Segaar-King September Update

This scene (minus the green grass) could be from anywhere in Haiti.  Actually, it is from Orlando, Florida.  Zach got a chance to spend a few hours with members of Pastor Obelto Cherubin's church in Orlando (see below).

Dear Friends and Family:

Sometimes the wisdom of God seems like foolishness to us.  In 2007, soon after our arrival in Haiti, Pastor Obelto Cherubin immigrated from Haiti to Orlando, FL.  From the beginning of Resonate’s work in Haiti in the 1980s, Obelto was a key leader and founder of our national church partner, the CRC of Haiti.  At that time I didn’t realize how important Obelto was, but his absence became more and more apparent over the course of our next eleven years in Haiti.  Last week things came full circle.  During a visit to Orlando, I stopped by Obelto’s church, called the “Haitian Christian Reformed Church.”  Under Obelto’s leadership and the Spirit’s blessing, the congregation has reached out to many Haitian immigrants who have come to Central Florida to work at Disney World and the other big amusement parks.  What was a loss to me in 2007 became a gain for the CRC in North America—a vibrant and growing congregation in the middle of Orlando’s Haitian community.  God’s wisdom can be surprising!

Please pray for:

1.       A long trip to Korea and Japan in October.  While Zach is looking forward to seeing Resonate’s ministry and partnerships in East Asia, it will be exhausting, especially as Zach has to attend (and lead portions of) denominational board meetings the day after he returns.

2.       The church in China as it faces increased opposition from the government including seizure of property and harassment.  While specific info cannot be published on the Internet for security reasons, we can rejoice that God continues to protect the staff members and ministries we are connected to.

3.       A concussion that Isaiah sustained at school.  After two weeks of full and partial day absences, it seems that Isaiah is improving quickly.

Please give thanks for:

1.       A great three-day meeting of Resonate’s Leadership Team in Detroit, Michigan.  During our meeting we had a chance to visit Hesed Community Church in the heart of Detroit.  It was amazing to see what God is doing in inner city Detroit through church planting and community engagement.

2.       A successful retreat for the Grand Rapids, MI and Burlington, ON based team.  About 44 Resonate staff members prayerfully reflected on the six core postures of Resonate: prayer, listening, serving, learning, mutual care and accountability, and peacemaking.  One of Zach’s greatest privileges is to be involved in building a God-honoring culture at Resonate.

3.       School is off to a good start this fall for our kids.  It feels like “year two” is going to be an improvement over our first year back from Haiti.

 Thanks for your prayers and support,

Zachary, Sharon, Hannah, Vivian, Isaiah and Esther Segaar-King

Serving with Resonate Global Mission