New Hope Baptist Church Youth

Mike and I were excited to welcome back Pastor Brian, John Scott, Sheri and Lizzy to God's new ministry campus at Mt. Horeb.  They came before at the former mission house but this was a huge blessing to see the looks on their faces as they arrived for the first time and to see the beauty and grandeur of God's work here in the last three years.  It is very breathtaking when you first arrive after seeing the progress God has provided in the last three years.  We started under a blue tarp in June of 2013 and look what God has created.  The entire team has joined times on the porch in the morning and eating in the huge dining hall and working out of such a spacious kitchen.  The lush and green surroundings is a place of peace and rest in the presence of the Lord. 

We proudly welcome back a youth group who takes serving the Lord very seriously and will get the job done.

 

Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them fade from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them.
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 4:9-10

Families Coming to Serve

We would like to introduce to you Scott and his lovely daughter Ashlyn.  This is there first time to Honduras and we have thoroughly enjoyed working beside them in the name of Jesus this week.  They both worked hard together and separately.  It is very special to see a father and a daughter to an international mission trip and to see God at work on a different level.  They came in ready to serve and that they did.  Ashlyn did an amazing job on her devotional one evening. It was titled, "How to be flexible". Sometimes life does not turn out like you think.  We do not need to let our relationship with Christ fall between the cracks. Do not blame God for the bad that happens in your life.  God is not the source of badness which happens to you.  Most definitely do not take it out on others.  We all need to learn from the tough times and allow God to use our tough times to glorify HIM and get through them.  We can use our tough times to encourage others who may be going through tough times themselves.  Jesus is always with us if we only allow HIM in.

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are--yet he did not sin. Hebrews 4:15

We had another precious family here serving, Anna Kate and Taylor, sisters.  They brought a heart for missions and serving the Lord with them.  They came prepared to do whatever needed to be done to help the project get complete and in sharing out of God's word during devotionals each night.

During the week some of the young people shared their testimonies and some did a devotional.  Each came prepared to do this.  Taylor shared an amazing story of her life with Christ.  She was 8 years old when she accepted Christ.  She received a strong spiritual emphasizes at her Christian school.  I believe it was through a devotional time her school was having.  Also she shared how she found her worth in Jesus Christ on a mission trip to Asheville with her youth group.  She allowed God to help her through a time in her life instead of listening to the world around her.  God is good when we allow HIM to come in and be a part of our lives.  Well done good and faithful servant.

Anna Kate who also celebrated her birthday in Honduras with us had an amazing devotional one evening.  She was spot on with how she brought her message to her peers.  There is a song out by the Newsboys called "We Believe".  She shared a quote from the song saying, "Let our faith be more than anthems."  Her question to her peers was, "What is an anthem in reference to Christ?"  Several shared how they thought it was just saying it and not getting out and doing it for Christ.  Words and not actions one of them shared.  Another question she asked her peers was "What examples or ways we can exemplify Christ?"  Someone said we can go and share our faith in Jesus Christ.  "How often do we show our faith?", she asked.  Several shared we do not share our faith enough.  Let's not be an anthem but let's make our faith in Jesus Christ real, because HE IS VERY REAL, says Justin, team member.  He shared out of James 2:17-18,"In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead."But someone will say, "You have faith; I have deeds. Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds". "What can we do to grow closer to Christ?"  As Justin shared put our words into actions and our actions into words.  Several of them shared spend time in God's word.  Pastor Brian says it has to become a priority in our lives.  We have to make the time to spend with the Lord out of our business of life.  If we make time for God then your day will fall into place.

Folks this was information from our young people.  There is hope for our future.  All God's people say AMEN!!!!!

Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity. 1Timothy 4:12

Daily Routine

Pastor Brian had job assignments for each person on the team.  Carlton, Ashlyn, Sarah and Scott helped with this each day.  The ladies on the this team were beasts.  They lifted the heavy boards right along with Carlton and Scott.  They were always available as Mr. Mike needed them each and every morning eager to assist wherever needed.  Scott was blessed to be on this team of young folks each morning.

Before departing each morning someone was assigned to share a devotional from God's word.  This particular morning it was Sophia.  On Sunday evening Bobby was in the dorm and open his bible to a passage out of Isaiah 66:1-2 and he said "Guys look where my bible just opened up too."  This is what the LORD says: "Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. Where is the house you will build for me? Where will my resting place be? Has not my hand made all these things, and so they came into being?" declares the LORD. "These are the ones I look on with favor: those who are humble and contrite in spirit, and who tremble at my word."

Moments like these are precious in the eyes of Jesus when our young people open up their bible daily and read HIS Word.  We cannot learn about who Jesus is and what He wants from us unless we open up HIS Word and read it and apply it to our lives.  Thank you young people for setting this example for all of us this week.  Our prayer is you continue this as you go back to your homes and your journeys in life.

Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.
Acts 17:11

Juan and Felipa

This is probably the quickest turn around we had on assessing a family to receive a home.  We headed out one morning to assess for the rest of the year.  Pastor Carlos kept getting a phone call from the gentleman who delivers our sand for the ministry projects.  We had stopped by to check on some doors and windows and the gentlemen showed up where we were ordering our doors and windows.  Pastor Carlos ask us could we follow this gentleman to meet some friends of his who desperately need a home.  We followed him and arrived in a community called San Pila.  This was our first visit to this area of Choluteca.  We get out of the car go inside an adobe and stick home to a beautiful young couple called Juan age 99 and Felipa age 81.  This precious couple has lived in their home for 46 years.  They have been wet and they have not had a door to secure them each evening.  One of their 6 children Beltunio arrived shortly after to talk with us.  They had proof of property which is a must in building a home for people through the ministry of NCBM.  Mike and I quickly decided this lovely little couple needs a home.  We looked at the son and said you have three weeks to get a foundation in and ready for a team to come and provide your parents a home.  Beltunio listened carefully to Pastor Carlos' instructions on the way the foundation needed to be formed. 

So on the first day of the project, Juan and Felipa were brought up to their land where there home of 46 years had been torn down to participate in the praying over the first block.  Juan cannot see well, nor can he hear well and can barely walk.  But with the help of his son and Pastor Brian they placed him on the bench near the corner where the prayer would take place.  Felipa said down next to him as Pastor Brian and Mike with the help of Meida, our translator, discussed their new home.  Juan at the age of 99 said he was ready to go home, his eternal home.  He quoted, "I am just here waiting to die."  He is ready to go home.  The team shared he may be ready because he is tired or he is simply ready to be with His Heavenly Father.  The end for all of us is unknown.  It is harder as a young person to say you are ready to go home because you are just getting started in life.  But the end for all of us is unknown and we need to be ready when God calls us home.  Pastor Brian shared the scripture out of 2 Corthinians 5:1-10.  Out of 5:1, "We have a building from God, an eternal home in Heaven if we are children of God, John 1:12.   God is providing Juan and Felipa a new home after 46 years.  Pastor Brian asked the group wonder how they felt loosing their home of 46 years to a square foundation and 800 blocks sitting in the middle of it.  This home be what it may was their home of 46 years.  Please remember a house does not make a home.  Juan and Felipa had a solid home in Christ and Christ is not provided them a solid home spiritually and structurally.   God led the team's hands as they worked on each job needed to get down to make the materials become a home.  Juan is already thinking of his eternal home as his new home is being built. Praise the Lord Juan was able to live to see his new home to completion.

 

Pray Without Ceasing

Each day the young people gathered around the project to give their day to the Lord.  Each team member was responsible for the prayer and the devotionals daily.  We arrived meeting Betulino at the location in San Pila.  He shared he would bring his parents to the location once we were ready for them.  Betulino went around the circle shaking everyone's hand as they introduced themselves.  I do not believe I have ever since this act of worship happen on a project.  As the week progressed we learned he was godly man who loved the Lord and his parents.  So after the introductions and the prayer the team dispersed to get the day started.

pray continually,

1 Thessalonians 5:17

Let's Do It

The team gathered around the Kia unloading everything. Bobby jumped up on the Kia to help Jose untie the materials for unloading.  The ladies, Sophia, Sarah, Anna Kate, Taylor, Ashlyn with

Bobby  made an assembly line to get the heavy boards off and put into place to build the bench for the week.  John Scott and Scott lifted the tool box and found a home for it for the week.  The job location was very tight and compact but the team learned quickly how to maneuver around each other to get the job completed. Everyone was busy at work preparing for the first block.  Pastor Brian and Carlton moved one door while Scott and Taylor moved the other door into place.  This was a busy little corner of the world that first morning.  The locals walking by stopped and watched from a far as the young people were busy working. We are not sure if it was out of curiosity or what but they had a captive audience most of the week.  Everyone gave God their best today on the job site.  Bobby was in awe of the beauty of the country he came to serve.  Bobby enjoyed working with Juan's son, Betulo and grandson Dennis mixing the mescal.  He learned a lot while working with them.  Several of the young people shared how patient Pastor Carlos was and what an amazing teacher is was with each of them the first day.

Sarah's devotional one night was about "How do other people see you?"  This was a good question since the team had a captive audience a lot that week.  How did they see you?  Did they see Jesus in your actions each day?  How do you present yourself is another question Sarah asked her team.  It is easy to be in the darkness.  It does not take much work to be in the dark world around us.  It is more work and more rewarding when we live out our lives in the light of Jesus Christ. Sometimes the best witness is someone who does not say a word.  Think about what would Jesus do in any given situation.  Our immediate action is to sin, because like the question Meida asked in bible school one day who are sinners here today?  Well every persons  hand needed to go up, because we are all sinners saved by God's grace.  If we so choose to accept His Son, Jesus Christ, as our Lord and Savior.

Pastor Brian took Sarah's devotion was step further, "How did they see Sarah's devotion this week? Answer came quickly: The Hondurans has set the example for all of us.  They can do it without us. They teach us how to be true Christians, shared Sophia.  John Scott shared to be like the Honduran Christians is to find folks with the same Christian values of yourself.  Justin shared how he liked himself better here than at home. If your Christian walk is not a struggle then it becomes a routine and you become a robot.  These young people learned very quickly who was going to receive a blessing this week and I do not believe it is only Juan and Felipa.

so that you may become blameless and pure, "children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation." Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky
Philippians 2:15

In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven

Matthew 5:16

The Four Cornerstones

Mike and Pastor Brian with the help of Pastor Carlos starting laying out the cornerstones around the firm foundation.  Along comes Bobby, Ashlyn and Carlton.  This is the first corner they worked on and learned how to set.

This would be their second corner they proceeded to work on and set.  The three worked together with a little help from Mike to assure they were doing it correctly.

Well they continued around to the third corner where they met up with Pastor Carlos and started working on this corner.  By this time they were doing this task with very little help from their adult supervisors.

They finished strong as Pastor Carlos stood back and let them worked together.  This is not something we see often, young people taking the effort

to get in there and tackle something they have never done before and finished the four corners and Pastor Carlos was quiet pleased with his helpers.

Now finish the work, so that your eager willingness to do it may be matched by your completion of it, according to your means.

2 Corinthians 8:11

John Scott's Block Cutting Crew

While the four corners were going down, Sarah, Anna Kate, Taylor and Tabitha were assisting John Scott in his yearly duty of cutting specialty blocks.  These ladies  helped by lining up his blocks getting them ready for cutting. They knocked the nubs away and stack them away for later use.  These girls learned early on we do not throw anything away.  We use everything around us to help complete this home.  These ladies worked hard and steady beside John Scott to make his job a little easier.  When we all come together to get a task complete everyone gets a blessing from it.  Wow ladies thanks for all you did on the block cutting team.

John Scott's shared a  devotional one day at lunch after he completed he closed in prayer, Sarah shared how when John Scott was praying the children standing around with them prayed the prayer with him.  This is something taught in the local churches. The children are very involved at an early age to participate in all aspects of the worship service.  The ladies were blessed this day spiritually and physically by helping John Scott.  Well done good and faithful servants.

so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.

Romans 12:5

Praying Without Ceasing Once Again

After the four cornerstones got put into place and the plumb line was secure, the mescal was mixed and poured on the board, Pastor Carlos shouted, "Listo" which means he is ready to lay the first block and pray over it. Juan's son, Beluto gathered his mother gently by the arm to lead her up to the block to place her hand upon.  Once she got settled and securely in place we ask Pastor Carlos to led the prayer.  Since Pastor Carlos led us in this direction to find this precious little family we asked him to pray over the first block.  He prayed even though Juan was up in years it was never to late to get a prayer answered or receive such a gift from God. He prayed God's blessing over the family as we all gathered around touching one another and connecting in Christian fellowship during this special time.  This first block was covered in prayer as was the entire week ahead.  Mike and I are so blessed to be surrounded by such strong body of believers which we get to work for and with on a daily basis.

Block 101 By Mike and Pastor Brian

Mike gathered a group in one corner to teach them how to lay a block properly and the Honduran way.  While Mike had gotten started I shouted to Pastor Brian why don't you teach a class in the other corner.  So that he did.  I stood listening to Mike share what needed to be done and over in the other corner was Pastor Brian basically saying the exact same thing.  These young people learned from the best this day and took off with it and laid some beautiful blocks and filled in some amazingly perfect joints.  Juan and Felipa sat and watched as the young people eagerly worked on their walls of their new home.  Juan was sharing something to his lovely bride as they sat there watching and waiting for all this to become a home.  They were so excited they did not eat their breakfast someone had given them earlier upon their arrival.  We actually never saw them eat while sitting there.  They were in awe of what God was providing for them.  The sweet part of this story is they did not ask for a home and did not know the day we showed up they may be getting one.  It was because of a ten year old friendship of a gentleman who wanted them to have a home that this took place.  Someone showed compassion on the least of these and asked for help for them.  We are grateful to God for someone placing us in the path of these two beautiful people.  God is so grand and good all the time.

"The King will reply, 'Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.'
Matthew 25:40

The Honduran Culture

This is one team who truly enjoys the Honduran culture.  The captivate it and bask it all in each and every day.  They come to do the job they come to do but they take the time to relax and learn what it means to truly relax and just be still.  The first day coconuts were requested.  So they came home one afternoon and enjoyed their coconut water, ice cream, sodas and chips outside of the pulperia and gift shop.  This time of the day has become one of my favorites, listening to the adventures of the day.  The stories which are shared about what they have seen and heard or done that day is such a joy to me.  I am grateful God has provided this little piece of heaven on Mt. Horeb.  We are making amazing memories on this front porch.  We are also learning to relax and be still which is hard very hard for North Americans to do sometimes.

He says, "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."
Psalm 46:10

Many Jobs Many Willing Spirits

The team had their block lesson and off they went.  While some laid blocks they rotated out helping sift the sand.  As there day began there was not any help except for Juan's son, Beluto.  The young people never once complained but went right to work.  Everyone pitched in and did multiple jobs as it was needed.  I was overwhelmed by the outpouring of hard work these young people provided the first day.  They did not sit back and wait for a task to get done they got in there and did what was needed.  As you can see by the pictures they were all doing something and they were all doing it very well and all for the glory of God.

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters,

Colossians 3:23

Devotionals

Each evening we either gather on the porch of the multi purpose building or inside around the tables for some intense devotionals.  Each young person has to come prepared for a devotional, a testimony and the ability to lift the Lord up in prayer.  They are also encouraged to journal their week and sent out letters of encouragement to each team member.  This has been a delight to watch as each one of them faithfully got the task done at least by the last evening they were with us on Mt. Horeb.  I enjoyed getting letters from them since I do not receive mail anymore.  This is a treat for me and I also enjoying sending them a note as well.  Every evening as been full of questions and praise unto the Lord.  We need to encourage our young people they are our future and they can be the next generation to let their light shine for Jesus Christ. 

There were many God moments during the week and we were blessed by many of them. John Scott shared on the first day at lunch he chose to go eat with Meida and Jose.  Media offered John Scott some of her lunch and he graciously received it.  He had a sandwich but Meida wanted him to have some of hers as well. 

Pastor Brian shared how he saw Taylor working hard and steady up on the scaffolding.  She did not come down until her task was complete.

John Scott shared how Michaela was working it to the end too.

But Sophia took a different approach she was working hard as well but a little girl stopped by to say hey to her, Sophia stopped working and spent time with the little girl. 

All three ladies did the right thing at the time before them.  It sometimes pays to be Martha and Mary.  It all depends on your situation.

Lizzy shared some knowledgeable information on the first day, " You will come in with expectations but it will not always go as you expect.  God is much bigger than our expectations."

Mrs. Sheri enjoyed greeting the children daily at VBS.  She greeted them at the door of the church with a huge warm smile. 

Ashlyn made a ball out of something in her chip bag daily and she did not have enough so a little boy from the community saw her struggling went home and brought his so she could complete her ball.

Mrs. Sheri was well taken care of by Justin and Carlton, Carlton brought her water and Justin ask her to please sit down and take a break.

Anna Kate shared how the Hondurans worked so hard and never stopped until their task were done.  I am exhausted and trying to keep up and they are steadily working hard.  She enjoyed working beside her new friends in Honduras.

Lizzy shared the baseball game with our staff was so much fun.  We were one family in the Lord those two days.

Tabitha shared how Jose always encouraged me, each and every day.

Ashlyn received a letter from a 13 yr old girl who told her she would have a mansion in Heaven for all she did this week.

Carlton was in awe of how loving the children were to complete strangers.

Lizzy shared how the children prayed with open hands unto the Lord.

Michaela sat with a young man in church with a learning disability and how it took him a while to settle in and listen to the sermon.

Justin shared how the preacher listen one time to them sing "Open My Eyes" in English and the next time in joined in singing it in English. A little boy named Herman knew all the songs the church sang during the beginning of the service from memory.  He did not have a hymn book.

Scott shared the home dedication was humbling as Juan sat in his hammock and turn to place his hand on the house as we prayed the prayer of dedication over it.

Justin was standing behind Juan after the dedications as he was leaving his new home with a tear running down his cheek.

Bobby was in awe of the kindness of the people here and how they help each other and work together as a family.  How they have so little but have more than I do.

Pastor Brian shared how he was in awe of them coming down the road on the first day to see what was taking place on their property.

Taylor was taken back because two of the children had VBS got up before the church and sang a hymn in

VBS at San Pila

The New Hope Baptist Church Youth did VBS for three days during the construction of the house.  The last three days different ones walked to the church to share the gospel with the children.  The first day they had 96 children who made Noah's Ark and learn about Noah and is commitment and obedience to God.  The second ay their numbers dropped because of a school schedule and the children learned about the lost sheep.  All the children glued cotton to a lost sheep and went home happy.  On the last day majority of the team was able to go to VBS and help the children make crosses and learned about the plan of salvation for their lives.  The young people learned quickly a lot of their new friends knew exactly who Jesus was by their letters they received from a few of the children.  The Honduran children thanked them for coming and spending time with them and how they will have jewels on their crown in Heaven one day.  The Honduran children are grateful for what the New Hope Baptist Church Youth did for them this week.

If you are reading this today and you do not know Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior please do not let this day pass you by before your make the most important decision of your life, Jesus.  He is the only way into Heaven to be with our God who created us.  We discussed and learned this week we were all created by God but we are not all God's children.  John 1:12 shares this important information with us.  The only way to be a child of God is to receive Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior.

The Home Dedication, Wow

We eagerly awaited for Bertilo to bring his parents, Juan and Felipa to their new home.  They arrived and were assisted by John Scott, Scott and Bertilo into the home for the dedication. Felipa wanted to hug everyone who was standing around. What a blessing from God.  Juan's hammock was set up inside for him and this is were he was gently placed as Felipa stood beside him. 

Someone brought Felipa a chair to set next to her husband of forty six years.  Everyone stood back in awe of the accomplishments this week for this precious couple.  It was most humbling and rewarding to just be in that moment.  Tears were scattered throughout the house.  Their son Bertilo was shedding his own tears of joy for his parents who were not expecting or even asked for a home.  God is so good and we are thankful for the gentleman who came forward to ask for his friends a home.  We were more blessed than they were on this special day.

The team participated in the dedication service. First of all Pastor Brian did an excellent job describing to the couple what took place this week.  The couple was not there but on the first day for the praying of the first block and for the home dedication.  Pastor Brian gave a very beautiful visual of the week and how we all got to this point in the week.  Taylor proceeded by introducing the team members to Juan and Felipa.  Ashton presented them with their family bible and shared with them," We would like to present this bible to you from our team as something to remember us.  It is in hopes that you will read this bible so God can guide each of your lives and inspire you both." Bobby read the scripture out of Joshua 24:15 building your home on a firm foundation.  Mrs. Sheri presented them with their lock and key and encouraged them they now have a safe and dry place to live.  Sarah also shared some scripture as well.  These young people did an amazing job in the name of Jesus Christ.

As we closed in prayer, we helped Juan touch the house from where he was sitting in his hammock.  Others joined him finding a spot on the wall and placing their hands their as Lizzy did an amazing job giving the Lord all the praise and honor for this week.  She thanked God for allowing each of them to participate in such an amazing experience with some amazing new friends in Christ.  What a beautiful and strong ending to a week which also started out strong.

Job well done good and faithful servants.

But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD."

Joshua 24:15

The Roof Goes Up and Soccer and Jump Rope Go Down

Bobby volunteered to help Mike and Pastor Carlos put the roof up.  Bobby did an amazing job working beside the team seasoned men.  He learned a lot while placing the tin and nails in place.  Thank you Bobby for your willingness to serve in the capacity.

While Bobby was busy up on the roof, down on the ground the other youth used their time wisely.  They spent their time building relationships through jump roped and soccer in the street.  Everyone had a blast even our own Mrs. Sheri.  Thank you guys for spending good quality time with these beautiful children in Honduras.

For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power.

1 Corinthians 4:20

Time of Worship

Bobby offered to play in during the worship service for the two specials the team prepared for.  Cute side to this story the lead guitarist in the church thought Bobby was playing for the entire service.  Well this was corrected by Bobby every quickly as he sat back and worship while waiting his turn.  Our team learned something from the Hondurans this week as they enter the church they greet everyone by shaking their hand and making eye contact with them. Pastor Brian took this and went with it as he walked throughout the sanctuary greeting everyone with a hand shake.  Pastor Brian teaches his youth by example.

Mike was asked to read Psalm 100 and then the team was asked to provide their specials.  The first song they sang was "Open My Eyes to My Heart" and the second song sung was "Sunshine In My Soul Today".  The pastor thanked us for providing a home for Juan and Felipa and welcomed us into their church.

We had three testimonies provided by Carlton, Justin and Mrs. Sheri.  Carlton shared how he had accepted Christ as an 8 year old but did not truly understood what he had done.  As a teen ager he was thankful for two friends, Anna Kate and Taylor who invited him back to church where he rededicated his life to Christ.  He has struggles in life just like we all do but he now has Jesus to lead and guide him every day.  Justin shared he was raised in a Christian home where he saw Jesus on a daily basis.  He also accepted Christ at a young age but did not fully understand what he had done at the time.  As he became a teen he was not living out his life for Christ.  He did things God not bad things so to speak but things definitely not glorifying God.  He did this for quiet some time until he could not do this any longer. Satan made Justin feel like he was not worthy to make a difference in others life.  He used Justin's friends to convince him of this.  God spoke to Justin through a gust of wind on July 1, 2015 as he was sitting on the ground reading his bible from an entirely different passage.  God sent Justin to Ephesians 1:15-16.  This passage helped Justin understand he could make a difference in others by his walk with Jesus.  Justin shared I can even make a difference when I allow God to do instead of me. 

Mrs.Sheri was next as she shared about her blessed relationship with her Lord and Savior.  She heard about Jesus in her early twenties.  She realized as time passed she was missing something in her life and it was Jesus.  Through the lost of loved ones and friends and other opportutinities of the world she realized she needed Jesus Christ. My life made an U-turn once I dedicated my life to Jesus Christ.  She is able to deal with the loss of friends who knew Jesus and those who did not know Jesus.  God opened my eyes, ears, and heart to Him when I experience these times. He drew me closer to him and she treasures in her life the scripture out of Philippians 3:8-14.

Pastor Brian shared what it means to be a Christian.  First of all a Christian is one who believes in Jesus Christ out of John 20:31, "but these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in HIS NAME. We can then have confidence in the Lord.  Confidence that Jesus is who HE says HE was.  Not arrogance but confidence. As a believer in Christ I realize I cannot do anything to get me to God. It is by HIS grace that I am saved.

What do you have in your life that shows you are confident in Jesus and your need for HIS saving Grace?  Does your prayer life look as though you are confident  in HIM?  Do your thoughts look as though you are confident in HIM? Do your words show you are confident  in HIM?  Does your work show you are confident in HIM? Does your belief affect your behavior? Does your trust and confidence in Jesus change the way you view the world? Does your trust and confidence affect the way you make your decisions?  How can you know if you are confident in Jesus? Be in HIS Word daily and pray to HIM daily for guidance. We will all continue to struggle in life with anxiety, fear, worry and other stuff but faith produces confidence in Christ.

A Christian is one who follows Jesus Christ.

Mark 1:17 says "And Jesus said to them, "Follow me and I will make you fishers of men."

Mark 2:14 says, "As he passed by, He saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting in the tax booth and Jesus said to him, "Follow me!!!" And he got up and followed Jesus."

Jesus will change your passion: Mark 10:31, "Looking at him, Jesus felt a love for him and said to him, 'If anyone wishes to come after ME, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me."

Pastor Brian shared that we can never be successful living off the faith of others.  What we must realize that Jesus is calling us to a personal walk.  FOLLOW ME, JESUS SAYS.

Come take this dangerous step, come and take a chance.  Lend me your ear and hear the soft whisper of my voice. Hear the dangerous plans I have for you.  Wonder at the power that comes from merely being obedient to Follow ME!  Pastor Brian challenged us all by saying or we a fan or a follower of Christ?  You can admire from a distance and relatively unaffected but followers have their lives turned upside down. AMEN!!! If the gospel of Jesus does not turn our lives upside down then we need to ask the question WHY?.  Why follow Jesus, it is because this is what we were made to do.  In HIM is the life God intended us to have. Following Jesus is a journey and an adventure.  Is it possible there is so much stuff going on in our lives that we cannot hear him say "FOLLOW ME"  Jesus gives us clear direction on where we need to go and clear discipline to protect us from bad decisions and wrongs paths in life.  Pastor Brian said one more time, "if the gospel hasn't turned your life up side down then why?"  Are you really following Christ or are you just a fan?"

Last but not least  a Christian is one who learns from Jesus Christ.. Matthew 11:29 says "learn from ME." The come to Jesus is a call to depend on Jesus, believe in HIM, place your confidence in HIM.  Take is the second command that proceeds learn.  This is the deeper experience of  the Christ follower. This is the follower portion.  This is the deep surrender and obedience to God's will for your life.  Some places God's will is clear, rejoice always, pray without ceasing.  But some require journeying with Jesus. "FOLLOW ME!!!" Take a journey where you will make mistakes, where you will have some pain, but through it you will discover that Jesus' yoke is light.

As we learn more of the person of Jesus we trust more in the promises of Jesus.  Life is truly simplified and connected completely in the name of Jesus.  There is no shortcuts in this process, there is not enough books we can read, there are not enough classes we can take.  WE MUST RESPOND TO HIS CALL BELIEVE, FOLLOW AND LEARN.

In conclusion this is what it truly means to be a Christian.  Be confident in HIS power to forgive us of our sin and connect us forever to God, be willing to follow HIM in a journey that will turn your life upside down.  We have to be teachable as we learn from the MASTER OF LIFE what living truly is all about.  All God's people shouted AMEN...

Precious Gifts

My sister in Christ, Sheri asked me last year what were mine and Mike's favorite bible verses.  She was going back home to cross stitch each of them for me. But God had a different plan for Sheri.  God placed on her heart to paint and write out the bible verses by hand.  Well here they are and I was overwhelmed and humbled at the time and effort my sister put into all of these master pieces.  What my most joy was in seeing them hanging inside the multi purpose building and they are all in English and Spanish. So our brothers and sisters who work here can read them as well.  This took the idea to another level, Sheri asked me to get the staffs favorite verses as well.  So I rounded up all their verses and surprisingly they were all different I believe.  Thank you my friend and sister for all the love which was placed on each paint brush which stroke the canvases you brought to Honduras. 

A Dream Come True

Pastor Brian has been trying for seven years to make tortillas.  So this year he stood back one morning while Sevnovia made her tortillas.  So Sunday afternoon while everyone else was napping he got on the back porch of the multi purpose building and started make his tortillas from scratch.  The team thanked him for preparing fresh tortillas for supper Sunday evening.  The most joyful part of all this was watching Pastor Brian fulfilling a dream of his heart for a very long time.  Job well done Pastor Brian.

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

Two Baseball Games

The team was blessed to play two baseball games.  Well almost the entire team.  Our two Scotts got injured back to back in the first inning of the game.  But no worries Jose gave them a complete round of physical therapy and massage with some very potent muscle cream.  Jose had just arrived from home exhausted as he shared upon arriving.  Thirty minutes into the game these two gentlemen got injured and Jose immediately went and retrieved his cream and humbly went right to work. 

We continued playing baseball with some new friends from the area, named Naun and Naun.  Yes we had two Nauns playing baseball for the first time.  They both got on base immediately and I believe came on in to home plate.  Our Honduran friends learn very quickly how to play baseball but we finally figured out why, cutting weeds and grass with a majetta.  Their eye and are coordination are excellent.  Words cannot describe how much fun we all had those two afternoons.  Thank you God for such a blessing.

Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, others will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else.

2 Corinthians 9:13