Sheep

“When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” (Matthew 9:36)

There are a good many real sheep here in Chambrun just wandering around. Now when I say that, some of you will think, “Aw, how cute!” Yes, my first thought too, but look closer.

These sheep are rag-tag, bony creatures that I first thought were some kind of starving goat. No cute, little, white, fluffy, sweet animals here. They are in such bad shape, you may want to avoid them. Oh, and they all have worms.

Harassed, yes. No food. Bad water. Looking for shade. Out in the rain. Afraid of people and machines.

Helpless, yes. No barn. No fence. No shepherd. No owner. No treatment for sickness or injury. Just endless, fruitless wandering.

I think this is what God really saw when he looked out at the multitudes. Of course everyone would try to help cute, white, fluffy sheep. But what about these ones?
My mind and heart try to take in the metaphor.

I saw a man walking down the street with no clothing—only a garbage bag tied around his waist. One Haitian interpreter told us that it is not uncommon to see people walking down the street naked. “They have lost their minds from grief,” he said.
I saw an old woman picking through the trash to see what she could find.
I saw men sleeping under their dump trucks—their only possession.
I saw children and adults coated in dust and mud with nowhere to wash.
I saw mothers and young girls carrying water miles from the town pump—and I knew it was not the first time that day.
I saw families sitting outside of tents made of bed sheets and tarps waiting for the day to end.
I saw signs spray painted on walls—“We need help—food and water!”
I saw children by the sides of the road begging for water, food, or just a dollar.
I saw so many eyes watching me, wondering what I would do.

“When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.’" (Matthew 9:37-38)

Please, please pray with me for Haiti.