God has a purpose for your life? I do!
During Spring Break 2020, I returned to Nassau with a team of six Bereans purposed to serve in the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian. Wilkensley Thervil, Kyle Seghers, Ana Chavez, Christella Philippe, Stephanie Itumba and I are forever changed by this experience. We made many plans in preparation for our trip. However, when we arrived in Nassau, we quickly internalized the importance of flexibility and openness to our plans changing. There was clearly a purpose for us being in the Bahamas that was bigger than what we knew. This message resounded as we encountered our first assignment at the Distribution Center in Nassau.
The Distribution Center receives the donated goods to be provided to Hurricane Dorian survivors, divides the goods and repackages them to be given out based upon family size. The Center Director is a proud Bahamian woman who does her work with a strong sense of purpose. This became evident to our team immediately. From the manner in which she greeted us, to the instructions she provided and the words of encouragement ultimately shared with our team, Divine purpose was undeniable. Discerning this beautiful truth, our team served with love, dignity and humility, a true Berean spirit. The Center Director was so smitten with our team that she invited us back to the Center to serve the next day, had dinner with us and called to check on us every day. As we broke bread together, she imparted these words into our souls: “If you don’t remember anything else that I have said to you, please remember that purpose supersedes death.”
This theme prevailed everywhere we went. From the Distribution Center to the New Providence Community Center, Hands for Hunger, Jamaa’ Ahlus-Sunna Mosque, CC Sweeting High School, the University of the Bahamas, New Bethany Baptist Cathedral, and St. Francis Xavier Church. I wish I could share every detail with you of our experience. I encourage you to reach out to our team members and hear their hearts. We are all so very grateful to have shared this experience together. On behalf of the team, I would like to thank all of you for your prayers, support, donations, and words of encouragement. Please continue in prayer for our Bahamian family!
I leave you with a few purpose filled lyrics from a song shared by our team as we departed the Distribution Center. Thank you for taking the time to read this blog.
Blessings, Rev. LeSette
God of salvation
You chased down my heart
Through all of my failure and pride
On a hill You created
The light of the world
Abandoned in darkness to die
And as you speak
A hundred billion failures disappear
Where You lost Your life so I could find it here
If You left the grave behind You so will I
I can see Your heart in everything You’ve done
Every part designed in a work of art called Love
If You gladly chose surrender so will I[1]