Today was our Cultural Day in Abaco. So far we have seen the destruction of Hurricane Dorian, but approximately 30 miles away you can see a distinct tree line where destruction and beauty mixed together. On one side all the trees are broken and dead yet the other half is luscious, healthy and alive. Where is God? He is in both places. He is with the people who lost everything and with those the storm did not touch. Mathew 8:27 says, “Even the winds and the waves obey him.” Just ask us about the stories we have heard on this trip. Miracles are still happening today, we just need eyes to see them.
We trusted a path to lead us to Sawmill Sink Blue Hole (a natural trap cave). How do you explain how this natural cave exists? The ocean is all around you and if you drill down 5 feet you hit water anywhere on land but yet this natural hole is 300 feet deep of fresh water. God is creative and Genesis 1 describes how He separates the land from the sea and all He created was good. Today we were all in. Some took a leap of faith and jumped off the ledge into the water and we celebrated their win over their fears! Others were eager to take multiple leaps off the cliff. But we all had fun with each other. This place was beautiful yet so much more was under the surface. God knows and sees us even in the spaces we hide. This cave is so much bigger than first appearances, so is our God. The God of the universe who controls the wind and waves wants a personal relationship with you. We all are so loved!
We stopped for an amazing lunch at Pete’s Pub. Yachts and other boats were anchored safely in the harbor. Yet the big waves, sharp rocks, strong under-current, and roaring waves on the other side of the restaurant was not a safe place to swim. Once again, we were reminded of God’s Power. Our Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble.
Our last beach was called Cherokee Sound. This beach was stunning, and the pink sand was soft, but the bond between all the families was the best of all. Kids playing in the water, talking, laughing, and enjoying the ocean, and couples taking walks along the beach. Some families chose to walk along the soft pink shore and saw a huge stingray. God is easier to see in the good. When times are hard or painful, God provides a path through it. Yesterday, we cleaned up seaweed at the camp, but today stepping on seaweed saved our feet from the jagged corral. The view was breathtaking, yet you had to go through pain to get to the beauty. Trust the Lord and he will make your path straight. He will always provide a way. He did not promise your road will be easy, but he did promise never to leave you.
This evening we went to Kirk of the Pines, a local church, Many Hands partners with to help the community of Marsh Harbor. Roughly 40-60 students attend the youth group on Wednesday nights. We had a wonderful time of worship led by Abby and Tatum and then listened to Jen’s Douma story. Her powerful message of faith, pain, and hope sparked further discussion about how God is working in all our lives. The pain is real in this community, but her story gives hope that God works in all circumstances for His good. His plans give us hope in an unknown future. We ended the day with one of God’s reminders that He loves us all. To the east, he sent a beautiful rainbow, and to the west a blazing sunset. He is in the details, just remember to keep your eyes wide open.
