A Call to Haiti — JK Montgomery

"The will of God will never lead you where the grace of God cannot keep you." -Sister Liberija

In our American culture, many people are starting to “wind down” at age 66. You know, work less, kick back to an easier pace of life. Not Sister Liberija Filipovic, whose energy and enthusiasm are contagious. Two years ago, at 66, she took a new position at an orphanage in Port-Au-Prince, Haiti, as one of three nuns overseeing the care and well being of 51 children. They are identified as Sisters Servants of the Infant Jesus, working through Croatian Relief Services.

Six years after the earthquake of 2010, children have continued to suffer from the longstanding poverty in Haiti along with the aftereffects of the quake. Parents died in the earthquake or were often left in a position of being unable to care for their children. Sister Liberija said, "I am here because the children are here."

Sister Liberija, Sister Ana and Sister Miriam are superstars of love. The three loving nuns assure the 51 children ages 2-17 that they are fed, clothed, and educated. They celebrate birthdays, holidays and learn about the Christian faith. They play soccer and since our visit, I noticed in their Facebook posts, they have added a basketball hoop! (God answered my prayer!)

Sarah and I traveled to Haiti with Reiser Relief, a nonprofit founded by the late Father Bernard Reiser of the church of the Epiphany of Coon Rapids. (See earlier blog post on January 28, 2016) Their ongoing visits and the physical delivery of items such as shampoo, soap, underwear, school and art supplies all help.

If you would like to learn more about Reiser Relief or how you can help, join us on April 19 at the American Legion in Coon Rapids. I’ll be one of the speakers for the event. Remember, it doesn’t matter how old you are. God can use someone like you!