Faith Formation

FAITH FORMATION

“Taking Christ to the Nations”

Many people ask the Cabrini Teams, “What you do in Haiti?”  None of us were trained in missionary work, but God has His Plans.

Faith formation began when there was a need to teach children to write in English.  Learning to sing in English helped the children to learn about Jesus and a little English on the side.  “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”  Pro. 22:6

We took the love of Jesus to these children whose faces lit up when they were given a bible in their own language that was their very own.

We taught them Praise and Worship songs in English.

They surprised us with knowing some of the same songs we were going to teach them.  God continues to surprise all of us.

They delighted in learning the song “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands”, and getting to interact with the Americans by passing a globe ball in a circle to each other.

We taught them Bible stories from scripture about the Fathers of the Faith—Noah, Moses, Abraham and Joseph.  One of the tools we used is the sequence card technique—organizing pictures into the story format they had just learned.  Getting up in front of their peers and speaking into a microphone helps them to develop poise and confidence.

Watching a DVD about the Bible story that was just read helps to put a picture in their minds’ eye.

God continues to share His love and the Holy Spirit when we reinforce the Gospel to them.  It is just like us needing to hear about the love of Jesus each Sunday morning through the gospel readings. They are no different than we are.

At “WINGS of HOPE” (St. Joseph’s Special Needs Home), the Word of God is an important part of the children’s day.  “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”  Phil. 4:13  Gary, one of the Directors, reads the gospel to the children.  The power of the “Word” flows into their minds and hearts.  You can see it in their smiles and when they touch your hands and want to hug you.

Luckner (Maya) Fond-Rose is the Director of Community Development for St. Joseph’s Family Homes.  Maya entered the life of St. Joe’s at the age of 12, but as a rebellious pre-teen, he left the only real home he ever had at age 16.  His complete story is written in “Always Room at the Inn”, beginning on page 31.  It is a story of personal struggle and spiritual growth.  He is now 36 years old and is married and has a son.  His life is another testimony to the leadership development that is part of St. Joseph’s vision for its family.