Journal entry 13: 7/20/22

We had children's ministry today. These are always so much fun! We arrived at the school and guess what? No one was there!! They had closed the school for 2 weeks due to covid, that morning.  So what do you do when this happens? We just go to another school! We only had 27 kids but we had a fun filled classroom!

Franklin and Querin led the music before we started. And we did it up right! We had the microphones, speakers and guitars! That's how you do it! We told our story and then onto the butterfly craft. That is always fun. but the best part is the games!! It was so nice of the teachers to let us disrupt their class today because they were planning the celebration for lemperia. This is a Honduran celebration with parades to celebrate the founders of Honduras. They were making Indian hats in class. Looked liked what we do at Thanksgiving time with pilgrim costumes. 

When we got back to base camp, some went to Las Palmas to show the Jesus film. I did not go and kinda glad I didn't. When the film was almost over, the heavens opened up with a downpour! Everyone was soaked. 

BTW: my leg looks better. but it is still red from the spider bite.

Matthew 5:16

"In the same way, let your light shine before people, so they can see the good things you do and praise your Father who is in heaven."

Bendiciones, 

Journal entry 12: 7/19/22

 

Today we had clinic at the San Juan Mission church. We saw 88 people today! It was good to work with Ana and Delmi today. Pastor Cesar was there to help too, but I think he was the entertainment! I am sure he enjoys getting to be out with the people in his community. He is a lawyer by trade but is called to minister. He is so excited and it shows in his smile and laughter. Rosa showed up! She is the young lady we met the day before on our prayer walk. She was able to assist Dr. Kevin at his clinic table. She came before her shift at the hospital. So she did double duty! She sent me whats app text saying "don't forget me". Please keep her in your prayers.

We had a lot of kids. It always seems crazy with kids running around while we are working, but it doesn't feel that way. So this is how it goes.....mom shows up and has 3-5 registration papers. I ask where the kids are and then she starts to yell their name. They all coming running. I examine them, then they say, "can we go?" So I better get it all done before, because they aren't coming back!

This clinic I had more teenagers than the others. I had to do a lot of education with them. You know, the girl kind of education. I won't go into the details!!

Then when we got back, I was outside talking with the family and I get a bug bite. I think I attract bugs. I am sure I have handed this trait onto my kids! But this bug bite HURT! and it swelled! I think it was a spider bite. So what do I do? What any nurse would. I take my fat, black sharpie and circle it an mark it. Then slather it in bug bite cream and hydrocortisone. Then worry all night that it is infected or worse!

Well, as you can tell I survived. I am still here, leg intact. 

Proverbs 19:17

"Those who are gracious to the poor lend to the Lord, and the Lord will fully repay them."

Bendiciones,

Journal entry 11: devotion 7/19/22

"Love isn't a state of perfect caring. It is an active noun, like struggle. To love someone is to strive to accept that person exactly the way he or she is, right here and now." Mr. Rogers.

My devotion is out of Philippians today. Chapter 2: 3-11

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.

In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:

Who, being in very nature[a] God,

    did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;

rather, he made himself nothing

    by taking the very nature[b] of a servant,

    being made in human likeness.

And being found in appearance as a man,

    he humbled himself

    by becoming obedient to death—

        even death on a cross!

Therefore God exalted him to the highest place

    and gave him the name that is above every name,

that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,

    in heaven and on earth and under the earth,

and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Vs 3, Paul tells us to do nothing out of selfish ambition, but to have humility and value others above yourself. Then down in vs 5-11, he talks about our relationships with one another, to have the same mindset as Jesus.

Some points we should take away about Jesus from this passage:

- He didn't put himself above God

- He took on the nature of a servant

- He humbled himself

- He was obedient to death

And did you see what God did?

- Jesus was exalted

- He was given the name above all names

- Every tongue will acknowledge Jesus is Lord

God will bless us too!

Sometimes we don't see our blessings. It could be that our blessings may be something difficult and we will not see it until we have been through it. Until we pass to the other side of it.

But we can't let that discourage us. We must move forward. Encouraging each other in love as Jesus did. It could be a word, a hug, or a note of love (as Wendy did with her note to Luis! or with meeting Rosa on our prayer walk and seeing her contagious smile).

And finally Paul says in chapter 4 vs 1; "Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends!"

Did you see this? Read it again.  STAND FIRM IN THE LORD.

Read the words of this song, and if you would like to listen to it, go to Awaken Worship; song is Here and now from the Broke the Grave CD.

"Lord let Your Kingdom come

Let Your will be done

Here and now on earth

As in Heaven

God let revival come

Let Your Church be one

Here and now on earth

As in Heaven as in Heaven

Every nation

Every tribe and tongue confess

Holy Spirit

Bring revival to what's dead

Fire fall down

Fill this place with heaven’s breath

Holy Spirit

Bring revival to this land"

Bendiciones, 

Journal entry 10: Monday 7/18/22

Today was a great day! We went on our prayer walks in 2 different locations. The first one was in Quevrada de Arena. We talked to a lot of people. It is amazing how open and accepting everyone is here vs what I am used to at home. If I was to walk in a neighborhood to invite them to church or talk to them, I would either get no one answering the door, or get shut down at the start. Here, everyone we encountered wanted to talk. To just have a conversation. And that is what we did. If it went to something more, then we would pray over them or just give them a hug. that is what happened at one of the homes. 

We met a lady named Judy. She just asked us to pray for her family. Daniella was a young girl that was the nanny at this home. Silvia is battling depression. She is alone with her kids. Maria, who runs the small pupiria in the neighborhood. And then we met Nickolas. He knew a small, and I mean a very small amount of english. But he wanted to practice with us. So we tried to talk with him some. It worked, to an extent. But he knew a lot more than I thought he could. At least more than I could speak in spanish!

Then on our second walk we didn't get to as many homes, but I met some great people. One of them was Rosa. She is a nurse. I am confused with what she was trying to tell me, but sounds like she is finishing her studies. Things are different there compared to U.S. so I wasn't understanding very much of how she was explaining it. But I am going with that she is a nurse! She has 2 wonderful girls. She told us of her life so far and where she got to today. It is amazing what I hear when talking with them and the hardships they have gone through, or are going through and still remain positive. Still love life. I need to take their example and stop having pity parties on myself. Her smile and positivity was so contagious!

James 1:2-3

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.

Bendiciones,

Journal entry 9: Sunday 7/17/22

Today is a nice day to relax. We sent off Heather, she only stayed for week one, and we are waiting for team 2 to show up. While we waited for them, we went out to lunch at the buffet. It is next to the gas station. They had really good food. And we can pick what we want which is a plus! After we ate, we found out they have a patio in the back with a flower garden. So of course we had to go check it out.  And when we got out there, they had peacocks! Lots of them! It was pretty cool to walk around with them. They let us go up to them but not touch them. But still neat to be close to them and see their beautiful colors. Walking through their garden, it was pretty amazing. There were plants taller than me! 

Then of course we had to go see Yoly at work! We couldn't let her get by without us having her check us out at the grocery store. I am sure she was embarrassed. 9 of us waiting in her line to be checked out! She knows we love her!

We went to church tonight at Antioquia. It was great finally seeing everyone again. It is like this every year. A family reunion. Lots of hugs. The church doesn't have any walls or roof, that is what the guys are going to do this week! Thank God answered our prayers and kept the rain away. As soon as we started to hear thunder in the distance, I was praying hard. And my prayer, and I'm sure others prayers too, were answered. The rain held off until we got back to the hotel. Then it was like a monsoon! 

I am really enjoying my time with Luis and Meily. It seems like we have had more time this trip, than before at the other trips, to really talk. Kenia came in today. I haven't seen her in 3 years. We have a lot of catching up to do!

1 John 4:19

We love because God first loved us

Bendiciones, 

 

Journal entry 8: Saturday 7/16/22

 

Today is travel day. We are leaving LaCampa to go to Tela. We left the mountains to go to the coast. It was a long day of driving. Funny how just sitting and driving can make you tired, when you do nothing. But we made it. I can't complain, because at least the hotel has air! The pastor we are working with and his family came by to have dinner with us. It is always great to see them. And it is going to be great to work with them again. Tomorrow is a free day and we are going out to lunch somewhere. It is early, 8 pm, and I am ready for bed! I need to take these few off days to rest up because next week is going to be a busy one!

Hebrews 4:9-11

There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from their works, just as God did from his. Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will perish by following their example of disobedience.

Bendiciones,

Journal entry 7 Friday 7/15/22

 

I have been hearing a lot about our prayer walks, how hard it is to talk to others, How intimidating it is or feelings of of fear. But in this verse in Romans 1:16, it says that the gospel is the power of God. 

I have some free time, counted and inventoried the meds and supplies in place of going to the children's ministry today. The guys are at the construction site. I am alone, in my thoughts and work. I have missed this alone and quiet time. Even though I am working, it is good to have the silence in my thoughts. When I was done, I got a text from Meily asking me if I had lunch and she recommended the restaurant across the street from our hotel. I was not going to do anything but eat some peanut butter I had brought but thought that since she recommended it, and she was from Honduras, that I would do it! She really  had to twist my arm on this! So I ventured out to go across the street. It was kinda stressful, because I don't speak spanish and I had my trusty translator app in hand. I was seated and trying to figure out how I was going to order some food, I met a lady who is from Florida there. She actually lives there! I was struggling with ordering with my translator app and this kind lady spoke up and helped me order. I was shocked. I heard English!

So speaking with her, she is from Florida, a professor on sabbatical, and her and her husband have been coming to this area for over 10 years. They loved it so much that they are building a house here and come here every year. How amazing to meet someone at the right time, right place. Well nothing is impossible with God. I was able to talk with her about what our team is doing and about the local church in that area and invite her.

Philippians 2:3 tells us to do nothing out of self ambition, but to have humility and value others above yourself. In Verses 5-11, with our relationships with one another, we are to have the same mindset as Jesus.

Be intentional and aware of those around you.

Romans 1:16; For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.

Bendiciones,

Journal entry 6 Thursday 7/14/22

 

I was able to get up out of bed today! Praise God. We had our second medical clinic in Los Pozitus today. We saw about 90 people! Today we were reminded to be flexible. It seems this is the theme, especially when we are working for God and the enemy doesn't want it work out for the good. When we got there, the pastor thought we were coming tomorrow! So he told everyone in that community that the clinic wasn't until Friday. But we were able to get the word out to them and they came. We had the clinic at the pastor's house! Right in front of his door. This community is for the new church plant. Hopefully we will be able to start building this church this year and finish next year so he can start to pastor in that community. Pharmacy was in their bedroom. We just pushed the beds to the side. We had many visitors other than people, dogs, chickens, ducks! And today was baby day! I love getting to hold them and love on them. She is so cute, her name is Anna. I also got to meet a man, Celestino. He is the father of the pastor and is 90 years old! He was so full of life and entertaining. He had great stories. After I saw him, he asked for us to pray for him, so some of us gathered and prayed over him.

I did get a few hours of school work in. today. I thought I would have time in the evening to get this done, but have not been able to. We have been busy. The guys are working on the Ruben house expansion and it is looking really good! They are working so hard this trip and look so tired when they come in but they are doing a great job. 

Colossians 3:23-24

"Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ."

Bendiciones,

Journal entry 5: Wednesday 7/13/22

 

It is kids day today!! We had a good day. Our team went to San Cristabal. It is a small town by Mezcallio. We had 33 kids! They were such a joy! It didn't matter what we did, they were smiling and laughing and it was so contagious. I think the games of hot potato and markalor was a hit!

After VBS with the kids, we went on a prayer walk throughout the community there. Some of the homes we went to visit, one lady said her husband is in the states and sending them money. She has 6 kids. That has to be hard to do this alone with your husband so far away. A lot of families are like this. Maybe not in the states but some husbands are in different cities just to find jobs. Her kids were at our VBS and we recapped the story of Saul/Paul. They were able to answer all our test questions! haha. But what was great, was that their mom was listening. (at least I think she was at the time).  An older son came in and he sat and listened to the end of us talking about the story. She was getting the witness from her kids. And seeing how excited they were. We prayed over her and asked for blessings and to her and her family. I didn't think that she was really listening, or that she really took interest in our talk. But Heather felt compelled to give her hug. She asked if she could and the mom just shrugged her shoulders ok. But what happened next was God moving. As Heather hugged her, this mom embraced Heather. Tight. For a while. She needed this touch. This love that only God could send through Heather. 

I am so glad we were able to be there for her, to show her this love and support. As we were leaving, this family asked if they could take a picture with us. This is the second time this week that someone asked for our picture!! and of course we said YES! But only if we could get one too!

Today lifted our spirits. To see and feel that we are helping others even with it only being a touch, a word, a prayer.

Well, we had to rush back to base camp to get ready for our women's ministry. We had 30 women attend. I like this ministry. We are able to sit with the women of the community and church and love on them and give them attention that they don't get enough of.

I am going to bed, worn out but happy and filled.

John 15:9-17  "As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.  My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit-fruit that will last-and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. This is my command: Love each other.

Bendiciones,