Pastor Randy Returns to Los Delicious

 

Six years ago we had the privilege of meeting Pastor Randy with another group.  As we were preparing for his project this year God placed upon our hearts to put Pastor Randy and his team in Los Delicious again.  At the time it did not register with us this is where we met Pastor Randy six years ago.  We shared with Pastor Randy at the airport where he was going and he asked the question, Is Carlos and his cow pasture still there?  Six years ago Pastor Randy's team did VBS in Carlos' cow pasture.  We shared with Pastor Randy our friend Carlos received Christ as his Lord and Savior and gave the cow pasture to a new church plant and we have since built a church on the cow pasture.  God is good all the time and all the time God is good.  Pastor Randy reunited with Carlos and all his other friends from six years ago.

 

A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.
Proverbs 17:17

 

 

Meeting Maricela and Alison

 

Maricela and Alison are two precious ladies God has placed in our lives.  Four years ago Maricela's husband passed away from a fever.  Maricela at a very young age became a widow and a single mother.  But God still provides her with a beautiful smile that radiates from miles around.  She is a servant of God who works hard in her church and in her community.  Maricela is setting an amazing example for daughter, Alison, what a godly woman should look like.  We gathered on her grandmother's front porch where we use to worship God and reunited Pastor Randy to this community and for his church family to meet these sweet people.  We opened in prayer before getting to work.  God's beauty was definitely in this place, this front porch, once again.  I shared with mother, grandmother, Louisa how many memories I myself have as well from this front porch.  Louisa shared how many hugs she has received from many folks, Hondurans and North Americans alike.  How many times we have worshiped together on her front porch.  What a heritage Louisa is leaving for Maricela and Alison for many years to come.

 

A good person leaves an inheritance for their children's children

Proverbs 13:22a

Three stages of a Home

 

 

For the last six years NCBM has built over 85 homes in Choluteca, Honduras.  Each one is identical in many ways.  Some may be a few inches off and a few blocks off.  But they are all built in five days.  This above is what the progression looks like for the first three days.  New people come and cannot believe this can be done in five day.  There is 800 blocks, 52 bags of cement, two windows, two doors, mounds and mounds of sand, rock and rebar to make this structure become a home.  It takes hard work from the North Americans and a lot of help from their Honduran brothers and friends who also come along to volunteer to help a friend or family member get a home.  We see what true community is here in Honduras when we come together to build a home.  We learn so much from our friends on what true community is all about.  There are always numerous family and friends who come out to help a friend.  On the fifth day the floor and roof go up.  Thank you to all of you who in the last six years have laid a block or mixed mescal to help provide a family a home.  A house does not make a home but a lot of sweat equity surely makes a house a home.  All God's people says AMEN.

 

A song of ascents. Of Solomon. Unless the LORD builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain.
Psalm 127:1

Prepping for the First Block

 

 

 

 

Pastor Randy and I shared how every project is very different.  This team arrived to having to put the blocks inside the foundation.  They also arrived to see the foundation was not complete.  The team helped put the sand inside the foundation and brought the blocks in at the same time.  Also some of the folks were moving the piles of sand which had been dumped onto the base of the foundation where the blocks needed to go.  Everyone did this without one complaint.  Team leader, Pastor Randy, Tyler, George and many others moved sand from the outside to the inside of the foundation.  Once the first block was ready to be set they were to stop hauling sand and start laying block.  But the attitude of my brothers in Christ from North America was quiet humbling.  They were there to do whatever God needed done to get Marcela  a home.  Thank you gentlemen for your willingness to do whatever it took to get the job done.

 

For the LORD loves the just and will not forsake his faithful ones.

Psalm 37:28

 

The First Block

 

God graciously got us all to the point of laying the first block with Marcela and Alison after all the small obstacles were removed and replaced with genuinely godly folks.  Maida, our translator, asked for everyone to gather around the foundation where Pastor Carlos gingerly laid the first block for Marcela and Alison.  Pastor Randy proceeded to pray as we all gathered together as one in Christ and united with a gentle touch on one another's shoulder and presented this home to God and gave him all the praise and honor and glory for all things He has done for each of us standing around this block.  This one block represents the foundation of this home to be used as a refugee for Maricela and Alison.  Marcela can now open her home up to her family and friends as they have done for her for the last four years.  She will be safe and dry and can spend some good quality time with her sweet Alison as she grows up to become a godly lady just like her mother.

 

pray continually,
give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:17-18

 

Block 101 with Mr. Mike

 

 

Mr. Mike had a block laying lesson for our new friends and for some of our returning friends.  As you can see they all caught on very quickly and got right to work.  They each paired up and proceeded laying their first five courses.  George, new team member shared during God moments one evening he was overwhelmed from all the materials laying everywhere and how were we going to get it all done in five days.  He got to work to help make this happen.  He also shared how humbling it was to see the youngster helping mix mescal and carrying heavy buckets inside to help build this home.  Our ladies on the team worked diligently to do their part the first three days.  Everyone was a team this week and their workmanship showed through their labor of love for the kingdom work. Pastor Randy shared how everyone worked with joy in their hearts.  They exhibited true Christian labor for Christ.

 

hatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters,
Colossians 3:23

Two Pastors Serving the Lord

 

It is so beautiful to see two pastors working side by side with their hands and feet.  They are working pastors.  They live out God's word in their daily lives.  They spent one afternoon sharing their roles as pastor to their church.  They had similar stories but not so similar stories.  Pastor Randy and Pastor Amado were able to encourage one another through their many experiences as pastors.  On the job site they worked hard and got very dirty for one sweet lady named Marcela and her daughter, Alison.  Pastor Amado tends to his flock here in a precious and sincere way.  During the week as the ladies cooked for the team and Hondurans, Pastor Amado served the meals and provided all we needed and beyond with what he had.  It is a blessing to observe the hands and feet of Jesus through our pastors who come through NCBM.  Thank you Pastor Randy for leading your flock thousands of miles to a beautiful place called Honduras where you teach your flock life skills which cannot come from the pulpit.  Well done good and faithful servant.

 

Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.
Hebrews 13:7

Working as a Team

 

Everyone disbursed to find their spot on the walls of the home.  They paired up and worked side by side.  Danielle asked if a veteran could work beside a new member.  They helped each other out after Mr. Mike turned them loose to do the work God had called them to do.  Pastor Carlos gingerly walks by to help where needed as he is busy with his tasks.  The four walls of Marcella's home starting rising up and becoming a formation of a home even on the very first day.  The doors got placed where she wanted them to go.  Thank you Longview Baptist for excepting the calling to come to Honduras and bless such a precious family in receiving a home.  God blessed all of us beyond any words imaginable.

 

For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands.
2 Corinthians 5:1

 

 

Honduran Food

 

Each day the ladies were busy at work in their kitchens preparing tortillas for the day ahead.  They made 150 to feed everyone who was working.  The North American ladies, Bette, Annika, Danielle, Addison, Lynn, Kim, and Ellie learned how to make the tortillas.  They helped Sylvia prepare the 150 tortillas for a couple of their lunches.  The new home owner, Marcella, enjoyed preparing the meals along side her Aunt Anna and family.  There was fried fish with fried bananas one day, there was bean soup one day, there was peas Honduran style one day, there was chicken and rice with noodles and beans  and they even had corn on the cob.  Each day the table was set for the North Americans to sit on Louisa's front porch and enjoy the cuisine of the Honduran culture.  This front porch of Louisa has entertained and provided a worship area for us for many years.  There was four generations of this family there daily help with the meals, build the home and playing in the front yard. Bette spent one day with Sylvia help prepare the meal for everyone.  The last morning the ladies set on the front porch and shelled the peas they were having for lunch.  This was a beautiful time of food and fellowship in so many different ways.  Thank you to all the ladies involved in the cooking of all this food this week.

 

Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts,
Acts 2:46

Prepping for the Floor

 

Before the rain sent them away the gentlemen were working diligently on making the brims for the floor and finishing up the gables for the roof the following day.  They worked mixing the mortar and cutting the blocks per order.  There were many activities going on this day as the rain was coming their way.  Pastor Carlos called it a day and did not put one half of the floor down because of the rain storm.  Thank you guys for working so hard to get this house closer to becoming a home. 

 

"You heavens above, rain down my righteousness; let the clouds shower it down. Let the earth open wide, let salvation spring up, let righteousness flourish with it; I, the LORD, have created it.
Isaiah 45:8

 

Windows Go In

 

This is the first time in a very long time I was there to see windows being set.  Marcella was there to direct Mike and Pastor Carlos right where she wanted them to be placed.  This process is tedious and takes patience to get the window placed where it will stay.  The most precious part was watching Marcella watch Mike and Pastor Carlos as they worked on the window.  This is one more piece of the puzzle to getting this house closer to becoming her new home.  She wanted to make sure these two "experts" knew what they were doing.  She was a very precious supervisor as she stood back and watched the process.

 

"It is written," he said to them, "'My house will be called a house of prayer,'
Matthew 21:13a

 

 

 

Fellowship

 

This week was full of laughter, learning English and Spanish, and being children with children.  The team spent a lot of time with the people as well as building the home.  They balanced out their week very well by getting know the people around them.  Ellie, who is bi-lingual, enjoyed the sweet spirit of these lovely ladies in Los Delicious.  Annika and Danielle enjoyed engaging with the little ones as well.  Annika got some beautiful art work on the last day from some of the children.  Tyler helped Caleb one day with his homework.  They were teaching each other English and Spanish with a little help coming from Maida.  God truly blessed everyone this week with lots of tears and laughter which was abundantly full of the joy of Christ Jesus.   Pastor Randy commented on how beautiful it was to watch everyone interacting with each other and sharing the joy of Christ through simple fellowship.

 

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!

Philippians 4:4

Work Ethics

 

Strong work ethics start very young here in Honduras.  The young people of this team were taken back of how hard a ten year old young man was working for his neighbor.  This was exhibited throughout the week. This one particular day two young men were working it hard.  They were mixing the mescal as hard as their small bodies would allow them.  George and Tyler did their devotional on Working Hard.  There scripture reference was out of  Proverbs.  We were all impressed with our young men to notice how hard children work in Honduras.  I shared with them, the young boys gather wood for their mothers to cook with during the day before they go off to school each day.  They gather water as well from a nearby river to help with the daily chores.  WE all can learn so much from the children here in Honduras on how to be a team member in our families.  We all use the same items daily.  How do we help our family daily to have a success day in our homes and workplaces.  A family should be a family unit of team work.  Let's learn from our families in Honduras how to work together as a family.

 

Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise!
It has no commander, no overseer or ruler,

yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest.
How long will you lie there, you sluggard? When will you get up from your sleep?

A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest--
and poverty will come on you like a thief and scarcity like an armed man.
Proverbs 6:6-11

Father/Son Block Cutting Team

 

David came last year and was the block cutter for his team.  This year David, brought along his 18 year old son, George.  This week George learned a new trade, how to cut block to order.  He along with his father cut over 160 blocks for the team.  George shared how it did him good to do hard work and he actually enjoyed being a small part of making this house a home.  David was grateful for the help of his son as they both worked hard together as a team to get the blocks ready for their team members.  This will be a memory for these two which will last them a life time.  They will look back and remember how they together helped someone receive a home where they will be safe and dry during the rainy season.  Just by cutting blocks for four days they made a difference in someone's life.

 

Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.
Proverbs 22:6

Women's ESL Class

 

Thank you Ellie who brought laughter and praises amongst the women of this community this week.  The ladies learned a Christian song, "God is so Wonderful" in English during the week in preparation for singing it in Sunday worship.  She did a bible study with these ladies daily, also teaching the ladies the bible verses in English.  This was taking place on Louisa's front porch where we have made so many beautiful memories.  Thank you Ellie for taking the time to prepare this for our sweet ladies in Las Delicious.

 

One of those listening was a woman from the city of Thyatira named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth. She was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul's message.
Acts 16:14

 

 

VBS

 

 

 

 

 

This group was able to do VBS for four days.  There location was right next to the home being built.  Each day they provided singing led by Maida as the children gathered.  The ladies did a skit daily for the children in reference to their bible story.  They were given a craft for each day.  Their bible stories was one being "Fishers of Men", "The Good Samaritan" which they included the children in this skit and there was one on the plan of salvation where they made a picture frame with the plan of salvation glued to it.  One child said he was going home to nail it to his wall to keep forever.

The entire team met nightly to help the ladies with their preparations for the next day.  After supper on the last night, team member Lynn was getting ready to get up to go prepare for VBS and looked sadly and said we are finished.  These weeks of serving in Honduras go by way too fast for the teams as well as for Mike and I.  These folks put a lot of effort into their VBS each year and the children here reap the benefits of their hard work.   The children will have memories for years to come hanging in their homes of this week.  Thank you ladies for all your hard work.

 

I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.
3 John 1:4

 

Final Touches of the Last Day

 

 

 

 

As the last morning arrives the team knows what has to get done.  They committed to do VBS, putting up the roof and putting down the floor.  Because of the rain the day before the entire floor had to be put down the last morning.  Thank you to all of you who made all this happen.  The children enjoyed their time with VBS as did the North Americans. The roof got up and the floor got put down.  Thank you especially to all the Honduran helpers this week who worked endlessly to get their sister, friend and family member a home.

 

 

Pastor Carlos led us to completion with his excellent construction skills and talents.  He does this with such humbleness and ease.  Everyone who sees his workmanship and talents sees Jesus.  We are grateful to have Pastor Carlos apart of NCBM staff here in Honduras.  Thank you God for this man you sent our way many years ago.  He leads by example and we all learn from him just by being in his presence.

 

Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.
I Corinthians 11:1

Home Dedication

 

Time came for the home dedication.  Before it started I was talking with Ellie from the team and she shared how excited Marcella was to get her home and she could not wait to find a light bulb so she could move in immediately.  All she needed was one light bulb and she would be ready to move in.  I shared with Ellie she cannot move in for three days to let the floor cure properly so it will last her a very long time.  So Ellie called her over and shared this news with her.  Marcella still with a smile on her face agreed to wait three more days before moving in to her new home.

Pastor Randy started the dedication by thanking everyone who came out to help their family member and friend receive her home.  He shared we were ONLY the hands and feet of Jesus this week.  Without the help of the Lord this would not have happen.  This dream Marcella had became a reality this week because we all answered a calling from God to come and serve Him in Las Delicious.  Everyone was called by God to help and the unity and beauty of all of this was definitely of God.  You get two different languages together and one God and amazing things can truly take place. As he continued talking in led right into how you now have a physical dwelling provided by God but the most important gift of all is His Word.  Pastor Randy presented her and Alison with a bible to help guide their spiritual journey here on this earth.  He gave her the key to her home as she received it with smile knowing she has to wait three days before moving in.  We all gathered around the home as Pastor Amado prayed a prayer of dedication to Marcella and Alison's home. 

 

 

An Amazing Worship Service

 

Where do we began on such an amazing day in the house of the Lord.  The Spirit of the Lord was in this place and we worshiped for over two hours through music, dance, skits and an amazing sermon  presented by Pastor Randy.

First of all Sylvia led the service by singing "Because He Lives".  Marcella read from the book of Psalm 100 and team leader Lynn read it in English.  There were more specials in singing led by another church member, "Halluiegh" and "Santos Santos Santos".  Sonya, a young person in this church led the offertory prayer.  After the offertory prayer the North American ladies got up to sing "Victory in Jesus" in English and sang the chorus in Spanish.  After the North American ladies sat down the Honduran ladies along with Ellie got up to sing in English "God's Love is So Wonderful".  Then they sang one of their very own hymns in Spanish.  What an amazing start to a very special day in the house of the Lord.

Pastor Randy got up to preach his sermon on "Zaachaeus" out of Luke 19.  Prior to him going up to the pulpit, Maida, our translator, came to me and ask if she could run to the bathroom.  So off she went.  After Ellie and her choir got finished singing I ask Ellie could she fill in for a few minutes while Maida ran quickly to the restroom.  So Pastor Randy instead of started his sermon he unannounced had the entire team come up to sing the song about Zaachaeus not once but twice.  Maida then entered the church prepared to translate for Pastor Randy.  Thank you Pastor Randy for how you handled this in such a sensitive and godly way. 

Pastor Randy started his sermon by thanking them for having his team here this week to provide a home for a fellow sister in Christ.  He shared today God has a word for us from Luke.  He asked the mostly children congregation "Do you want to see Jesus through your eyes?"  All of the children shouted "SI".  Then he asked another question, "Do you want to be in the presence of Jesus?"  The children once again yelled, "SI".  So Pastor Randy proceeded with his message God had called him to share today.  Zaaccaheus wanted to see Jesus too.  But he was way too short.  The crowd would not let him come through them to get to Jesus.  The people of Zaacchaeus community did not like Zaachaeus because he was not nice to the people.  He was a tax collector who charged too much and kept a lot of the money for himself.  The people turned their backs on Zaachaeus and would not let him through.  But Zaachaeus wanted to see Jesus that day and he was so determined to see him that he climbed up into a sycamore tree so he could see Jesus with his own eyes.  Zaachaeus teaches us that we should overcome any obstacles or barriers in our lives which keeps us from seeing Jesus.  Some of those barriers could be sins in our lives, friends we associate with, selfishness and doubt and fears.  We need to overcome these barriers so we can be in the Jesus' presence.  We need to know where Jesus is going in our lives.  This week  Jesus was at work in this community.  Where two or more are gathered in His name Jesus is present.  We all have overcome great obstacles to be here today.  Some of us walked many miles just to come to church and some of our friends tried to keep you from coming today.  But because you came you and I were in the presence of the Lord, Jesus. When you spend time in his Word, time in prayer, time to listen to his still sweet voice we can be in the presence of the Lord.

Secondly today when we are looking for Jesus or being in his presence He is also looking for us.  Jesus was looking for Zaaachaeus on that day.  He was on his way to be persecuted he took time to stop and be with Zaachaeus.  Jesus was on a mission, his death.  But he also was still on God's mission of bringing the lost to Christ.  By Jesus stopping that day Zaachaeus got to see Jesus and be in his presence.  Jesus was not too busy to look up into the tree. Jesus wants to be with us.  In Matthew where Jesus shares about the Sheep and the Goats, Jesus shares I asked you for something to eat and drink and you did not give it to me. Jesus has been in our midst this week.  You shared your food with us when we were hungry.  We built a home for one of our own who needed a home.  When we serve one another we are serving Jesus. We are in His most holy presence. The really good news in this today is Zaachaeus was not like actually he was despised by his peers.  Yet Jesus came to Zaachaeus when no one else would come near him.  There is not any one who is too far from Jesus.  We all need to share Jesus with whoever God puts in our paths.  It does not matter where they are in life they need the love of Jesus.  You need to go out and let people see Jesus in you.  Not just in this building but in your community where there are lost souls who need to be in the presence of Jesus just like we are.

Word got out that Jesus enjoyed a meal with a sinner.  He was dining with Zaachaeus.  So Zaachaeus stood up at the meal and apologized to everyone who he had cheated and said he was going to pay back all he had taken from each one of them.  So by Jesus looking up in the tree and was not too busy this opportunity caused a sinner named Zaachaeus to receive the greatest gift of all.  He was transformed, his life was changed and he received salvation.  This day Zaachaeus became a follower of Christ.  When we are looking for Jesus, Jesus will draw near to us through his Holy Spirit. If you do not know Jesus today this story is about you.  It is for everyone who has not heard the good news.  We have the same mission of Jesus.  We are to make disciples and followers of Jesus.  We all have our own mission in life but we are all about God's mission.  Look in unexpected places to find the lost.  Teach them about Jesus' love.  Pastor Randy then ask, "So do you want to see Jesus today?  Everyone shouted,"SI".  "Do you want to see people like Jesus sees people?"  "SI".  So let's all have eyes like Jesus.

Then the church members presented a skit of a dying child and her mother by her side.  Sylvia song "Following Jesus"  as a young person entered the church from the outside and brought the child back to life.  There was not too many dry eyes in the church building today.

The church has a dance program where the young people performed a routine about a turtle who was slow and did not want to do anything.  Like us sometimes we do not want to get up and go to church or help a friend in need.  The skit actually tied in real well with Pastor Randy's sermon.  At the close of the service Sylvia and her husband Elmor sang a couple of hymns.  This was a day full of blessings in God's house. We were definitely in the presence of the Lord today.

 

 

 

The Children

 

Everyone who comes to Honduras falls in love with these huge brown eyes and huge smiles.  These children are so blessed to have such joy in their lives.  They exhibit their joy daily in their work, their play and just being them.  They teach us so much about who Jesus truly is in their lives as He should be in our lives.  They can take the simplest things in life and they will become huge to us.  Thank you little ones for teaching us so many lessons about life.  They are truly respectful for the most part.  They sit in church on Sunday as Pastor Randy brought the message and listened intently to every word.  They can give you the best hug ever found anywhere.  They hug you to it hurts, George, one of the team members shared during devotions.  Annika shared how they kept giving her their art work.  She had shared some of her art work with them.  So they created some for her as well.  She and many of us were impressed of the many talented young people lived in one community.  They gave this group so much this week which will stay with them for a very long time.

 

Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."
Matthew 19:14

Father/Daughter Team

 

For many years Pastor Randy has come to Honduras and has come to love Honduras.  Last year he brought his wife, Karen.  This year he brought Karen's twin, their daughter Addison.  I felt like we had Karen here this week as I watched Addison work hard beside her father and away from him.  She has a smile that radiates wherever she is.  She learned how to make tortillas like her mother did last year.  Pastor Randy and Karen are very blessed to have such a mature godly daughter who loves to serve the Lord as they do. Thank you Addison for coming along this year and bring joy to us all.

 

 

Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it. Proverbs 22:6

Welcome Back David and Ellie

 

We want to welcome back David and Ellie.  They came for their first time last year.  Ellie left last year sharing she wanted her youngest son, George, to come in 2015.  Well Ellie got the desires of her heart.  There 18 year old son, George, came with this year.  Ellie said it did her heart good to see her young son doing a man's job.  David and Ellie enjoyed watching their son work diligently daily to help complete the home.  George was grateful for this special opportunity to come along beside his parents and serve the Lord with them.  What an amazing heritage David and Ellie are providing for their son, to work for the Lord.

 

"As for me and my house we will serve the Lord."

Joshua 24:15

Tyler and his friend Annika

 

Last year Tyler came to Honduras and fell in love with the beauty of this country and their people, especially the children.  This children upon returning he brought a special friend in his life, Annika.  They have been dating for a while and he wanted to share with Annika the joy he received by coming to Honduras.  Tyler who is a senior and Annika who is a junior are building an amazing foundation for two young people their age.  What a beautiful example being set by them for others their age and others much older.  They are putting their relationship in the hands of God by coming on a mission trip together.  They both worked side by side and worked separately as well.  They have similar joys such as the children.  The children gravitated to them seperatley as well as when they were together.  Thank you Tyler for setting such a godly example for other young men.  Annika, you are blessed to have chosen such a godly young man as your special friend.  You too Annika set a godly example for young ladies your age.  You two have been a blessing to us this week.

 

You who are young, be happy while you are young, and let your heart give you joy in the days of your youth. Follow the ways of your heart and whatever your eyes see, but know that for all these things God will bring you into judgment.
Ecclesiastes 11:9

Let Me Tell You About Jesus

 

1.  The symbol of the world represents the world and reminds me that God created everything.  Everything he made was good. He created man and woman.  He loved them and had a perfect relationship with them.

 

2.  The symbol of the fruit reminds us that He put them in a beautiful garden and told them they could eat the fruit from any tree except one.  Just like us, they disobeyed God. Disobeying God is called sin. Now all people have a sinful nature.  Because we are sinners, our relationship with God is broken.

 

3.  The sheep reminds me of sacrifices for my sin.  At first, God required a blood sacrifice for sins. Animals were sacrificed , but because they were not perfect their blood only covered sin but couldn't take away sin.  Animal sacrifices had to be repeated over and over again.

 

4.  The manger reminds me God loves us so much.  He sent a perfect and sinless sacrifice.  HIs only Son Jesus Christ.  He was born as a baby and lived on earth 33 years teaching his followers how to live for God.  Because He was perfect, His blood not only covers sins it removes it.

 

5.  Jesus died on a cross.  Because He loves us He took our place, taking the punishment we deserve on Himself.  After His death they buried Him in a tomb.

 

6.  It may not look like it...but this is a tomb to represent the rock rolled away. Three days later Jesus arose from the dead, proving He was the son of God.  May people saw Him, and talked to Him.  He returned to Heaven making a place for us.  because He died and arose from the dead we can have forgiveness of sin and a personal relationship with Him. JESUS IS ALIVE!!!!!!!  HE CONQUERERED DEATH!!!!

 

7. The last symbol reminds me that if we live FOR HIM today then we will live WITH HIM for eternity.  Jesus said one day He will return to judge the world.  Everybody who ask Him for the forgiveness of their sins and believed in Him as Lord will go to heaven.  Everyone who does not will pay for their own sins in HELL for eternity.

 

How about you? Have you ever wondered what will happen when you die? Do you want the peace of knowing that when you die you will go to heaven?  It's not all about heaven.  God has a plan for your life and you can start living out all the good things He has for you today by just accepting a FREE GIFT. He can live in your heart like He does in mine.  If you are reading this today please do not let this day pass you by and not receive the sweetest gift of all, JESUS CHRIST.

 

 

Worship Service in Santa Marta

 

Our first work day was worship service with the community of Santa Marta which was not a work day but a huge God moment for everyone.  Pastor Miguel greeted everyone with the a gracious smile and life which exhibits the love of Christ.  His daughter shared how the children are waiting each Sunday for the doors to open for Sunday School.  She shared how they dearly love these children in Santa Marta.

Team members shared also how they felt genuinely welcomed by the hugs the children welcomed each one of them with.  One of the new team members, Tracey, shared how she had not ever seen anything like this in her whole life.  These children showed the team, complete strangers such a huge welcoming.  It was a humbling experience had by all.

The church service commenced with a lot of beautiful music. Some of the music the North Americans recognized the tune.  Butch shared how he recognized "Washed in the Blood" and how they sang with such joy in their voices and in their hearts.  They were excited about being in church.  It was not just another Sunday in church.  They were there to Praise the Lord and that they did.  The team got up to do a special in English, "I'll Fly Away"  accompanied by Joe on the guitar. 

Tracy got up to share her personal testimony and how she was of the world for many years.  One day she took ill and decided on that day she could not longer do it by herself.  She decided to give her life to Christ and let HIM carry her burdens.  Now she enjoys serving her Lord in her church by working with the youth.  Tracey enjoys her daily time in God's word.

Steve, team leader, brought the message out of  2 Corinthians 10:3-5. Steve shared with the congregation one of the reasons he keeps coming back to Honduras is the true genuine love that exhibited through the Honduran folks.  You all show the true love of Jesus Christ in your actions.   And as all believers we are all waiting on for the eternal destination , Heaven, with God where there will be no more sorrow, no more sadness, no fear, no  more hunger and all of this will be forever.  As long as we live here will endure difficulties,  We live in a world of sin, no matter our nationality.  There are things which are stronger than we are in this world but is much more powerful than  the  world we live in.  There are giants in our lives that are stronger than us  and exalt us which will come between us and God.  The giants could be drugs, gangs, an illness or just a repeating sin.  Today I would like to talk to you about how to deal with these giants.   Spiritual warfare is something we must face and face daily. 

 

Steve shared John 15:18-20 during his sermon.   There will be times of giants and giants to fight.  But we are not to go to our churches and hide and keep the world out.  That is not God's plan for us.  We are to demolish the strong holds  God calls us to conquer the strong holds, the giants of this world through his power of the Holy Spirit.  When we talk about fighting it is not a physical fight.  It could be a mental, spiritual but not physical.  Our mistakes when we go to battle we try to do with our own power and not rely on God.  Paul shares the weapons we need to use is not of the flesh.  God says we need to daily put on the Armor of God.  God has always given us the weapons we just need to know them and use them in our lives daily. 

The Belt is to hold the armor in place. Our belt is God's truth.

The Breastplate is to protect bodily organs, the heart for instance.  Our heart is accessible to the world.  God's righteousness is our Breastplate.

The Shield protects from arrows and swords.  God's shield is our faith in Him.

The Helmet protects our head from injury. Our salvation is our protection from eternal injury.

The Sword is the Word of God which protects us against giants.

Prayer is our open communication to God.

Our eternal destination is Heaven.

Ephesians 6:10-18

Thank you Steve for sharing from God's word today and giving us tools to survive in this world of sin.  God's word has the best tools for our daily lives.

 

Petromilio and family

 

We are blessed to have God put these lovely family on our journey of serving Him here in Honduras.  Pertomilio  and his lovely wife, Alicia asked for a home about a year ago.  God blessed us with the perfect team to build this sweet couple a home.  Alicia's smile lights up wherever she goes.  Her tears of joy flow frequently as she thinks about her new home God is providing for her and her family.  They have two beautiful children, Pearla age 10 and Daniel age 4.  We went last week to check on the foundation and prayed with them before leaving, Alicia started crying and could not stop.  She shared how blessed she was to be getting a home from God who she had prayed so long.  God always answers our prayers in His timing.  Thank you God for leading us to this beautiful and humble family who has taught us so much this week. 

 

Greeting and Praying

 

We came together on the first day of the construction project to a group of North Americans anxious of what would lie ahead and to an anxious family waiting to receive their home.  The team introduced and shared how humbling it was to be here to share with this family and helping them make the 800 blocks become a home.  Petrimilio introduced his family to us and we prayed.  During the prayer Alicia, lady of the house, started crying and continue for quiet some time.  Her prayers and dream were slowly becoming a reality.  It was a beautiful start to a most amazing and God ordained week.  First night of devotion team leader, Steve, shared everyone sitting in this room tonight was hand picked by God before we were born to come here and to serve this family.  This thought was humbling for Mike and I .  Each week God entrust us to this ministry and to pick the families and teams together.  Once I heard Steve share this I thanked God in my heart for allowing Mike and I to be a part of this plan for this team.  This team does amazingly each time they come to serve in Honduras.  We are grateful for our friends from Virginia.  All God's people said AMEN!!!

 

I thank my God every time I remember you.
In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy
because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now,
Philippians 1:3-5

Preparing the Day

 

 

 

There is a lot to get the first hour to two underway.  In this situation, which every job location is different, there is very little room for breathing.  This was a tight location and everyone was in every one's way just for a short while until we all found our spots.  They worked quickly to get everything off the KIA so it could be moved out of the way of the main road.  The doors stood up next to the corner of the foundation.  The sand sifting was right next to this and on and on. The team made the best of the situation and all worked well together.  Tracey, new team member was in awe of how it all came together and fell into place.  This was just a small part of the beginning of their first hour.  Once the truck got unloaded they proceeded to plan B.  This is a team ready for whatever God has in store for them.  They are definitely a team of unity.  Well done good and faithful servants.

 

until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
Ephesians 4:13

Mike's Block Crew

 

Mike offered to help cut the block if someone would help him line up his block to be cut.  Well you ask Mike and you definitely received.  Once the truck was unloaded the assembly line commenced and they had Mike 20 blocks lined up in rows of ten.  Mike only had to cut.  The team members knocked out the notches and made them into a neat pile out of the way to be used later.  The blocks got stacked in piles according to  their size cut.  The team then proceeded to bring him the next 20 blocks and continued this process until all 120 blocks were cut and ready for the week ahead.  Mike said the team did all the hard work. All Mike had to do was cut the block.  You ask from this group and you receive numerous blessings in all kinds of different ways.  Mike got all the block cut in about one hour and a half.  The team was set for the week.  So once the mortar got mixed they could start laying their blocks.  Once again this was called team work.  This was done out of joy for the Lord.

 

being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
Philippians 1:6

The Four Cornerstones

 

Butch, return team member remembered how to place the four corners and measure their level to preciseness.  He taught Pastor Brian and they worked together to get each corner prepared for the blocks which would follow shortly.  Team leader Steve and long time friend Joe helped in one of the corners. This corner was a little tricky but the boys figured it all out.  This part of the process is most important to the house in becoming a home.  Every job is important but it takes each one done correctly to help the rest of the week to be successful and for the home to turn out to be God's beautiful handiwork.  Thank you guys for allowing God to use your preciseness to get the corners ready for the major cornerstone to be put in place.

 

For in Scripture it says: "See, I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and precious cornerstone, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame."
1 Peter 2:6

The Chief Cornerstone

 

After all the preparations for the first block to be laid the time had come.  Maida, our translator, asked for the Petrimilo and Alicia to come and place their hand on the first block.  Team leader, Steve, asked for everyone to gather around the couple and place their hands on someone so we all were connected as one in Christ.  This was the beginning of God's hand in all we did for this family.  Brother Darryl led the prayer over the first block.  The Lord spoke through Brother Darryl in a mighty way as Darryl prayed this house to become a home of refuge and a home who others would see Jesus daily.  This was a very special time in the life of this family and their future together.  What a precious gift from God, a home where you will be safe and not in danger with a door and a lock and a key.  A place where they will be dry during the rainy season.  These are things so many of us take for granted and others would love to have.  This prayer over the first block is a meaningful ceremony where we place the week ahead in the hands of God as he leads and guides our every move.  Thank you God for providing all we needed this week to get your work here on earth completed.  Once again Alicia cried tears of joy as her dream was coming true.  Petrimilo as well thanked God for this amazing gift. 

built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone.
Ephesians 2:20

 

Eight Hundred Blocks to Go

 

 

 

This team was ready to start their block laying.  Everyone paired up with at least three folks working side by side.  During God moments Tracey shared how she was in awe of how all this was orchestrated and how it ran like a well greased machine.  The team had four new team members, Tracey, Pastor Brian, Papa Joe and Clara who had never been to Honduras and worked with this team.  They connected quickly and learned the Honduran way of constructing a home.  They worked beside their veteran friends and they got their allotted course up by the end of the day.  Team member Paula shared, "We even had time to go to the local pulperia and get a bottle drink and take a nice long siesta."  Everyone gave it their all as course after course went up and their eight hundred block pile was getting smaller.  This team takes great pride in the beauty of the joints on their homes they construct.  They work as if they were building this home for themselves instead they are building it for God, even more reason to do your best work.  We appreciate when a team comes and put pride in their construction work and they learn to do it the Honduran way, taking it easy as you work along the week.  We can learn so much from our brothers and sisters here in Honduras.  Stop and smell the roses along the way.  Life is too much like a race and we are always in a hurry, slow down and enjoy God's beauty around you.  This week the team visited a nearby nursery while working,  They also got to see two sunsets.  They arrived in Tegus in the late afternoon and as they were coming across the bridge so God's creation through His sunset.  They said they had come to Honduras for seven years and this was their first time to see the sunset. The beauty of God's creation is all around us if we just take the time to enjoy it.  Thank you God for painting such a beautiful picture that first evening coming into Choluteca after such a very long day.