Well folks, I'm gonna take the opportunity to testify of the Greatness of our Mighty God! Thank you for your prayers this afternoon and tonight. As we fought spiritual battles, standing on the Word of God, you prayed and interceded for us. We know the attacks brought against any of us are 'toothless' in their ability to carry through on the threats. Satan is a defeated foe and although he goes around like a roaring lion, he is only LIKE a lion. Jesus is the true Lion, and has defeated Satan, sin, death and hell.
As you offered scripture to remind us of our place in God's heart, His protection over us and the peace He offers, those Words settled into our hearts and began to become true in our lives. We are enjoying peace tonight! Assurance has been given! God has revealed Himself to our boys like only He can. They are now stronger for the battle they had to join. Nine and eleven year olds fighting spiritual battles. They are learning that God goes before us into battle. He drives out our enemies. He strikes fear in their hearts so that their knees shake beneath them. They are seeing proof of how intimately He is interested in their welfare. The truth of God has set them free. The Word of God leapt to life out of the pages of scritpure! He is AMAZING!
So thanks, you are truly a blessing to our family. And keep us covered by your prayers.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
God Answers Questions
I did something today that will have a profound effect on who I believe I am. My 'perception of self' as it were. I asked God a question and waited intently for Him to answer.
I've asked God specific questions many times in the past. I've waited on His answer many times in the past. But I've never asked THIS question in such a manner. My question to Him was, "What is there in me that is pleasing to You?".
Again the question in itself is not that unique. I've said it in other forms throughout my life. Oh God, what good is there in me? Dear Lord, how do you find anything in me worth loving? But those are really very different questions. Those are said out of exasperation. Out of a sense of failure. Today's question was for the express purpose of hearing an answer.
For us to know who we really are before God we have to become transparent. We have to be willing to see ourselves as He sees us. Many will follow the model of David and ask God to "search my heart..." when seeking to be transparent before Him, but do we ever ask the flip side of that? Search me and show me what pleases you.
So I asked. I verbally questioned God regarding my virtue. The good He has placed in me. I wasnt asking for an exhaustive list, just one thing. An affirmation. And He answered, "You are brave". The floodgates of joy opened from within me! Tears flowed. I laughed out loud. And an odd sensation came over me. It was the acceptance that God is right in His estimation of me. It almost sounds arrogant, but I am brave. I have stood in front of the enemy and defiantly proclaimed that he cant have the life of my child, because God has already promised it to her. I have confronted the parents of my students and told them of the good in their kids. I have dared to raise my children to be sent wherever God chooses to send them. Those things take bravery.
Lest you think I am thumping my chest over what I have become, let me remind all of us it is God who placed that (and any other) quality in me. He is the source of every smidgen of good in me.
If you have never taken the time to ask God to tell you what He has placed in you, try it. Knowing what He sees as good in you will change how you see yourself. And cause you to behave as He sees you.
I've asked God specific questions many times in the past. I've waited on His answer many times in the past. But I've never asked THIS question in such a manner. My question to Him was, "What is there in me that is pleasing to You?".
Again the question in itself is not that unique. I've said it in other forms throughout my life. Oh God, what good is there in me? Dear Lord, how do you find anything in me worth loving? But those are really very different questions. Those are said out of exasperation. Out of a sense of failure. Today's question was for the express purpose of hearing an answer.
For us to know who we really are before God we have to become transparent. We have to be willing to see ourselves as He sees us. Many will follow the model of David and ask God to "search my heart..." when seeking to be transparent before Him, but do we ever ask the flip side of that? Search me and show me what pleases you.
So I asked. I verbally questioned God regarding my virtue. The good He has placed in me. I wasnt asking for an exhaustive list, just one thing. An affirmation. And He answered, "You are brave". The floodgates of joy opened from within me! Tears flowed. I laughed out loud. And an odd sensation came over me. It was the acceptance that God is right in His estimation of me. It almost sounds arrogant, but I am brave. I have stood in front of the enemy and defiantly proclaimed that he cant have the life of my child, because God has already promised it to her. I have confronted the parents of my students and told them of the good in their kids. I have dared to raise my children to be sent wherever God chooses to send them. Those things take bravery.
Lest you think I am thumping my chest over what I have become, let me remind all of us it is God who placed that (and any other) quality in me. He is the source of every smidgen of good in me.
If you have never taken the time to ask God to tell you what He has placed in you, try it. Knowing what He sees as good in you will change how you see yourself. And cause you to behave as He sees you.
Monday, July 6, 2009
The Best Laid Plans...
Reading a familiar story often means skipping over the familiar parts or rushing to the favorite parts. But when the story is the birth of Christ and the reader is me, searching for that sometimes elusive intimacy with God, what should be familiar looks brand new.
The first chapter of Matthew is the lineage of Christ, followed with a Cliff notes version of Joseph and Mary's story. Not something that one would necessarily pour over for long periods of time. But friends I'm dry. I'm looking for refreshment in the deep pools of the Word. And because God is faithful and loving toward His children, He pours out through even the most familiar of stories.
There is a phrase in the story of Joseph and Mary that has captured me. In verse 20, it says "but after he had considered this". He had considered (and decided it to be the best possible move) to divorce Mary quietly, saving her from public embarassment. Fortunately God had different plans. He sent His angel to speak directly to Joseph and give very specific instructions for he and Mary.
How many times I have considered plans and decided them to be the best possible action for the time. Plans that made sense. Plans that were logical and prudent. But that were exactly opposite of His will.
Joseph had the advantage of an angel of the Lord. I have the advantage of the Holy Spirit. And the advantage of even the most familiar of stories.
The first chapter of Matthew is the lineage of Christ, followed with a Cliff notes version of Joseph and Mary's story. Not something that one would necessarily pour over for long periods of time. But friends I'm dry. I'm looking for refreshment in the deep pools of the Word. And because God is faithful and loving toward His children, He pours out through even the most familiar of stories.
There is a phrase in the story of Joseph and Mary that has captured me. In verse 20, it says "but after he had considered this". He had considered (and decided it to be the best possible move) to divorce Mary quietly, saving her from public embarassment. Fortunately God had different plans. He sent His angel to speak directly to Joseph and give very specific instructions for he and Mary.
How many times I have considered plans and decided them to be the best possible action for the time. Plans that made sense. Plans that were logical and prudent. But that were exactly opposite of His will.
Joseph had the advantage of an angel of the Lord. I have the advantage of the Holy Spirit. And the advantage of even the most familiar of stories.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Get up and go.
Those words have troubled me for the better part of a week now. But I feel as though God has given them to me as affirmation of His will. Matthew 26:46 is where they come from. Jesus had led the disciples into the garden to pray, knowing that Judas was about to come betray Him. The disciples, instead of praying, went to sleep out of exhaustion. He encouraged them to stay awake, but they couldnt. So when He was finished praying, He goes to them and says 'get up; let's go'.
My concern has been that I slept through something important. Something that I cant go back and revisit. They couldnt go back and pray for Jesus, it was too late. But when I read Oswald Chambers application of this scripture, my perspective changes from concern to encouragement.
My Utmost for His Highest contains this simple paragraph:
'There will be experiences like this in each of our lives. We will have times of despair caused by real events in our lives, and we will be unable to lift ourselves out of them. The disciples, in this instance, had done a downright unthinkable thing— they had gone to sleep instead of watching with Jesus. But our Lord came to them taking the spiritual initiative against their despair and said, in effect, "Get up, and do the next thing." If we are inspired by God, what is the next thing? It is to trust Him absolutely and to pray on the basis of His redemption.'
Jesus was leading to the next thing. He spoke against discouragement and despair, offering instead refocus and direction. He has shown me where the next thing is (its here, btw), so I will trust Him absolutely to direct my actions and walk with Him into what the next thing is.
My concern has been that I slept through something important. Something that I cant go back and revisit. They couldnt go back and pray for Jesus, it was too late. But when I read Oswald Chambers application of this scripture, my perspective changes from concern to encouragement.
My Utmost for His Highest contains this simple paragraph:
'There will be experiences like this in each of our lives. We will have times of despair caused by real events in our lives, and we will be unable to lift ourselves out of them. The disciples, in this instance, had done a downright unthinkable thing— they had gone to sleep instead of watching with Jesus. But our Lord came to them taking the spiritual initiative against their despair and said, in effect, "Get up, and do the next thing." If we are inspired by God, what is the next thing? It is to trust Him absolutely and to pray on the basis of His redemption.'
Jesus was leading to the next thing. He spoke against discouragement and despair, offering instead refocus and direction. He has shown me where the next thing is (its here, btw), so I will trust Him absolutely to direct my actions and walk with Him into what the next thing is.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
The Light of Perspective
I've been watching Ella in church these past few weeks. I see her react to what goes on around her. Asking questions. Singing. Showing her muscles. Listening to CI sing and saying 'that was cool'. Seeing how 'normal' she is takes me back to the days I wondered if we would take her home at all, let alone take her to church. So I'd like to remind us all of how great God has been in her particular case.
When she was born so prematurely (24 weeks 5 days, 1lb 12oz) there were some dark days. Her doctors talked about living hour by hour. If we made it through one, we'd talk about the next. Her brain bled the day after she was born. Outside a level 4. She had heart surgery in Dallas at 2+ lbs. Back to Shreveport and schedule eye surgery. Her lungs were so fragile and every breath was breathed for her by various machines, switching to the one she would respond to best. We are fully aware that we almost lost her too many times to count.
But in those dark days, there were promises made. We searched scripture and prayed for strength. I remember hearing myself on the phone, the day after she was born, telling a friend that if we had her for the next 24 hours or if were allowed to raise her, we'd glorify God either way. Psalm 139 and John 17 were sources of strength. One night in particular, I was in the NICU with her, studying and praying when her O2 levels began to drop. The nurse came in to stimulate her, but she didnt respond. She called the respiratory therapist and they began to 'bag' her. I watched her go from pink in color, to blue, purple and black. All the while there was the oddest peace over me, as tho God was letting me know that His hands were working through the hands of those working on her. He was proving to be faithful in keeping His promises.
When we started talking about coming home, the dr's began to let us know the kind of problems we should expect. They talked about her being blind, because of the amounts of oxygen she had been on. The talked about her being deaf because of the brain bleed. She had failed every hearing test up to that point. They talked about her physical disabilities relating to cerebral palsy. And they talked about mental retardation. It was a lot to take in, but, even though it was a shock to our system, we still walked in a quiet confidence because we knew God was ultimately in control. And He had made promises.
Ella has since had intestinal and brain surgeries, both to deal with complications. She has had numerous hearing and eye tests. She has had speech, physical and occupational therapies. Once again, God has led us to allow people to be His hands.
Her hearing is fine, she wears glasses for astigmatism and sees fine, she walks, runs and climbs, and is a very smart, witty little girl. She adores her big brothers (when they are out of sight she asks 'where are the brothers?'). Our church family sees her as their little girl.
So even though the days surrounding her birth and the first coupla months of her life were filled with dark days, looking back there was light by which to walk. It just took getting some perspective to see it.
When she was born so prematurely (24 weeks 5 days, 1lb 12oz) there were some dark days. Her doctors talked about living hour by hour. If we made it through one, we'd talk about the next. Her brain bled the day after she was born. Outside a level 4. She had heart surgery in Dallas at 2+ lbs. Back to Shreveport and schedule eye surgery. Her lungs were so fragile and every breath was breathed for her by various machines, switching to the one she would respond to best. We are fully aware that we almost lost her too many times to count.
But in those dark days, there were promises made. We searched scripture and prayed for strength. I remember hearing myself on the phone, the day after she was born, telling a friend that if we had her for the next 24 hours or if were allowed to raise her, we'd glorify God either way. Psalm 139 and John 17 were sources of strength. One night in particular, I was in the NICU with her, studying and praying when her O2 levels began to drop. The nurse came in to stimulate her, but she didnt respond. She called the respiratory therapist and they began to 'bag' her. I watched her go from pink in color, to blue, purple and black. All the while there was the oddest peace over me, as tho God was letting me know that His hands were working through the hands of those working on her. He was proving to be faithful in keeping His promises.
When we started talking about coming home, the dr's began to let us know the kind of problems we should expect. They talked about her being blind, because of the amounts of oxygen she had been on. The talked about her being deaf because of the brain bleed. She had failed every hearing test up to that point. They talked about her physical disabilities relating to cerebral palsy. And they talked about mental retardation. It was a lot to take in, but, even though it was a shock to our system, we still walked in a quiet confidence because we knew God was ultimately in control. And He had made promises.
Ella has since had intestinal and brain surgeries, both to deal with complications. She has had numerous hearing and eye tests. She has had speech, physical and occupational therapies. Once again, God has led us to allow people to be His hands.
Her hearing is fine, she wears glasses for astigmatism and sees fine, she walks, runs and climbs, and is a very smart, witty little girl. She adores her big brothers (when they are out of sight she asks 'where are the brothers?'). Our church family sees her as their little girl.
So even though the days surrounding her birth and the first coupla months of her life were filled with dark days, looking back there was light by which to walk. It just took getting some perspective to see it.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Wise as a serpent, harmless as a dove...
From John Wesley in regard to relationships that allow God to be glorified, even if the other party would like to harm us:
Let us neither absolutely refuse all favours, nor resent all neglects, from those whose friendship is at best very doubtful, and their intimacy by no means safe.
We, like Christ in the house of the Pharisees, can still be gentle and point all to the truth. Are you in a hostile environment? Let the gentleness of Luke 7 encourage you.
Let us neither absolutely refuse all favours, nor resent all neglects, from those whose friendship is at best very doubtful, and their intimacy by no means safe.
We, like Christ in the house of the Pharisees, can still be gentle and point all to the truth. Are you in a hostile environment? Let the gentleness of Luke 7 encourage you.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Of guilt and grace
Listening to Jack Graham this morning after dropping Ella off with my mom. He was preaching through the model prayer (the Lord's prayer), then as an encouragement at the end of his message, he spoke of the discipline of prayer. Basically his take is we cant be guilted into a prayer life. We have to catch a glimpse of how God's grace is poured on us when we line our lives up with Him.
Whether its the removal of sin, prayer, obedience, faithfulness, or self-control, when we align any and all parts of our lives up with him, His grace is poured on us. He gives grace to the humble, but opposes the proud. Guilt is that limited motivator that eventually drives us away from the source. Grace (particularly, God's grace) is the LIMITLESS motivator that draws us ever closer to the God that loves us. Man that's refreshing!
Whether its the removal of sin, prayer, obedience, faithfulness, or self-control, when we align any and all parts of our lives up with him, His grace is poured on us. He gives grace to the humble, but opposes the proud. Guilt is that limited motivator that eventually drives us away from the source. Grace (particularly, God's grace) is the LIMITLESS motivator that draws us ever closer to the God that loves us. Man that's refreshing!
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Home Again
So we made it back to Rusk about 8:30 Tuesday night. Monday and Tuesday were unpleasant as I was struggling with a stomach bug that made traveling very uncomfortable. Spent all day Wednesday in bed, and now I'm up and at em. I wasnt able to go to church last night, and really missed my kids, so I went to the high school lunches today to see them.
I'm uploading a few more videos to my youtube account (search fbcsm71 on youtube.com) and all my pictures to my picasa account. You can view them here: http://picasaweb.google.com/fbcsm71
I'm thankful for the chance to go and minister to people who are hungry for the message of Jesus Christ. They seem to be so much like the Philippian church in that they have so little but are able to give so much. What a joy it was to have a small window to peek into their lives.
I'm uploading a few more videos to my youtube account (search fbcsm71 on youtube.com) and all my pictures to my picasa account. You can view them here: http://picasaweb.google.com/fbcsm71
I'm thankful for the chance to go and minister to people who are hungry for the message of Jesus Christ. They seem to be so much like the Philippian church in that they have so little but are able to give so much. What a joy it was to have a small window to peek into their lives.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Pics
Gonna use this post to try and upload some pics. The connection we have has been painfully slow in uploading until now, so i'll try and catch up a bit. I'm also putting some more videos on youtube. You can find mine by searching for fbcsm71 there.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Blessings for Saffarino and Maria
Today most of us stayed around the compound before church (2:00 start) and worked on repairing things here. Steve, Will and Eric set them up with a shower head with a self contained heating element. They've never had a hot shower here before. Let me tell you, they were excited! Eric and Tim fixed a 2500 watt generator. Trampus, Banjo and I worked on the computers getting virus protection up to date and parental controls set. Others worked on odds and ends like we did.
Church today was an experience. We were treated to music, preaching, an engagement announcement, business meeting, financial report, revival weekend committee election, announcements and activities and one little girl slapping her brother as hard as she could for messing with her hair. They are still a very works based congregation, but Terri is working to help the pastors understand the grace of God. Pray for her.
Tonight we had a celebration feast and singing with our host family to follow. It was a very sweet time as we sang several songs in Spanish and English simultaneously. Knowing that our God can make sense of the noise of separate languages singing the same song makes me look forward to the day when we will all sing the perfect song to Him.
We have laughed a lot on this trip. Someone on the outside looking in might get the idea we argue with each other, but we have the joy of true friendship. We have made fun of Eric being insecure, of Trampus being a redneck and of Steve's ten thumbs. I praise God for these men. I count it a privilege to serve with them.
The two videos I'm including are of us working and of Jerrod playing and singing for two girls who were at our worksite each day. The taller of the girls is Lucia, one of the residents of the new house. Eric and Jerrod sponsored her education for this year. I'll talk to you more about sponsorships when I get home. Its a great opportunity!
Church today was an experience. We were treated to music, preaching, an engagement announcement, business meeting, financial report, revival weekend committee election, announcements and activities and one little girl slapping her brother as hard as she could for messing with her hair. They are still a very works based congregation, but Terri is working to help the pastors understand the grace of God. Pray for her.
Tonight we had a celebration feast and singing with our host family to follow. It was a very sweet time as we sang several songs in Spanish and English simultaneously. Knowing that our God can make sense of the noise of separate languages singing the same song makes me look forward to the day when we will all sing the perfect song to Him.
We have laughed a lot on this trip. Someone on the outside looking in might get the idea we argue with each other, but we have the joy of true friendship. We have made fun of Eric being insecure, of Trampus being a redneck and of Steve's ten thumbs. I praise God for these men. I count it a privilege to serve with them.
The two videos I'm including are of us working and of Jerrod playing and singing for two girls who were at our worksite each day. The taller of the girls is Lucia, one of the residents of the new house. Eric and Jerrod sponsored her education for this year. I'll talk to you more about sponsorships when I get home. Its a great opportunity!
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Completion
We finished both houses today! The receiving family came into the new structure and we prayed over them and it. As we were leaving we went down the hill, across the bridge and up the next hill. Looking back toward the house, they were all lined up and waving at us. We were so far away we could barely see them, but they were still watching us leave. The impact of our time here has been profound. It is very humbling to be plugged in to where God is at work.
During the work day, there was some down time, so we took out our football and taught the boys who were helping/hanging out how to throw and catch the ol american football. It was a blast. The connection with individuals here has been very touching. The common bond of Christ's love is powerful.
I would like to revisit the story in yesterday's post. Santiago and Paulina are now believers. They have received salvation. There was a conversation earlier in the trip about the seed corn each family keeps to plant next year's crop. We were reminded of that conversation when we began to talk about their deceased son, Joseph, and his desire to see his parents come to know the Lord. His seed was planted and bore fruit. I absolutely LOVE that God has planted us in Rusk to take root and spring forth with fruit. I am absolutely amazed/ thrilled/ humbled that He allowed us to be part of that couple coming to Christ.
One of the 'other' things we are assisting with is a soccer ministry where a coach invests time in kids to teach them soccer and share with them the gospel. We packed in about 60 uniforms and half a dozen soccer balls. They were sorted and made ready for the coach to pick up. The Lord's activity comes in all shapes and sizes. It is such a blessing to be in the midst of His work for a time here.
During the work day, there was some down time, so we took out our football and taught the boys who were helping/hanging out how to throw and catch the ol american football. It was a blast. The connection with individuals here has been very touching. The common bond of Christ's love is powerful.
I would like to revisit the story in yesterday's post. Santiago and Paulina are now believers. They have received salvation. There was a conversation earlier in the trip about the seed corn each family keeps to plant next year's crop. We were reminded of that conversation when we began to talk about their deceased son, Joseph, and his desire to see his parents come to know the Lord. His seed was planted and bore fruit. I absolutely LOVE that God has planted us in Rusk to take root and spring forth with fruit. I am absolutely amazed/ thrilled/ humbled that He allowed us to be part of that couple coming to Christ.
One of the 'other' things we are assisting with is a soccer ministry where a coach invests time in kids to teach them soccer and share with them the gospel. We packed in about 60 uniforms and half a dozen soccer balls. They were sorted and made ready for the coach to pick up. The Lord's activity comes in all shapes and sizes. It is such a blessing to be in the midst of His work for a time here.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Our Amazing God
Salvation reached to the remote village of Vasquez tonight! Last year when we were here there was a boy we met named Joseph who worked closely with Terri. Two weeks ago today he died in a bicycle accident. He was a believer who fervently witnessed to and prayed for his parents. His mom and dad asked us to come visit when they heard we were in the village. They knew Joseph loved to work with the mission groups that came in. At the end of a careful explanation of why their son is now with the Lord, they asked to pray to receive salvation. What an amazing God we serve!
Work today was tiring. I chatted with Melo earlier this evening and told her I didn't get sleep last night because a slat fell out from under my bed about the time I was falling asleep. That made today pretty tiresome. However we did progress far enough that we will be putting on lathe and clay tiles tomorrow. That means we also get to present and dedicate both houses tomorrow! Very exciting!
I have finally gotten a couple of pics to load and will try more tomorrow.
Thanks for prayers and encouraging comments!
Work today was tiring. I chatted with Melo earlier this evening and told her I didn't get sleep last night because a slat fell out from under my bed about the time I was falling asleep. That made today pretty tiresome. However we did progress far enough that we will be putting on lathe and clay tiles tomorrow. That means we also get to present and dedicate both houses tomorrow! Very exciting!
I have finally gotten a couple of pics to load and will try more tomorrow.
Thanks for prayers and encouraging comments!
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Day 3
I'll begin this entry sitting in Juan's parents house. We are having bible study with 5 of the local villagers. Grace is our topic of study taken from Hebrews and Romans. As the simplicity of the message (that is sometimes complicated btw) is light shining on their lives. I can see it. God is giving understanding even through translation into spanish and sometimes then into k'iche'.
I'll finish this laying on my bed, worn out from work and walking. The house is coming along well, with walls up and window spaces allowed for. Rafters will go on tomorrow.
We went to a neighboring village after work to the bible study I mentioned earlier. After the study we ate with them. I have to say the food has been a very pleasant surprise. We have had a lot more noodles than anything else. Breakfast was pancakes this morning. We even had fried shrimp last night.
So anyway, after supper we walked back to Terries. The elevation changes here are brutal! But tonight was a bit easier and I suspect will continue to be as we go through the week.
Juan is the missionary that was sent to Nicaragua when we were here last year.
Here is a picture of his family with Trampus.
He is back in Guatemala serving his village in civil service. He is serving as the superintendent of schools, but will head back to the mission field when this term is up. Juan shared his heart about the work in Nicaragua. The seeds we are watering here will produce fruit for generations to come.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Day 2 was full of drama
The Ladies Drama Ministry that is. We worked all morning laying block and mixing mortar. Our half of the team consists of Trampus, Steve, Eric, Jerrod and me. After a delicious lunch of black beans, rice and grilled meat that was most likely goat, we rode up the mountain to a local pastor's house for the ladies drama. Last year when we were here, there were about 40 women involved in the ministry. This year about 60 women were participating. The bible story we 'dramatized' today was Ruth 3 and the story of the kinsman redeemer. The story was read in Spanish and translated into K'iche' for the women. This was done twice, then acted out. The first goup of actor were yours truly as Noami, Trampus as Ruth and Steve B as Boaz. The ladies and we laughed a lot during the acting of this story, but the point was definitely made. The story was then acted out by some more of our group and finally acted out by the ladies themselves. Each time it was read from the Word. What an incredible impact this is making on a people group that does not yet have a translation of the bible in their native language. We were thrilled and honored to have a part in imprinting the Word on their heart.
We had to walk the jungle path back to the compound. This is the path that is vertical on both sides. To the right it goes straight up and to the left it goes straight down; a long ways! Ten thousand feet of elevation and mountain climbing are pretty rough on this fat boy's lungs. The rest of me does fairly well, but the lungs were a-burning on the way back tonight.
Once we got back to the compound we had a debriefing time and a chance to share some things that impacted each of us from the day. I'm on this trip with some of the best friends I have in the ministry. I respect them greatly. They are men of God. To hear them pour out their hearts blessed me tremendously. There is an openness and honesty among us that is rare. We prayed for each other and encouraged each other. There are lots of things I am enjoying about this trip, but seeing God's activity in them is one of the most enjoyable!
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Things I saw...
...on the way from Guatemala City to Vasquez:
A car with a Stephen F. Austin State University sticker on the back.
An entire family riding on a motorcycle.
A Dodge Caravan (not grand caravan) hearse. Silver.
Eleven grown (and some over-grown) men in a 1986 Toyota minivan. That was us.
All kidding aside. It is wonderful to be back with this precious family that houses and feeds us. Their love for our God is evident in their love for us. We do not communicate well with them, as they speak a combination of K´iche´ and Spanish. But our hearts are knit together because we are one in Christ.
Terri Littrell is the missionary we work with here. Pray for her. She battles unbelief, works mentality for salvation, government and old Mayan practices.
Tomorrow we work on the two houses and with the ladies drama ministry. Trampus gets to be Ruth, Steve gets to be Boaz and I get to be Naomi.
A car with a Stephen F. Austin State University sticker on the back.
An entire family riding on a motorcycle.
A Dodge Caravan (not grand caravan) hearse. Silver.
Eleven grown (and some over-grown) men in a 1986 Toyota minivan. That was us.
All kidding aside. It is wonderful to be back with this precious family that houses and feeds us. Their love for our God is evident in their love for us. We do not communicate well with them, as they speak a combination of K´iche´ and Spanish. But our hearts are knit together because we are one in Christ.
Terri Littrell is the missionary we work with here. Pray for her. She battles unbelief, works mentality for salvation, government and old Mayan practices.
Tomorrow we work on the two houses and with the ladies drama ministry. Trampus gets to be Ruth, Steve gets to be Boaz and I get to be Naomi.
The Flight Out
We are thru security checks and waiting for boarding. Revisiting memories of last years trip has been hilarious and at the same time has generated excitement to be there and join in Gods activity there. Thank you for sending me well. The names of the ladies we will be helping are Lucia Puac who has a 13 year old son and Delfina Lucia who has an 8 a 5 and a 2 year old. Pray for our work with these two families.
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