James 2

James 2:5
Has not God chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom, which he has promised to those who love him?
 
A few years ago, I was able to take a short-term mission trip to the nation of Haiti, one of the poorest countries of the world. But I’ll tell ya right now, they are some of the richest people of faith. I arrived thinking I was there to help. But I quickly realized I didn’t have much to offer. As I sat there in their church service, listening to their songs and prayers I felt an acute poverty of soul. These people were the rich ones. My natural needs were met, but my soul was cold. Their natural needs were dire, but their soul was aflame.
 
After much singing, a gentleman took the mic and began to pray. And after 5 minutes, he kept going. And after what seemed to be 10 minutes, he became more intense. Then his tone got shrill, and I became uneasy. Then he hit his highest gear yet, and the place fell into a rhythmic cadence of power and agreement. It was like waves pounding on the shore. Tears began to stream down my face as I was caught up in the wonder of it all.
 
Maybe these people can use some worldly goods and assistance, but how could I add to faith like theirs? When I got back home and walked up to my big house, I felt a pang in my heart. I felt like the impoverished one, while my Haitian brothers and sisters were the rich.