IS IT GOOD OR IS IT BAD?
Dear Firefighters For Christ,

Paul said, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4) How can I rejoice when the situation is obviously bad? Are there times when you wonder what God’s will is for your life? Paul says it very clearly: “Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

Right now I’m at the airport in Port au Prince, Haiti. Texts are coming in every few moments. One is from Mimi Irwin, a special friend of FFC, who says that half of her town is gone. Because of an explosion, firefighters were killed. She’s crying out for help. I’m asking God to put together a team who will share the hope we have in Jesus. When you receive this letter, we will know some of what God has done. Is it good or is it bad? I feel totally helpless, trying to put together a team for Texas while still in Haiti, but I know God will provide.

We’ve been waiting in Haiti for a ship to bring FFC’s gift of a fire engine to Carrefour. The ship has been delayed eleven different times. I extended my stay here for another ten days, missing appointments that were scheduled at home. Is it bad or is it good? Because of the delay, we were able to present the Gospel to a police soccer team. From what we observed, it looked like the entire team received Jesus. Many other opportunities of ministry have happened on a one-on-one basis. This is good!

Ronnie, who is our bodyguard, told us about his cousin, who was angry about having two flat tires at the same time. Was it bad or was it good? Later he heard that the two drivers that were traveling on the out-of-way road ahead of him had been shot and killed.

Scripture says, “God directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives.” (Psalm 37:23) When He directs our steps, it is always good. Romans 8:28 says: And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.

Just met a large, powerful Haitian man. We greeted each other. I asked him how he was. He said he was very good in Jesus. This should always be our testimony. In Jesus everything is good!

Let’s have a tremendous love for righteousness and a powerful hate for evil. Love all of you much!

Your brother in Jesus,
John

P.S. Dan Rodriguez answered God’s call to minister in West, Texas. Jane and I fly to Dallas early in the morning on May 3rd and will be joined by Dan on May 4th. May each of us, as Firefighters For Christ, look to the Lord to continually direct our steps according to His perfect will.

P.P.S. Just received word that the ship has sailed and will dock in Haiti on May 1st. Please continue to pray for God’s protection over the fire engine and for FFC’s team, who will fly to Haiti to train the firefighters on the proper operation of the engine.

FFC International Summer Ministry Opportunities: http://www.firefightersforchrist.org/events.htm
June 22-29 in Haiti to teach children at Maranatha Children’s English Camp
August 1-10 in Belfast, Northern Ireland for World Police & Fire Games