Today's reading takes place right after Jesus has risen from the dead and ascended into heaven. The disciples have received the gift of the Holy Spirit and have begun the evangelistic walk. The Sanhedrin calls them in, trying to figure out what to do with these guys. They can't crucify them too, so they tell them not to speak of Jesus. They refuse. But, they are also very afraid. So, they returned to there new-found follers and they all began to pray to God to give them the courage and the words to move forward on their walk.

I am going to Haiti tomorrow. This passage is spot on as to our trip. Most of us are anxious - some very anxious - about all the potential difficulties on this trip. Some are worried that it will be too hot to get proper rest, making it more difficult to do the physical work we are being called to do. Some are worried about the food and the potential for sickness. I am worried about being there during an earthquake or a hurricane. All of those worries take our heart away from the real mission which is the human mission. We are called to spread the love of Jesus - plain and simple.

We all know in our heads that we only need to trust God. He alone knows each of us and how we will be affected by this trip. But, our fears are real, too. One of the powerful lessons of today's reading is that Peter and John's people, when they heard what the Sanhedrin had said, "they raised their voice together in prayer to God". They did not go their separate ways to each pray alone. They asked God to consider the threats of their enemies and they asked that He "enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness." I ask the same.

So, read today's passage. And please pray for those of us going to Haiti.

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