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

The Church Kitchen

I shared with Maida how I wanted all the ladies to come together this week and cook the lunch meal as a church family.  Well they took it to another level.  They got together and build a clay stove at the left back side of the property the church was being built upon.  They all gathered there daily preparing the meals for the Honduran workers and who ever else came  along,  Pastor Brian.  On the last day the ladies were going to prepare a big pot of chicken soup which includes a lot of different vegetables, juka, onion, carrots, corn, potato, squash and several more.  The ladies of the team offered to help cut up the vegetables.  The Honduran ladies were most gracious in allowing the ladies to assist.  It makes your bowl of soup taste even better when you help with the preparations.  So this new church kitchen was put to good use this week.  It was nestled sweetly under some trees with the mountains in the background. 

 

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

Futbol Anyone

Our first time friend, Micaela, brought some futbols and equipment to play in the afternoons with the children at the local futbol field.  They gathered each day but on the first day I believe the North American team got beaten by the Honduran team 5 to 3.  So they had a re match the next day and the North American team came back and had a victory 6 to 2.  I believe my scores are correct.  While the older children were playing with Micaela, Cedric, Hendric, Bettylenah and Justin, Marrah had her own futbol game going on with the younger children.  All the children had fun playing futbol with each other during the five days the team was there building the church.  The North Americans shared how good the Honduran children were and especially the older girls.  They got a true run for their time there as the scorching heat beat down on them and most of the Honduran children were playing bare foot.  I believe our young people learned some new futbol techniques this week.  Everyone had a joyful time serving the Lord through the game of futbol.

 

The LORD will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.
Isaiah 58:11

 

God's Word

Each day three times a day the team read from God's word.  They gathered each morning in the breeze way at 7:05 to hear a brief devotional read out of God's word.  At lunch daily the adult team members and Pastor Carlos shared a lunch time devotional.  Pastor Carlos shared when he started his devotional "I have a problem".  Then he grinned, "I may take longer than ten minutes, you may be here more than hour."  Then he proceeded to ask a question to his captive audience, "If God ask you to do something what

 would you do it."  Everyone nodded yes!!!  Do you know Jesus as your Lord and Savior?  He wants to be your Lord and Savior.  Are  you willing to do whatever God ask you to do for HIM.  Many answered later during God moments when Pastor Brian asked them the same question.  He shared what were your immediate thoughts to Pastor Carlos' question, "If God ask you to do something what would you do."

Someone shared my human side would fight it.  It would take me out of my comfort zone.

The word anything was the hard part of this question.  What would be anything?

Someone shared, "Honestly no."  Not sure if it would be God or me making the choice.  I need to be still and listen more to what God is calling me to do.

Well yes of course but would I really do it!!!!

This were very honest answers as I listened intently to each person share.  I thought back on the time God called me to do something and that was come here to Honduras to serve HIM.  Did I say "Yes" immediately. NO I did not and I put God off for more than six months.  If God had not broken me down to nothing I would not have experienced six years of God's beautiful hand at work through me here in Honduras.  I would not have been able to meet such amazing godly people here in Honduras and from back in the states.  God has truly blessed me because of this opportunity to be HIS hands and feet in Honduras.  Thank you God for the most precious time here doing your work.

So as well as devotionals in the morning and at lunch this team had devotionals in the evening as well. 

Justin individualized his devotional by reading out of Ephesians 1:15-18.  But the heart wrenching moment is when he prayed.  He prayed for each person in the room including Mike and me.  The next evening Bettylenah personalized her devotional as well.  She titled her devotional "You Matter".  Her scripture reference was out of 2 Corinthians  13:9-10.  Let me just say how big our God is when Bettylenah asked us to turn to this scripture reference I received chills sitting in a room with a temperature  of 93 degrees.  This was my devotional reference during my quiet time that morning.  God is so good.  She asked each one of to write down what is one of our weaknesses in life.  Fold them up and put them on the table.  Bettylenah read each one out loud to us. We all became aware how many of us had the same answers.  We all have weaknesses in life but God's grace is sufficient for whatever our weakness is.  Our last activity was to write something about each person in the room and then we shared our thoughts about each other.  This was another good way to start out our week lifting each other up in prayer and in encouragement.  These devotionals came from young people who are capable of sharing some very in depth devotionals and very thought provoking messages.  Hendric shared how we should be followers of God, Psalm 27:1-3.  We need to be confident in the Lord.  Another young person sharing God's word.  One evening Marrah shared about it being hump day and challenged each one with questions about "Why did you  come to Honduras?"  "Do you know why God has placed each of us here?"  "How have you seen God work?" Then she referenced Matthew 10:37-39  Cedric shared my favorite verse Philippians 4:13 and shared we all need Jesus walking beside us each and every day.  So if you do not have Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior please receive HIM so you can have the greatest gift of all, Jesus, walking beside you daily.  Without Jesus we are nothing.  Without Jesus as our personal Lord and Savior He cannot walk beside us.  Through the power of His Holy Spirit can we find strength in all things.  Micaela shared from heart how she has seen Jesus in so many people and things this week.   She read out of John 13:34-35.  Be like Micaela and allow others to see Jesus in your daily life.  You may be the only bible someone reads just by your actions. Brendan shared out of I Corinthians 13:4-8.  He shared how the more we spend time with God the more we will know HIM and understand HIM.  His Word is all we need to get the answers in our daily lives.  We need to take the time and find the correct answers for our lives.

Thank you young people for such an amazing week in God's word.

 

For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God's people,
I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.
I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better.
I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people,
Ephesians 1:15-18

 

We are glad whenever we are weak but you are strong; and our prayer is that you may be fully restored.
This is why I write these things when I am absent, that when I come I may not have to be harsh in my use of authority--the authority the Lord gave me for building you up, not for tearing you down.
2 Corinthians 13:9-10

 

Of David. The LORD is my light and my salvation-- whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life-- of whom shall I be afraid?
When the wicked advance against me to devour me, it is my enemies and my foes who will stumble and fall.
Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then I will be confident.
Psalm 27:1-3

 

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Philippians 4:13

 

Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.
And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me.
Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.
Matthew 10:37-39

 

"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.

By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."
John 13:34-35

 

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.

I Corinthians 13:4-8

 

Friends the above bible references came from a group of high schoolers and college students.  To God be the glory.  As Pastor Brian shared one evening these young people are the church not the future but right now today!!!!!!  AMEN

 

 

 

The Final Phase of Construction of Church

 

The North Americans and Hondurans were waiting for the boards they were to use to form up the columns.  This was an unique and creative way to pour concrete into the columns. First they tie twist wire around sticks to secure the boards together.  On each side someone holds the board forward to be able to place the sticks through the holes to secure the boards against the wall.  This was an amazing act of ingenuity.  The North American folks learned quickly how to orchestrate each column with the necessary materials to be able to pour the concrete down each of the 18 columns. 

 

There was everyone working making the concrete and they were also cleaning up around the church as the work continued on the fourth and fifth days.  There was always a job to be done by all who participated. 

 

As the concrete was mixed the North Americans and Hondurans carried the concrete in five gallon buckets to be poured in the columns.  This was hard and hot work.  But everyone worked together to get this task completed.  There was so much team work the last couple of days as we came to the close of the first phase of the church in El Porvener, Las Cabezas, Choluteca, Honduras.  Thank you God first for all He did in this community this week and thank the Hondurans who worked so hard to help get their church started and New Hope Baptist Church Youth Group for coming along side "AMEN".

 

May it please you to prosper Zion, to build up the walls of Jerusalem.
Psalm 51:18

Waiting for Materials

 

On the third day the team waiting all morning for the boards to be delivered for the columns.  They sat around chatting and learning more about each other.  This is not funny but sort of is funny, Mike and I were at the hardware store and saw the materials on the truck.  We left assuming they would be delivered soon.  We had other errands to run and did not know until we arrived at the job site there was not any materials. 

Shortly after our arrival here comes the truck load of lumber and other materials for the columns.  But at the time of arrival was also time for the Honduran men, Mike, John Scott and Pastor Brian's mid morning snack.  The ladies came around with coffee, Pepsi and cookies.  So all the men stopped to take their mid morning break.  After their snack time they proceeded to start back to work.  All in God's timing is how our dear sweet brothers work here.  We could learn so much from the people here.  Thank you again for another lesson learned.

Choir Practice

 

The three amigos practiced on Saturday evening for their performance on Sunday morning.  Jose, our bus driver, chose Victory in Jesus.  Pastor Brian and John Scott joined in and learned this in Spanish.  What a joyful noise these three made in the name of Jesus.  Job well done gentlemen.

 

But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.  I Corinthians 15:57

Visit to Mt. Horeb

 

 

The team spent Saturday afternoon chilling at Mt. Horeb.  They enjoyed coconut water and time of rest and relaxation.  The team was content sitting around with each other getting to know each other better.  Some went to the first level of the Prayer Rock to look out over towards the view of the Pacific Ocean.  The quietness of Mt. Horeb was so surreal and tranquil.  Thank you God for a place to go and get restored in your most Holy presence.  One day we will be able to be there and enjoy the beauty of God's creation everyday after a hard day's work serving HIM whether it is construction, evangelism or medical and dental.  Thank you God for your provisions on Mt. Horeb thus far.

 

 

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

Walking to Church

 

The team parked the bus in some one's front and adventured through El Porvener to worship the Lord under those beautiful mango tress.  It was probably about a fifteen minute stroll this Sunday morning.  The heat had not gotten cranked up quiet yet.  The coolness of the morning was still all around.  It was a pleasant stroll to church.  What a beautiful morning this was.  We thank you God for all your provisions. 

 

Everyone started arriving for church as the wind started to pick up around them.  This brought a much welcomed breeze during the morning as everyone arrived from all directions.  There was a continued flow of people for about twenty plus minutes .  Jose was practicing a song with the young ladies while awaiting for the service to begin.  Bettylenah enjoyed the young girls and they practiced their song before church was to begin. 

 

Maida started the service by allowing Pastor Brian to pray over the service.  They sang hymns of praise unto the Lord while waiting for the church service to fill up with those who chose to come worship.  Everyone came with their own chairs and a couple for those who did not have chairs.  The young man whose front yard we borrowed brought all his chairs from his home to the front yard to share with the church service.  This was the beginning of a Spirit filled service.

 

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

The Sermon and Sunday School

 

As the service continued this morning Bettylenah and her children's choir said Jesus Loves Me and a couple of more all in Spanish and English.  Job well done.  Marrah, Lizze, Micaela and Bettylenah sang "It is Well" which was absolutely amazing and they got an applause after they sang.  John Scott, Pastor Brian and Jose sang "Victory in Jesus" and everyone was much impressed with their performance as well.  There was a lot of loved poured into the singing of these songs.  Thank you for your efforts.

 

The next order of service was testimonies by our young people, Brendon, Lizzie and Marrah.  They all shared differently and collectively how beautiful our relationship with Christ is when we give our lives to HIM and allow him to use us for his glory.  We all need Jesus in all areas of our lives.  We fall away but please do not stay gone too long because God is all we need.  It was beautiful to see these young people pour out their hearts to people they did not know that well.  But they were honest in their words and told them Jesus was all we need.  The entire group then got up and sang "Open My Eyes to My Heart Lord" in Spanish.  The congregation sang along with them.   Pastor Brian then brought the message to the people.

 

"For God so loved the world He have His only begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him will not perish but have everlasting life."

John 3:16

 

Over under the edge of the mango trees was two sheets placed on the dirt ground.  Mrs. Sheri brought a new and awesome way to express the plan of salvation.  She used the rubber bands the young people in the states use to make bracelets.  She had an unique way to do with your toes.  So Mrs. Sheri and the youth and help from the Honduran youth were able to make over 60 of these bracelets. Once the worship service was over we all gathered back together for Maida to explain the plan of salvation to the children as well as the adults.  Thank you Mrs. Sheri for bringing this activity for the children to do during the worship service.  This was a blessing and a huge God moment.

 

Church Dedication

 

After worship service everyone walked back up to the construction site of the church.  Everyone gathered around the shade trees to begin the time of dedication.  Juan Carlos was there with a huge smile of gratitude and excitement for this moment.  He was baptized in the rived four years ago when John Scott came to build the home.  Samuel is standing back as he did all week taking it all in.  I would love to know the thoughts passing through his head during this week.  He helped so much with the construction end of this task.  He stored the building materials inside his home.  Everyone played some role in these four walls going up this week.

 

 

The night before Pastor Brian and team prepared the dedication service and picked out scripture to be read which was approiate for the occasion.  Sheri, Toni and Marrah read the scripture.  Before the scripture was read Bettylenah did an amazing job greeting everyone to this very special day. A day we all have waited for quiet some time. A time which was all in God's timing and not man's timing.  Sometimes our thoughts are not God thoughts and our timing is not God's timing.  Each person was offered a time to share and John Scott did a beautiful job reflecting over the last four years when he was here last.  How to see something become real after four years of prayers.  He shared how humbled he felt to be here to share in this time.  He encouraged his friends to help the Lord by bringing the lost into this building.  Because the building is a building the people are the church.  Everyone made their way over to the building and placed their hands on the walls of the church as Pastor Brian prayed the prayer of dedication over this building.  There was at least one hundred of us there on this windy hot day celebrating the beginning of this church in El Porvenir.  Pastor Brian stood back with a sense of pride over what this week did for his youth group and for himself.  What a humbling week this has been for each of them.  As they walked away with tears in their eyes of the beauty of this day and God's provision for the Hondurans as well as for the provisions the Hondurans provided for the North American.  A spiritual provision which will never be removed from their hearts.  Thank you God for your grace which is sufficient for all of us.

 

 

 

The beginning of this week there was a firm foundation put down by these people of El Porvenir.  They put it down not knowing when if ever those walls would go up.  God placed on our hearts it was time to give this sweet precious community a building to worship the Lord.  After five days and over 900 blocks this dream became a reality.  To God be all the glory for this week!!!!!

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens:
Ecclesiastes 3:1

The Chaperones

 

This youth group is beyond blessed with such caring chaperones.  Thank you Pastor Brian, John Scott, Mrs. Sheri and Mrs. Toni.  Mike and I have been blessed to know these folks for many years.  But through the ministry here in Honduras the Lord has taken our relationships with each of them to a whole different level.  Thank you God for putting each of these beautiful people into our lives.  There love for Honduras is so contagious if you ever give them a chance to share it with you.  They love these people with all their hearts and it radiates whoever crosses their paths.  Thank you for making our week special having you with us.  You are our family.  Love each of you!!!!!!

 

For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother."
Matthew 12:50