Prepping for First Day

 

Coats Baptist Church brought their second team this year.  This team was a medical team.  They came in with luggage full of medicines for two communities they will be serving this week.  They got to the mission house and jumped right into unpacking and sorting their medicines and numbering their registration cards.  Everyone pitched in and helped Dr. Lori, Dr. Kathleen, and Amy, the pharmacist get everything organized more for the first day.  They had reorganized back home which helped them all a lot.  Some friends, Jimmy and Betty, helping Dr. Kathleen folding the registration forms so they could be numbered.  Anita and Betty also sorted out their VBS materials for the first day.  Anna and Katie came prepared to do an eye clinic as well.  This team was well staffed to meet the needs of everyone who passed through the medical clinic.  They were especially concerned about folks spiritual needs.  Thank you God for sending such willing folks to share their love for your people of Honduras.  This group loves Honduras and Honduras loves them as well. 

Team leader, Katie, started the first night devotional out perfectly with how we should conduct ourselves during the week.   Katie stressed for herself and the team what kind of impression will we leave with these beautiful people.  She asked the question, "Is there someone who has left a lasting impression in your life?"  "What about them left this impression?"  This week Katie shared along with herself included let's see what lasting impression will we leave with these people.  How will they remember us?  As Paul dropped into Philippi for a short time, we are dropping by for a short time in Monjares, Choluteca and El Tambor, Choluteca.  She shared scripture out of Philippians 4:8

"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things."  Let's exhibit these characteristics while serving the Lord in Honduras. Let's be a true representation of  Christ. 

During God moments the team shared how busy Satan was trying to keep them from coming to serve the Lord.  Anita shared how two ladies just recently got permission from their doctors to fly out of the United States.  God is good all the time.  How beautiful the country of Honduras was as they flew over it.  How several of our team members overcome fears to come to Honduras.  Fear of flying and fear of being in a new place.  God is so good to help us overcome obstacles which hinder us from serving Him.  This is an amazing team who allowed God to use their ups and downs to come here and get out of their comfort zones to see how truly big HE really is.  All God's people said AMEN.

 

 

Pray Without Ceasing

 

We arrive in Monjares to a warm welcome of Pastor David and church congregation.  They were busily at work cleaning and organizing the facilities for the use of the medical clinic.  We all gathered under a blue tarp which provided a cool breeze.  Mike introduced Pastor David to the medical team and allowed Katie, team leader to introduce her team. We also introduced our amazing Dr. Brenda and our four translators for the week.  God is so good and without our Honduran staff we could not provide the needs we provide on a weekly basis.  Team member Betty shared how Maida worked tirelessly and going from one station to another without skipping a beat.  Maida never complained or seemed exhausted as she worked hard at meeting the needs of everyone who called her name.  Thank you Maida for your endless service for Jesus and with always shining a beautiful smile.

Pastor David introduced his congregation and thank God first for providing the community with a medical clinic for three days.  What a beautiful start to a beautiful week.  At this time Mike asked Pastor David to open in prayer and each day as the team arrived at their location they opened in prayer and gave their day to God.  Kathleen shared during God moments one evening that God is our one and only great physician.  We are just his helpers.  God is in control of all situations. 

During the second night of devotionals Mark shared out of Proverbs 3:5-6 how God is in control of all things even when we try to do it for HIM.  We need to put on Jesus daily and not ourselves.  We need to pray and be more intentional with our life for Jesus only.

 

Setting Up the Medical Clinic

 

They broke up and went to look over the facility for their medical clinic.  They decided on the larger building across the street and off they went.  Mark, Jimmy, Jose and Mike waited patiently as the doctors and pharmacy decided where they wanted the tables and suitcases full of medicines to be placed.  These were four smart men.  They were only going to move these items one time.  Great job gentlemen.  Chairs and tables were moving around trying to find out which was best for the needs ahead.  Everyone pitched in with all the work needed to get the medical clinic up and running.  Dr. Brenda and Mike as well as myself sat back and watched the beauty of team work become a medical clinic.

Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him.
Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.
Psalm 62:5-6

 

The Pharmacy

 

Amy, our Pharmacist, and the doctors put the pharmacy up on the stage of the church sanctuary.  The waiting area was placed down in front of the pharmacy in the center of the room.  Everyone was up on the stage helping Amy get the pharmacy organized while Dr. Lori went over some logistics with our Honduran  Dr. Brenda.  Thank you God first for such a smooth transition as the church sanctuary was transformed into a medical clinic.  As I sat in church Sunday worshiping our Lord and Savior I looked back remember what all took place in this sanctuary three days prior to Sunday morning.  How beautiful it is when God's house can provide spiritual needs and physical needs as well.  The team was ready by 9:00 AM.  Dr. Lori shared she was ready to pray up the day.

 

If one of you says to them, "Go in peace; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it?
James 2:16

 

So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.
Galatians 5:16

 

For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.

1 Timothy 4:8

Iglesia Bautista La Hermosa Medical Clinic

 

 

After Dr. Lori said she was ready to pray up the week everyone scurried around into a circle and prayed up the day ahead.  After prayer everyone headed to their works stations.  Before the morning even started Satan tried to tear us down.  One of the translators was a no show which sometimes happens.  Thank you team leader Katie for your flexibility and understanding of the situation.  Julie and daughter Sarah, which is her first time in Honduras, helped with registration.  We were blessed with one of the ladies of the church who helped them check in patience. God's provision was beautiful and Satan did not win.  Bonnie, Betty and Anita was there as helped was needed.  Jimmy assisted Amy in the pharmacy along with Braden and his mother Cheri.  The morning progressed nicely.  Mark was available wherever God placed him and always with a joyful smile. 

 

How good and pleasant it is when God's people live together in unity!
Psalm 133:1

Our Three Amazing Doctors

 

 

 

Thank you Dr. Brenda for your amazing gifts and talents you brought to the medical clinic.  Dr. Brenda is a huge assess to North Carolina Baptist Men's medical brigades.  She is always willing and flexible whenever we need her.  She brings into play her faith in God as her first praise and honor for her many gifts and talents.  She gives Him all glory for her many blessings.  The first day on the job site Dr. Brenda and never shared it with anyone.  She was there to do her job and that she did.  Some of us prayed for her to heal quickly so she could better serve her people.  Sure enough God blessed her with a quick healing and a bright and cheerful spirit too.

Dr. Lori returned for her fourth time to Honduras on a medical team.  She has come once with her son, Nathan two years ago. This year she was super blessed to bring along her husband, Mark, and her lovely and joyful daughter, Anna.  Dr. Lori shared one of her God moments was when she saw Anna playing with Lela and the joy which shown upon her face.  Her face was radiant and you could see Jesus shining through her all day.  Dr. Lori shared on the first or second day she had a man come through the clinic who had been to a local clinic and got ex-rays made.  Because of the cost of his ex-rays he could not afford the medicines they prescribed for him.  Dr. Lori's medical team had the medicines this gentleman needed.  Thank you God for your provisions. 

Kathleen, nurse practitioner, is a first time friend coming to assist in the medical clinic.  She is a colleague of Dr. Lori.  When picking them up at the Tegus airport I assumed she was a part of their church family.  They received Kathleen warmly as everyone else did the entire week. Thank you Kathleen for your flexibility as you served beside four different translators.  You took Katie's devotional to heart where you showed them Jesus through your works and deeds this week. Kathleen had so many God moments each and every day.  One of them brought tears to many eyes the first evening.  There was an elderly man age 71 who was blind entered the doors of the church.  Julie checked him in and headed over to Dr. Brenda's station.  Dr. Brenda was backed up a little so Julie turned around and saw Kathleen available.  She walked her elderly friend over to Kathleen.  Let me share one bit of information.  Kathleen and Dr. Lori are pediatricians  back home.  So Kathleen was upset because she had not seen any children.  She asked God to please let her see children.  But God had a different plan for Kathleen.  God gave Kathleen the sweetest man ever.  He sat down and Kathleen check him over.  He had high blood pressure and she explained how they did not have medicine for high blood pressure.  He shared with her he did not need medicine Jesus was his doctor and he does not take medicine.  Kathleen asked could she pray with him.  He got down on his knees and bowed his head and started praying for Kathleen before she even had a chance to pray for him.  How blessed Kathleen was this day when God did not answer her prayer for wanting to see children.  God had a better blessing for Kathleen.  Thank you God for Kathleen and her elderly friend.  Kathleen also got an eight month old pregnant lady who brought her ex rays from the clinic.  Julie is an ex-ray technician and was able to read the film for Kathleen.  The lady had a healthy little boy from what Julie could see with the naked eye.  Kathleen asked her could she pray over her and her baby boy.  Kathleen asked permission to place her hand upon the lady's stomach as she prayed.  Kathleen prayed and as she prayed she could feel the baby boy jumping around inside his mommy.  Wow how beautiful is God's creation, a baby being born. 

We were blessed with three awesome ladies who took care of over 900 patients in five days.  To God be the glory for this week of dedicated health care providers.

 

And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up.
James 5:15a

Many Different Jobs and More

 

Everyone had a job to do at the medical clinic.  Bonnie rinsed out 100 of ears this week and wrapped wounds.  Julie assisted when she could.  Bonnie a school teacher learned quickly how to rinse out ears so these sweet ones could hear the sounds around them.  Some of these sweet ones probably have not heard a thing clearly for a very long time.  This young man had a marble size mass come out of his ear.  Julie said he simply had to hurt to some degree as well as not being able to hear a thing.  Bonnie had a patient one day who needed stitches removed.  Bonnie was able to do whatever God put before her.  Thank you Bonnie for your willingness to get out of your comfort zone and serve these people.  God is so good!!!!

He replied, "Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it."
Luke 11:28

 

Julie and Sarah, along with Cheri and Braden checked in patient all day long.  Everyone went wherever they were needed.  This allowed the doctors to get their jobs done while others were working in unity.  Thank you everyone for a job well done.

I desire to do your will, my God; your law is within my heart."
Psalm 40:8

 

Mark was not holding a sick child but a sleeping child.  Mark took care of this little one while his mother was getting weighed in and receiving her medical care.  Mark was wherever he was needed at whatever the time.  Mark this is a perfect example of Jesus loving the little ones and caring for them ever so gently.  Thank you brother for being the "gentle" man who you are and loving this little one.  Your family is truly blessed to be able to call you their father. 

rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.
Philippians 2:7

Anita and Betty Shared VBS

 

 

During the Medical Clinic Anita and Betty who are sister-in-laws as well, shared VBS wherever they could find a spot.  They brought daily activities with a bible story to go along with the activities.  Since they were short a translator Anita used her own Spanglish skills to get her point across.  Betty shared how they would pulled Maida when she was not busy in the pharmacy helping disperse the medicines to the patients to assist in explaining one of their many activities.  These two ladies were beyond flexible.  They also allowed Katie's devotional to apply to them each day as they did not know how their day may turn out.  They allowed God to use them as HE saw fit this week.  Above Anita is explaining the plan of salvation which the sheet is in Spanish which Pastor David provided her.  The young people could then explain the salvation bracelet to their peers.  The two ladies made it work.  It was one special week of VBS and they touched many children's lives during their week of sharing God's word with them.  Thank you Anita and Betty for making a difference this week in the lives of these beautiful Honduran children.

But Jesus called the children to him and said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these."

Luke 18:16

 

The Eye Clinic

 

Let me share with you all the two most flexible ladies of all.  Katie and Anna were responsible for the eye clinic.  The first day when one of the translators was a no show, they waited patiently for one of the translator to get freed up to come assess some of the eye clinic patients.  Well the next day one of our translator's had a family emergency and could not come.  So now we were down to three.  But God did provide someone in Monjares to assist them which then gave Katie and Anna their translator again.  During the five days the ladies assisted over 200 patients and they exhibited 200 times the patience they needed to reflect back on Katie's devotional the first night.  I shared one evening with Katie how I saw her reflect a team leader who leads by example.  God provided you enough patience to withstand many obstacles this week in your eye clinic and you always did it with a smile.  The ladies favorite patient of all during the week was on the last day,  they referred to her as Granny Clampet.  She was a sweet grandmother with the prettiest apron and she was sporting her new eye glasses with pride.  You ladies touched many lives this week as God allowed you to examine 200 plus patients.  Thank you for opening these peoples' eyes in more ways than one.

But blessed are your eyes because they see,

Matthew 13:16

Worship Service

 

The team gathers at the church in Monjares for worship with the community they served for three days with their medical team.  Today everyone is going to get spiritual filled with hymns and God's word.  The team was grateful for a day of rest and to reflect on God and HIS most holy presence.  Jimmy like the idea of the worship service not being prearranged.  Maida met with Maria who was in charge of the order of service and led the service.  They planned out the worship service without even a bulletin.  God is good all the time.

 

There was several specials during the worship service.  The team got up there with the children and sang in Spanish Jesus is Love.  Maria with another church member led the church family in some familiar hymns we sing back in North Carolina.  The North American team got up and sang 10,000 Reasons in Spanish and Allelujah in Spanish.  The team practiced nightly their songs for worship service on Sunday.  It was beautiful to hear them sing in Spanish and such an amazing job they all did.  One evening they were singing and someone out on the street walking by shouted "Amen" and hit the gate as they passed.  They were sharing the love of Jesus Christ out on the streets of Choluteca.  Many people each night heard praises to Jesus being song in the mission house and all in Spanish.  Thank you Coats Baptist for the extra efforts of preparing before coming and singing in the native language, Spanish. 

 

Mike got up to share from God's word, Matthew 14:22-31.  Mike shared that after Jesus feed the 5000 people He sent the disciples out in the boat while He went up into the mountain to pray alone with His Father. Early in the morning Jesus awoke and went to check on the disciples walking on water to get to the boat. The disciple were scared when they saw Jesus walking on the water. They did not believe it was Him. They thought it was a ghost. Jesus said "Take courage, it is I, don't be afraid."  Peter spoke up and said "If it is you Lord, call me to You". Mike asked  the people how many times do we see Jesus and do not believe it is Him. When we call on Him and we are not sure it is Him. "Take Courage, It is I, Don't be afraid".  Jesus is always there for us but we need to recognize Him. Like Jesus told Peter to Come, He is telling us to Come, He will not beg us to come he will only ask us to come to HIM.  He is always there waiting for us to recognize Him. Mike shared that Peter got out of the boat and headed toward Jesus but got distracted by the waves took his focus off of Jesus and started to sink. How often do we take our eyes off of Jesus, lose focus and start to slip away from Him. Similarly when Peter started to sink Jesus grabbed him and pulled him up. Jesus will do the same for you as long as we stay focused on Him and His way. 

Mike shared the story of "Foot Prints in the Sand and used a young child from the church. He shared how when the man died and went to heaven and was talking with Jesus and reflected to the times in his life, he remember two sets of foot prints. Jesus said that was when I was walking with you. Mike then picked up the young boy and carried him in his arms while sharing that during the hard times he saw only one set of foot prints in the sand. Mike shared that the man said that you left me during those times, but Jesus told him that was when I carried you through those rough times. Mike shared Jesus is always there asking us to Come, Come be with Him.   Is Jesus carrying you through your rough times?  If you do not know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior who holds you up in all situations please receive the best gift, Jesus.  After the service Mike offered an invitation to whoever wanted to receive Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.  Pastor David got up there and shared it again and asked the same question who would like to receive Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. There was several people who came to the front of the church to rededicate their lives to Christ.  But there is one lady who came down to receive Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior.  Angels were dancing and singing in heaven this day.  We may have seen 900 patients this week but we received a sister in Christ which is worth so much more.  Thank you God for our new sister in Christ.

 

 

Construction Team As Well

 

The day before the team arrived Mike had to go to the hardware to pick up a few items.  I sat in the bus waiting for him returning some phone calls.  He said it was much stuff to pick up.  After he placed his order he came back out to the bus and drove around to the warehouse, bodega, to pick up the few items.  I am still on the phone talking to someone with my back to what was taking place behind me.  After it was all loaded Mike got in the bus and off we went.  I am not sure when I realized what was behind me but let me just say there was ten large very large rolls of insulation in the back of the bus.  I looked at him and said have you lost your mind.  We are picking up a medical team tomorrow and they are bringing in at least 14 to 15 pieces of luggage. Where are we going to put everything.  Mike shared calmly no worries it will happen.  Well Jose arrives very early at the mission house to help Mike load up these "small" bundles of insulation on the back of the Kia.  As you can see above the small bundles made it safely to Mt. Horeb. 

 

God blessed us with a two man construction team this week.  This is our first medical and construction combination.  Jimmy and his nephew Braden went daily to the property to wire the North American dorm.  They worked six plus hours each day pulling the wire and installing receptacles throughout the North American dorms.  There was over 2000 feet of wire used during this week.  The gentlemen worked until they ran out of material which occurred on their last day.  Thank you God for Jimmy and Braden and for your provisions this week.  The provisions were as following a gentle breeze most days, enough materials and the tranquility of Mt. Horeb each day.  Jimmy shared how peaceful it was hearing the birds singing without other noises to interfere.  Jimmy shared how blessed he was to serve the Lord this week at Mt. Horeb. 

 

Remember the day you stood before the LORD your God at Horeb, when he said to me, "Assemble the people before me to hear my words so that they may learn to revere me as long as they live in the land and may teach them to their children."
Deuteronomy 4:10

Choir Practice Each Night

 

Each evening after devotionals and God moments we gathered around the dining hall singing praises unto the Lord.  Bonnie and Anna discovered the two donated guitars in the hallway.  They joined together leading us in music.  Bonnie brought multiple sheets of praise hymns and we gathered every evening singing unto the Lord.  This was an amazing time for Mike and I as they sang in English as well as Spanish.  This brought a little bit of  home to us.  We felt like we were in church back home each evening as we sang praises unto our Lord.

 

 

Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth, burst into jubilant song with music;  Psalm 98:4

Many Families on this Team

 

God blessed us with Dr. Lori returning this time with her husband, Mark and her lovely daughter Anna.  Mark has served here before through a construction team.  This is the first time the lovely couple was able to come together.  This was a week full of joy shared by these three.  Anna exhibited the joy of Jesus daily in her smile especially when she was singing praises to HIM.  This is a family who puts Christ first and shares it with others.  They are a family full of many gifts and talents but they use them all for the glory of God.  Thank each of you for all you did.

 

Last year God blessed me with my new friend and sister, Julie.  She brought so much to her team last year but this year she brought someone special to the team.  Her beautiful and sweet and kind hearted daughter Sarah.  This mother daughter team was fabulous in everything they touched.  They helped set up, they check in patients and they served the Lord with a joyful heart.  Wow to watch these two could brighten anyone' s day.  One evening I walked through the breeze way and Sarah asked her mother how to wash clothes on the pilla.  There they were having a lesson on the pilla, laughing and praising the Lord.  Always joyful in all situations.  The last evening we were blessed with a devotional from Julie and it was simply "Thanksgiving".  She shared not what were are thankful for, not the stuff we have but to be thankful for JESUS, SIMPLY JESUS.  She gave each one of us a thank you card and ask us to write God a thank you note for who HE is and what HE has done for us.  What a humbling experience.  She shared we sometimes are so use to God we do not see who God is anymore.  This is so true.  We are so busy serving HIM we do not spend time to get to know HIM and what HE has truly done for us.  WHO HE  IS!!!!  Thank you Julie for such a thought provoking devotional. 

 

Welcome back our friends, Jimmy and Anita, Jimmy's sister Cheri who all have come before.  This time Cheri gets to bring her son, Braden, for the first time.  Also we have Betty who is Anita's sister-in-law.  This is a very special family reunion here in Honduras.  This is such a blessing to be able to come and serve along so many different parts of your immediate and extended family. This is the first time I can remember we had so many folks come out of one family tree.  This is absolutely beautiful to have a family full of godly people who want to go away from their comfort zones to another part of the world and share in a memory not any one can take from them.  There was so many different gifts and talents on this one family unit.  They were able to put all those gifts to use this week.  We love all of you and thank you for allowing God to use each of you this week, whether it was medical or construction or VBS.  Yes each of these precious people worked in each of these locations this week. 

 

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

Joshua 24:15

New Hope Baptist Church Youth

 

Four years ago New Hope Baptist Church adult team came down and built the first home in Las Cabasas, Choluteca, Honduras.  On that team was one of this year's team members John Scott.  Four years ago we discussed this village needed a church established.  Mike shared we do not need to tell them what they need to do and we need to pray to see if the village will come forward and do this themselves.  The lady, Ms. Aleda, who New Hope Baptist Church adult team built her home was meeting with the children of the community having Sunday School each week.  There was around thirty to forty children meeting with her weekly on Sunday mornings.  After that week and several baptismal in the nearby river we went yearly to build a home for the other members of the community.  So after four houses were built one of the families, Ingrid and Teodora, gave their home to the community to have a place to worship.  The church family began to grow and others came to Christ.  There was a pastor in another part of Choluteca  who helped the church begin and led them for several months coming out several times a week.  This became an expense for this gentleman so he had to discontinue his commitment.  So the community has been meeting on their on with a nearby pastor coming occasionally.  So in the last six months or so Mike and Ginger discussed and prayed about building this community a church building.  They already have a family of believers meeting on a regular basis under mango trees or some one's home.  So Mike and Ginger needed three teams to commitment to help build and fund this facility.  This community already had a foundation in place for over a year.  They raised their own money to do this foundation and ran out of funds to continue the construction.  One day while out in Las Cabasas Mike asked one of the people what was the foundation going to be.  They said hopefully one day we will build a church.  Well, with a lot of prayers this community's prayers and long time dream is becoming a reality. 

 

He replied, "Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you."
"But this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting."

Matthew 17:20-21

 

Meeting and Greeting

 

 

 

The team gathered together to reunite with some old friends and to meet with old and new friends.  Pastor Brian went around the circle introducing his team members.  The community introduced themselves and the Hondurans each thank God for this day they had prayed without ceasing to become a reality.  There was an older gentleman, named Don Juan, shared how he had prayed a very long time for this day.  He gave God all the honor and glory as he teared up.  As he was tearing up the rest of us joined in with him.  We all had tears of joy to be a part of such a special time.  Thank you God for this group of North Americans saying yes to this calling at this time.  To God be the glory!!!!!! AMEN!!!!!

 

pray continually,
I THESSALONIANS 5:17

 

Cornerstone

 

After greeting and meeting the team and Hondurans disbursed to get the day started.  Pastor Carlos and Mike took each team to the four corners to set the cornerstones in place.  Each corner has to be leveled and prepared to hold up the 1300 plus blocks which will make the four corners a church.  Jesus Christ is our Cornerstone.  Our life would not be on level ground if it were not for our Cornerstone, Jesus Christ.  We can try life without HIM but we will soon crumble and fall.  Those today who do not know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, your Cornerstone in life, I pray today will be your day.  We are not promised tomorrow.  Tomorrow may be too late to receive the most precious gift of all. 

 

The Book of Isaiah has many references to the Messiah to come. In several places He is referred to as “the Cornerstone,” such as in Isaiah 28:16-17: “So this is what the sovereign Lord says: ‘See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation; the one who trusts will never be dismayed. I will make justice the measuring line and righteousness the plumb line.’” God is speaking to scoffers and boasters when He refers to the Cornerstone—His precious Son—who provides the firm foundation for their lives, if they would but trust in Him.

This Team is Unified

 

Everyone worked collectively but not collectively.  They saw a need and went to help a friend, whether it was North American or Honduran.  Everyone was there for each other.   They took turns sifting the sand, mixing the mescal or wetting down the foundation preparing for the first block.  Petronia, the grandmother and mother to all this folks was sweeping up the area for the mescal to be mixed.  It was a total group effort.  It is truly amazing all the work it takes to lay the very first block of 1300.  But after about an hour of diligent work the first block was about ready to be placed on the foundation.

 

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

Prayers Up for The Future of this Church

 

 

Everyone eagerly gathered around the first block.  Mike ask for the two oldest people in the community to come forward and lay their hands on the first block.  Our dear friend Don Juan and Putroma are the oldest in the community at the praying over the first block.  Everyone placed their hands on Don Juan and Putroma as the circle enlarged with many folks Honduran and North American alike. Mike was blessed to stand next to Teodore, who allowed the first church to meet in his home. Pastor Carlos was asked to pray the prayer and Maida did not translate as this was not about us today.  This was about God first and then our sweet Honduran brothers and sisters.  We did not want the translating to break up the prayer of thanksgiving was out poured from Pastor Carlos' mouth.  There was AMENS coming from all around as Pastor Carlos continued the prayer to the beginning of many prayers and blessings which will follow on this beautiful morning in El Porvenir, Choluteca, Honduras.  Thank YOU GOD for this moment and time.  This was all in God's timing.  Four years ago we wanted to build the church but God was not quiet ready for this to happen.  This day was dedicated to our Heavenly Father which all blessings flow on a continual basis if we will only stop and listen.  All God's people shouted AMEN!!!!!

 

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Philippians 4:6

After Four Years

 

This is a very special story about two special groups of people.  One of course is our Honduran brothers and sisters who live in El Porvenir Las Cabezas, Choluteca, Honduras.  The other group is our youth group from our home church, New Hope Baptist Church.  Mike and I prayed over providing this community with a church for quiet some time.  First of all each and every time for the last four years we have been going to El Porvenir we have worshiped under the most gorgeous mango trees surrounded by beautiful mountains all which  are created by our God and Father.  This is an amazingly beautiful setting as each time we praised the Lord under those mango trees.  But during the rainy season it makes it difficult to worship there.  So Mike and I started the process of seeking out teams to help make this dream become a reality. God is good because this team had a team member who was here four years ago to build the first home in El Porvenir.  So this was a moment, a God moment week for John Scott as he came back I believe for the first time in four years to help build this community a church.  During John Scott's visit four years ago he witnessed four children accept Christ through the eye clinic the team provided.  As well we went to the local river and baptized them.  John Scott orchestrated a big part four years ago by allowing God to use him here and build relationships which have not been forgotten.  So this week the same church came back to start the church and answer many years of prayers for the church to become a reality.

This community about two years ago laid out their foundation for the church building with funds they had collected throughout the community.  God is good to bring in some help to continue the forming of this church.

The team journeyed down the road full of boulders and extremely dusty where there has not been much to any rain during this year's rainy season.  So pray with us as Choluteca needs rain.

Team leader, Pastor Brian introduced his team and the Hondurans introduced themselves.  Don Juan the elder of the community welcomed the team and praised God for this day he had prayed for a very long time. Don Juan had tears running down his cheeks with gratitude and gratefulness for God's provision.  Glenda, lady of community thanked God for answering this community's prayers for this building, God's house.  Others continue to say thank you to God.  This welcoming became a mini praise and worship as one after another praised God first and then the North Americans for answering the call to come and serve God amongst their community.  The elder lady, Putroma, also shared a few words with a gentle sweet smile upon her face. 

This was only the welcoming. The week continues to be blessing after blessing after blessing.  Join me as we journey through another wonderful week in Honduras.

 

 

 

 

Building Up The Blocks

 

This team put the roof and floor on a church last year.  This year they get to start at the bottom and head upwards.    Mr. Mike had a block 101 lesson for all the new comers as well as some return folks who only know how to put down the floor.  This team got busy and worked diligently and found their spot where they could serve the best.  They were able to get five courses up the first day which was well over 250 blocks.  Let me share with you after lunch about seven of the team members went down to the soccer field to get a game of futbol in with the local children.  This left the adults behind to continue laying blocks at a steady pace. They still were able to get five course up.  Let's do not forget the help of the Hondurans, Samuel, Wuilmer, Teodore and many more who came out to help start the construction of their church building.

Tuesday was a blessed day for all.  Tuesday is the day the community receives water.  They were busily filling up the blue and brown barrels for the day ahead of mixing their mescal.  John Scott took great pride in helping contain the hose pipe as the water poured into the barrels.  The ladies were off cooking lunch which left no one to hold the water hose in place.  Thank you John Scott for taking on any task to get the job done.  Soon the team will find there is more than building a church.  Join me as we continue this journey of building other things much more important.

 

And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.
Matthew 16:18

 

 

Alot of Work Goes Into the First Block

 

 

God provides a lot of folks to get prepared for the first block.  I have been blogging now for over five years and each time it amazes me how many folks it takes to get ready for the laying of the first block.  The cornerstones are formed and in this case it is for the house of the Lord.  Our Lord is the Chief Cornerstone of our lives.  HE is the Perfect I AM.  This four cornerstones have to be near to perfection to continue a good work and a level foundation for the 900 blocks which will be laid throughout the week ahead.  The sand has to be sifted to get all the rock and trash out to go into the concrete mixture and water which forms what our Honduran brothers and sisters call mescal.  The ground where the mixture goes has to been clean as well.  So debris does not get into the mixture.  This is the same with our lives in the Lord.  We need to clean and get out anything which keeps us from being pure and blameless in the eyes of Christ.  We need to clean areas in our lives just as the people cleaned the area were the mescal will go which helps form and connect each block which is placed on the foundation.  First of all our foundation in Christ needs to be solid and clean and pure and blameless so others can see Jesus in us.  Just like building this church we are building our lives on a solid foundation found only in Jesus Christ.  This also takes time to do. Daily cleansing of ourselves before our Heavenly Father so we can stand on the firm foundation of Jesus Christ.  We need to get all the trash out of our lives which keeps us from focusing on HIM who died for our sins. There is only one water we need to be cleansed with and this is the Holy water of baptizing which if you have not received Jesus Christ today as your Lord and Savior and you are reading this please cleanse yourself with the purest holy water of all found only in Jesus Christ.  Do not let this day go by and not receive the sweetest gift of all JESUS!!!!!!

 

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

Ephesians 2:20

From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.

Ephesians 4:16

 

 

Mr. Mike and Don Juan

 

Last year while building a home for one of the locals.  Mike stopped along the dirt road to help a gentleman move a tree out of the road.  As soon as the tree was moved there was a hornets nest inside of the tree.  Hornets came out in swarms chasing Mike and Don Juan.  Well Mike is a little taller than Don Juan so he got away much quicker.  Don Juan got eaten up by those evil little creatures. 

This week Don Juan is busy at work sifting sand and doing whatever he needed to do to get the job done. Mike looks over where he is working and shares with me I believe this is the man who I helped move a tree out of the road.  We got attacked by the hornets.  Maida, our translator, came over to assist Mike in asking him if he was the same gentleman who got attacked along side of Mike last year by a swarm of hornets.  He chuckled and said "Yes".  Don Juan shared how Mike got away much quicker because of his long legs.  

 

For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving,
I Timothy 4:4

I am not sure Don Juan and Mike would agree this day about all God's creation being good.

Thank you God for all your creatures even when it turns out not to be such a  good a day for these two gentlemen.

Much More Than a Building

Sheri, an adult chaperon, shared one day how she watched Maida and the ladies chatting and giggling.  She wondered what conversations were taking place around their circle.   There was always conversations taking place.  It was a joy to see the laughter and joy as they shared with one another maybe about the future of their church and what all they may do one day in this building.  The many meals they may prepare as they come together to worship our Lord.  They were a joy to stand back and observe each day the team was working.

It is not a trip to Honduras without those precious little faces with huge smiles and big brown eyes. Each day the team did work on the church building, but they also spent numerous times enjoying the simplicity of the children.  Bettylenah taught our friend Juan David to tie his tennis shoes.  One day they had a lesson on how to tie tennis shoes.  The very next day Bettylenah saw Juan David bend over and tie his own tennis shoes.  Good job Juan David.  Of course everyone has fallen in love with our "Stephanie"  who most of her peers consider her an outcast.  But as time as passed and Stephanie's peers have noticed how the North Americans are receiving her warmly they too have soften up a little towards their friend.  The children played marbles, jump rope and played with bubbles.  These are the very things as a child I use to do.  It is awesome to set back and watch them simply be children and enjoy playing outside and have true fun.  A lot of the young people shared how this does not happen at home anymore.  You do not see children playing outside and most of these young people did not know how to play marbles.  They learned a lot from the Honduran children this week.  We always think we are coming to help them and they end up teaching us so much more about what true joy in life really is all about.  Thank you my sweet little friends.  You all are truly a blessing to so many of us.

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