I was in good ole wally world recently and was shocked when I walked up on Ms. Teresa Devlin, Our missionary in Honduras. It was so nice and unexpected to see her since I didn't know she was in town. We had a great conversation, she told me everything was going well in Honduras. She pulled out her camera and started showing me some pictures of the first dorm...I was so excited they are almost complete. The only thing it is waiting on are the doors and windows. I cannot even say how exciting it was. I hope to have the photo's soon so I can post them here. I cannot believe it's only 3 months away to the 2009 Honduras mission trip, I really hope I will be able to make it this year! I also hope Sarah will be able to go as well. It will have to be in Gods will since he will have to provide the means for us to go!
It's all about what He wants! Check back, I hope to have those pictures SOON!
MERRY CHRISTMAS
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Sunday, December 14, 2008
The month before Christmas
'Twas the month before Christmas
When all through our land,
Not a Christian was praying
Nor taking a stand.
See the PC Police had taken away,
The reason for Christmas ... No one could say.
The children were told by their schools not to sing,
About Shepherds and Wise Men and Angels and things.
It might hurt people's feelings, the teachers would say
December 25th is just a "Holiday."
Yet the shoppers were ready with cash, checks and credit,
Pushing folks down to the floor just to get it!
CDs from Madonna, an X-BOX, an I-pod
Something was changing, something quite odd!
Retailers promoted Ramadan and Kwanzaa
In hopes to sell books by Franken and Fonda.
As Targets were hanging their trees upside down
At Lowe's the word Christmas was nowhere to be found.
At K-Mart and Staples and Penny's and Sears
You won't hear the word Christmas; it won't touch your ears.
Inclusive, sensitive, Di-ver-is-ty
Are words that were used to intimidate me.
Now Daschle, Now Durbin, Now Sharpton, Wolf Blitzen
On Boxer, on Reed, on Kerry, on Clinton!
At the top of the Senate, there arose such a clatter
To eliminate Jesus, in all public matter.
And we spoke not a word, as they took away our faith
Forbidden to speak of salvation and grace.
The true Gift of Christmas was exchanged and discarded
The reason for the season, stopped before it started.
So as you celebrate "Winter Break" under your "Dream Tree"
Sipping your Starbucks, listen to me.
Choose your words carefully, choose what you say ...
Shout MERRY CHRISTMAS, not Happy Holiday!
When all through our land,
Not a Christian was praying
Nor taking a stand.
See the PC Police had taken away,
The reason for Christmas ... No one could say.
The children were told by their schools not to sing,
About Shepherds and Wise Men and Angels and things.
It might hurt people's feelings, the teachers would say
December 25th is just a "Holiday."
Yet the shoppers were ready with cash, checks and credit,
Pushing folks down to the floor just to get it!
CDs from Madonna, an X-BOX, an I-pod
Something was changing, something quite odd!
Retailers promoted Ramadan and Kwanzaa
In hopes to sell books by Franken and Fonda.
As Targets were hanging their trees upside down
At Lowe's the word Christmas was nowhere to be found.
At K-Mart and Staples and Penny's and Sears
You won't hear the word Christmas; it won't touch your ears.
Inclusive, sensitive, Di-ver-is-ty
Are words that were used to intimidate me.
Now Daschle, Now Durbin, Now Sharpton, Wolf Blitzen
On Boxer, on Reed, on Kerry, on Clinton!
At the top of the Senate, there arose such a clatter
To eliminate Jesus, in all public matter.
And we spoke not a word, as they took away our faith
Forbidden to speak of salvation and grace.
The true Gift of Christmas was exchanged and discarded
The reason for the season, stopped before it started.
So as you celebrate "Winter Break" under your "Dream Tree"
Sipping your Starbucks, listen to me.
Choose your words carefully, choose what you say ...
Shout MERRY CHRISTMAS, not Happy Holiday!
Thursday, December 4, 2008
The Christmas Story
The story of the Birth of Christ Jesus
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Christmas Story
"About that time Caesar Augustus ordered a census to be taken throughout the Empire. This was the first census when Quirinius was the governor of Syria. Everyone had to travel to his hometown to be accounted for. So Joseph went from the Galilean town of Nazareth up to Bethlehem in Judah, David's hometown, for the census. As a descendant of David he had to go there. He went with Mary, his fiancee, who was pregnant.
While they were there, the time came for her to give birth. She gave birth to a son, her firstborn. She wrapped Him in a blanket and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the hostel.
There were shepherds camping in the neighborhood. They had set night watches over their sheep. Suddenly, God's angel stood among them and God's glory blazed around them. They were terrified. The angel said, "Don't be afraid. I'm here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody worldwide: A Savior has just been born in David's town, a Savior who is Messiah and Master. This is what you're to look for: a baby wrapped in a blanket and lying in a manger."
At once the angel was joined by a huge angelic choir singing God's praises: "Glory to God in the heavenly heights; Peace to all men and women on earth who please Him."
As the angel choir withdrew into heaven, the shepherds talked it over. "Let's get over to Bethlehem as fast as we can and see for ourselves what God has revealed to us." They left, running, and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger. Seeing was believing. They told everyone they met what the angels had said about this child. All who heard the shepherds were impressed.
Mary kept all these things to herself, holding them dear, deep within herself. The shepherds returned and let loose, glorifying and praising God for everything they had heard and seen. It turned out exactly the way they'd been told!" (Luke 2:1-20).
It was a simple scene that first Christmas – a rough room, a young couple and nothing but a feeding trough to put the child in. It was probably quite cold and with family far away there was little help. Not exactly the Hallmark moment we like to show in Christmas pageants. And yet this rustic scene marked the greatest event in the history of mankind.
God's Son became human and came to earth to save us. God had promised to send a Messiah, one who would save His people. He could have easily burst on the scene as a full grown man, a seven foot warrior with fiery eyes and arms of steel. This was what many people were looking for, but it wasn't how God did it. He arrived in the arms of a young girl. He was, as another of our authors put it, "a very small package, wrapped in rags, given from the heart of God. The perfect gift."
God gave His only Son to die in our place so that we, in all our brokenness, could know forgiveness. He came so that we could know what love feels like, real love – love that never leaves, love that never disappoints, love that is never betrayed. He sent His Son into a corrupted world to bring us hope.
How are you doing this Christmas?
Are you having a hard time finding hope in the world? Are you having a hard time finding peace? It doesn't have to be that way. You can have peace and find hope and know forgiveness through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
You can receive Christ right now by faith through prayer. Praying is simply talking to God. God knows your heart and is not so concerned with your words as He is with the attitude of your heart. Here's a suggested prayer:
Lord Jesus, I want to know You personally. Thank You for dying on the cross for my sins. I open the door of my life to You and ask You to come in as my Saviour and Lord. Take control of my life. Thank You for forgiving my sins and giving me eternal life. Bring peace to my world this Christmas. Make me the kind of person You want me to be.
If this prayer expresses the desire of your heart, pray it right now and Christ will come into your life as He promised. If you invited Jesus Christ into your life, thank God often that He is in your life, that He will never leave you and that you have eternal life.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Christmas Story
"About that time Caesar Augustus ordered a census to be taken throughout the Empire. This was the first census when Quirinius was the governor of Syria. Everyone had to travel to his hometown to be accounted for. So Joseph went from the Galilean town of Nazareth up to Bethlehem in Judah, David's hometown, for the census. As a descendant of David he had to go there. He went with Mary, his fiancee, who was pregnant.
While they were there, the time came for her to give birth. She gave birth to a son, her firstborn. She wrapped Him in a blanket and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the hostel.
There were shepherds camping in the neighborhood. They had set night watches over their sheep. Suddenly, God's angel stood among them and God's glory blazed around them. They were terrified. The angel said, "Don't be afraid. I'm here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody worldwide: A Savior has just been born in David's town, a Savior who is Messiah and Master. This is what you're to look for: a baby wrapped in a blanket and lying in a manger."
At once the angel was joined by a huge angelic choir singing God's praises: "Glory to God in the heavenly heights; Peace to all men and women on earth who please Him."
As the angel choir withdrew into heaven, the shepherds talked it over. "Let's get over to Bethlehem as fast as we can and see for ourselves what God has revealed to us." They left, running, and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger. Seeing was believing. They told everyone they met what the angels had said about this child. All who heard the shepherds were impressed.
Mary kept all these things to herself, holding them dear, deep within herself. The shepherds returned and let loose, glorifying and praising God for everything they had heard and seen. It turned out exactly the way they'd been told!" (Luke 2:1-20).
It was a simple scene that first Christmas – a rough room, a young couple and nothing but a feeding trough to put the child in. It was probably quite cold and with family far away there was little help. Not exactly the Hallmark moment we like to show in Christmas pageants. And yet this rustic scene marked the greatest event in the history of mankind.
God's Son became human and came to earth to save us. God had promised to send a Messiah, one who would save His people. He could have easily burst on the scene as a full grown man, a seven foot warrior with fiery eyes and arms of steel. This was what many people were looking for, but it wasn't how God did it. He arrived in the arms of a young girl. He was, as another of our authors put it, "a very small package, wrapped in rags, given from the heart of God. The perfect gift."
God gave His only Son to die in our place so that we, in all our brokenness, could know forgiveness. He came so that we could know what love feels like, real love – love that never leaves, love that never disappoints, love that is never betrayed. He sent His Son into a corrupted world to bring us hope.
How are you doing this Christmas?
Are you having a hard time finding hope in the world? Are you having a hard time finding peace? It doesn't have to be that way. You can have peace and find hope and know forgiveness through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
You can receive Christ right now by faith through prayer. Praying is simply talking to God. God knows your heart and is not so concerned with your words as He is with the attitude of your heart. Here's a suggested prayer:
Lord Jesus, I want to know You personally. Thank You for dying on the cross for my sins. I open the door of my life to You and ask You to come in as my Saviour and Lord. Take control of my life. Thank You for forgiving my sins and giving me eternal life. Bring peace to my world this Christmas. Make me the kind of person You want me to be.
If this prayer expresses the desire of your heart, pray it right now and Christ will come into your life as He promised. If you invited Jesus Christ into your life, thank God often that He is in your life, that He will never leave you and that you have eternal life.
Friday, November 28, 2008
Tis the season...
Black Friday took a grim turn when a Wal~Mart employee in New York died after bargain hunters broke down the doors to the store.
The 34-year-old male employee was pronounced dead one hour after shoppers broke down the doors to the shopping center in Valley Stream, N.Y., and knocked him down at around 5 a.m. Friday, police said.
"He was bum-rushed by 200 people," Jimmy Overby, the man's 43-year-old co-worker told the New York Daily News. "They took the doors off the hinges. He was trampled and killed in front of me. They took me down too ... I literally had to fight people off my back."
That was a report in today's news...I loved Christmas as a child, I also loved Christmas as a parent of young Children, But I am starting to not like the season as much these days. It is not the CHRISTmas season anymore, its the winter holidays (as the world like to call it now). It's the time of spending more money then you have, it's a time of greed and selfishness. Sometimes to me that's what it feels like it has become.
As CHRIST followers lets all be very aware of what the season is, it is a celebration of the birth of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! Lets remember to Praise him throughout this next month...Merry Christmas and Happy holidays!
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Happy Thanksgiving
I wish you a very Happy Thanksgiving, and pray you all have much to be thank full for.
I know I have greatly blessed and I am so thank full for my Family, and friends.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
There is no God...part two
I posted earlier about an ad campaign in the UK, well now its coming to America. Again a group of lost people The American Humanist Association unveiled the $40,000 holiday ad campaign Tuesday.
If there was ever a Time in history where Christians really need to start re-evaluating their priorities...its now!
$40k spent on plastering a sign on a bus...Supposedly 83% of Americans are Christians. Can you find them? Here is a challenge to you...I know not many people read this blog, because I can see by the counter how many visit here. However, I propose us CHRISTIANS show who we are, I'm curious to see if the 250 million Christians can show up in Support of God. There may have only been 365 hits on this blog, but each of those who visit here know another Christian, right? Pass this blog along to your friends, and lets see if us Christians can do what these two groups of non-believers have done. they are up to $153,000
Want to contribute? mail to...Yes there is a God campaign c/o Tim Heibel Grace Point Church 9750 Huebner Rd. San Antonio, Texas 78240
I have no new news from Honduras right now. I ask that you keep The Orphanage in your prayers. Pray for the safety of the construction workers, Pray that God prepares those who will be running it, pray for those overseeing the project.
and Pray for the successful completion of the project and that many young lives will be touched by this over the years...Thank you
Saturday, October 25, 2008
From one pumpkin to another
From one pumpkin to another!!!!!!! A woman was asked by a coworker, 'What is it like to be a Christian?'
The coworker replied, 'It is like being a pumpkin.' God picks you from the patch, brings you in, and washes all the
dirt off of you. Then He cuts off the top and scoops out all the yucky stuff.
He removes the seeds of doubt, hate, and greed. Then He carves you a new smiling face and puts His light inside of
you to shine for all the world to see.'
Thursday, October 23, 2008
There is no God
Atheists Plan Anti-God Ad Campaign on Buses
A news story reported in London
LONDON — London buses have God on their side — but not for long, if atheists have their way.
The sides of some of London's red buses will soon carry ads asserting there is "probably no God," as nonbelievers fight what they say is the preferential treatment given to religion in British society.
Organizers of a campaign to raise funds for the ads said Wednesday they received more than $113,000 in donations, almost seven times their target, in the hours since they launched the project on a charity Web site. Supporters include Oxford University biologist who donated $9,000.
The money will be used to place posters on 30 buses carrying the slogan "There's probably no God. Now stop worrying and enjoy your life." The plan was to run the ads for four weeks starting in January, but so much money has been raised that the project may be expanded.
Wow, Within hours they raised $113,000. We could build 11 buildings at the orphanage with that amount of money!
A news story reported in London
LONDON — London buses have God on their side — but not for long, if atheists have their way.
The sides of some of London's red buses will soon carry ads asserting there is "probably no God," as nonbelievers fight what they say is the preferential treatment given to religion in British society.
Organizers of a campaign to raise funds for the ads said Wednesday they received more than $113,000 in donations, almost seven times their target, in the hours since they launched the project on a charity Web site. Supporters include Oxford University biologist who donated $9,000.
The money will be used to place posters on 30 buses carrying the slogan "There's probably no God. Now stop worrying and enjoy your life." The plan was to run the ads for four weeks starting in January, but so much money has been raised that the project may be expanded.
Wow, Within hours they raised $113,000. We could build 11 buildings at the orphanage with that amount of money!
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Train up a Child
Proverbs 22:6 Train a child in the way he should go,
and when he is old he will not turn from it.
I recently began making some connections with old friends from High School. Aside from feeling really old when I start thinking about when I was in high school (class of 86) I have become so encouraged by some of them! You see we grew up in a Christian School (TCCA Twin City Christian Acadamy). While I was there (8th grade through 11th) we had a Principle who was such an awesome man of God to this day I still think about him. I even had the opportunity to visit him just a few months ago, that was so nice.
However not all the stories are stories of perfect lives. I myself fell away from God for a long time. My life was a rollercoaster for several years. I know some of the others I went to school with had similar experiences. Many, most of those have found there way home to a life with Christ. There is one who has been a part of church planting. He has helped with building 3 churches. Another has Gone to Africa to serve, and is very active in his Church along with his whole family. Another is active in his churches Music, and deaf ministries, along with his family, another works in full time ministry with her Husband, How about staying home and home schooling your 6 children and teaching them about God, that is a full time ministry in my book, or what about Teachers at a Christian schools (several elementary, and college level), Or a couple/Family who opens their home as foster parents and teaches these children the Love of God, two more met in high school, married and eventually became Missionaries to the Philippines. They run an Orphanage, and there are many more. The interesting thing is the school was very small. Each class/grade had less then 30 students. It is so amazing to me that so many people are still sold out to a life of full devotion to Jesus Christ...Why? Because they were trained in the way they should go. Most of us had bumps along the way. I personally went through many tough times, but even when I felt alone and lost I always knew in the back of my head that I wasn't alone. I knew God was with me, waiting for me to cry out to Him.
I hope and pray that there are more people out there who will continue to see the value in training a child. There are so many children around the world who need Love, who need a Home, who need to hear about our Loving father. I wish we could reach all of them, but all we can do is reach out to as many as we can.
Just think about what one little school in some little podunk town in the Midwest has done. Those listed above are changing the world. They are spread out over the Country and in other countries. All those listed graduated within 4 years of each other. This same school/Church has been building families and children for years. So what might seem like an impossible task really isn't. Changing the life of just ONE child is a success. Here you have ONE of those kids that was trained the way they should go now working toward building a home for 300. Think about how this keeps multiplying and all of a sudden you see how wonderful and amazing working for the Kingdom of God really is.
Please pray for this mission! For the children who need a home. For those trying to build a future. For Gods blessings
and when he is old he will not turn from it.
I recently began making some connections with old friends from High School. Aside from feeling really old when I start thinking about when I was in high school (class of 86) I have become so encouraged by some of them! You see we grew up in a Christian School (TCCA Twin City Christian Acadamy). While I was there (8th grade through 11th) we had a Principle who was such an awesome man of God to this day I still think about him. I even had the opportunity to visit him just a few months ago, that was so nice.
However not all the stories are stories of perfect lives. I myself fell away from God for a long time. My life was a rollercoaster for several years. I know some of the others I went to school with had similar experiences. Many, most of those have found there way home to a life with Christ. There is one who has been a part of church planting. He has helped with building 3 churches. Another has Gone to Africa to serve, and is very active in his Church along with his whole family. Another is active in his churches Music, and deaf ministries, along with his family, another works in full time ministry with her Husband, How about staying home and home schooling your 6 children and teaching them about God, that is a full time ministry in my book, or what about Teachers at a Christian schools (several elementary, and college level), Or a couple/Family who opens their home as foster parents and teaches these children the Love of God, two more met in high school, married and eventually became Missionaries to the Philippines. They run an Orphanage, and there are many more. The interesting thing is the school was very small. Each class/grade had less then 30 students. It is so amazing to me that so many people are still sold out to a life of full devotion to Jesus Christ...Why? Because they were trained in the way they should go. Most of us had bumps along the way. I personally went through many tough times, but even when I felt alone and lost I always knew in the back of my head that I wasn't alone. I knew God was with me, waiting for me to cry out to Him.
I hope and pray that there are more people out there who will continue to see the value in training a child. There are so many children around the world who need Love, who need a Home, who need to hear about our Loving father. I wish we could reach all of them, but all we can do is reach out to as many as we can.
Just think about what one little school in some little podunk town in the Midwest has done. Those listed above are changing the world. They are spread out over the Country and in other countries. All those listed graduated within 4 years of each other. This same school/Church has been building families and children for years. So what might seem like an impossible task really isn't. Changing the life of just ONE child is a success. Here you have ONE of those kids that was trained the way they should go now working toward building a home for 300. Think about how this keeps multiplying and all of a sudden you see how wonderful and amazing working for the Kingdom of God really is.
Please pray for this mission! For the children who need a home. For those trying to build a future. For Gods blessings
Monday, October 20, 2008
Planning
Planning for the 2009 Honduras Mission trip is underway! There are no details yet, but I know there was plans for the first building at the orphanage to be complete by spring 2009, which is when the next trip will take place. I sure hope it will be done when the team arrives! Grace point Church sends its members out into the world every year. We go to places like Honduras, Morocco, Brazil, and Africa, but that's not all. Those who are called to go pay for their trip out of their own pockets. Last year 18 people chose to go to Honduras. I was one who went.
I will never forget my experience there! I hope to go again this year. I cannot wait to see the progress on the orphanage, and I pray that it will be ready to receive it's new residents.
Being a part of this ministry is wonderful. Would you like to be a part of it? Would you like to GO? Even if you cannot go yourself you can still be a part of building God's Kingdom
Many of those who would like to GO to Honduras have to raise their own funds. The spring 2008 trip cost $1300. This was before the sharp rise in airfare. I'm not sure what the Spring 2009 cost will be yet, but I' sure it will be more. If you would like to sponsor someone there is an address to the right where you can send donations. If you would like to contribute to the orphanage itself there is also directions for that. Please prayerfully consider how you could become a part of building the Kingdom!
I look forward to bringing you news as it develops. Thank you for reading and please share this site with your friends and Family. Thank You
Matthew 19:14 Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."
I will never forget my experience there! I hope to go again this year. I cannot wait to see the progress on the orphanage, and I pray that it will be ready to receive it's new residents.
Being a part of this ministry is wonderful. Would you like to be a part of it? Would you like to GO? Even if you cannot go yourself you can still be a part of building God's Kingdom
Many of those who would like to GO to Honduras have to raise their own funds. The spring 2008 trip cost $1300. This was before the sharp rise in airfare. I'm not sure what the Spring 2009 cost will be yet, but I' sure it will be more. If you would like to sponsor someone there is an address to the right where you can send donations. If you would like to contribute to the orphanage itself there is also directions for that. Please prayerfully consider how you could become a part of building the Kingdom!
I look forward to bringing you news as it develops. Thank you for reading and please share this site with your friends and Family. Thank You
Matthew 19:14 Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
A new Building, A new Beginning!
Constructions continues on the first dorm. Early 2009 I pray the first 6 residents will make Rancho Hogar Aqua Viva home. It is exciting to be a part of this. I was looking a couple days ago at two rocks I pulled from the ground on the first day of construction. It is such an awesome feeling to know I have been and will continue to be a part of this.
As a young boy there was man who helped out at a church on a bus route. Every sunday they would drive buses around picking mostly kids up and taking them to church.
Later on this man would have a large impact in my life, and it would eventually help steer me in my walk with Christ. I always had a special place in my heart for him and wanted to go visit his home country. This year I finally made it! I would never have thought that it would have been on a mission trip. After seeing what 1 man can do in the life of a child, I can only imagine now what a man can do in the life of 300! Before was an opportunity for this man from Honduras to reach out to someone in a foreign country, the U.S. Now it's my turn, a man from The United States to reach out to others in a foreign country...Honduras!
I would encourage everyone to follow God's word and GO into the world. It was a command to everyone, not just Missionaries! It is an experience that will change your life!
You can still be a part of the Honduras mission, this is an ongoing trip. The construction will continue until 300 children call Living water children's ranch home. Be a part of it! Funds are needed for construction, and the 2009 trip is being planned! There are a lot of people who want to go this year who could use financial assistance. If You feel led to be a part of building the Kingdom of God, and reaching out to these children who need a home contact me and I will help you find out how you can be a part of this wonderful opportunity
As a young boy there was man who helped out at a church on a bus route. Every sunday they would drive buses around picking mostly kids up and taking them to church.
Later on this man would have a large impact in my life, and it would eventually help steer me in my walk with Christ. I always had a special place in my heart for him and wanted to go visit his home country. This year I finally made it! I would never have thought that it would have been on a mission trip. After seeing what 1 man can do in the life of a child, I can only imagine now what a man can do in the life of 300! Before was an opportunity for this man from Honduras to reach out to someone in a foreign country, the U.S. Now it's my turn, a man from The United States to reach out to others in a foreign country...Honduras!
I would encourage everyone to follow God's word and GO into the world. It was a command to everyone, not just Missionaries! It is an experience that will change your life!
You can still be a part of the Honduras mission, this is an ongoing trip. The construction will continue until 300 children call Living water children's ranch home. Be a part of it! Funds are needed for construction, and the 2009 trip is being planned! There are a lot of people who want to go this year who could use financial assistance. If You feel led to be a part of building the Kingdom of God, and reaching out to these children who need a home contact me and I will help you find out how you can be a part of this wonderful opportunity
Friday, August 8, 2008
Vacation Bible School
The June 2008 Vacation Bible School at Grace point church has come and gone. It was a fantastic experience for those who participated. I heard so many great stories. Unfortunately I was out of town during the VBS, but i was updated daily since my beautiful wife, and my step-daughter both volunteered to work with the kids this year.
Looks like fun, doesn't it? So what does VBS have to do with an orphanage in Honduras you might be asking??? Well the KIDS who attended this years VBS raised $7000 for the orphanage...WOW. $7000 raised by these kids. I was blown away when I found out, and it still amazes me. That is almost enough to pay for the construction of one building, which is approximately $10,000 per building. Construction at Rancho Hogar Aqua Viva is still ongoing. The move in of the first residents should take place early 2009. This is exciting. I am already looking forward to next years trip. God willing I plan on returning to Honduras for the 2009 mission trip.
The 2008 trip was incredible, I know it meant a lot to so many of the other team members who went. I am hopeful we will still hear some of "their" stories, since I'm sure there are 18 unique perspectives of the 2008 trip to La Ceiba
I will return soon with updates and photos of the construction.
Friday, May 9, 2008
Slowly, we go
I wish I could give an update that the first dorm has been built, but I cannot. Construction is on going but slowly. As you know when we left they had begun pouring the footer for the first dorm. This was exciting!!! I can only imagine what it will be like when the Orphanage is complete and 300 kids are being cared for! The second building that will be built will be the kitchen. Obviously like any other project like this the main stumbling block is money! The speed of the construction directly relates to the amount of moneys being donated! I wonder sometimes why its so hard to raise money for a cause like this. Yes 3.5 million is alot of money, but when you think about the population of the US alone. If 1 penny was given for each person who lives in the U.S. just over 3 million dollars would be raised! a Penny. I had a friend once if someone gave him a penny's as change at a store as he walked to his car he would throw them on the ground!
I thank you for your continued prayer support of this project. I ask that you continue to share with other what is going in in the beautiful country of Honduras! I had a fantastic time there and look forward to returning. Unfortunately I had never had the opportunity to visit any of the active orphanages while I was there so I cannot give you an account to what they are like, I wish I could. I'm sure it would have been amazing!
If anyone reading this has any questions at all, or you just want to make a comment please leave one. If it is a question I will do my best to get an answer for you (if I don't have one).
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Why Honduras?
Someone might be wondering, why go to Honduras, don't we have kids in need here in the U.S.? I'm not sure I can answer that for you, but for me its simple God told me to. Besides the Bible (also Gods word) tells YOU to go as well!
Mark 16:15
15 He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation
Acts 1:8
8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
Jesus didn't say, be my witness to the people across the street. He said to the ends of the earth!
However like everything else in a Christians life, God uses everything to guide you, and teach you. Going to Honduras is not just about the Honduran people. It's about YOU accepting the call, and being obedient to Him!
A trip like this will forever impact your life! The amount of personal growth one goes through is immeasurable! I can still still see and smell the airport when we stepped of the plane. It was hot and humid (think South Texas in mid august) the sky was hazy. There was a mountain not far off and you could barley see it.
I could see in the faces of people on the team a lot of nervous tension. We all tried to look confident and strong, but you could tell. This was the first mission trip for many of us, we didn't know what to expect. When you are called He doesn't expect us to be Billy Graham, jumping off the plane and immediately preaching in front of anyone in out path.
One thing I learned after our return is this...I found this verse and I believe it was Gods way of letting me know how he felt about our trip!
Zechariah 4:10
10 Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin
So we load up our bags on one of the two vans we will be riding in for the next week.
Carlos is on the Left and his Father on the right. Carlos was a good man who was a great help to us during the week!
You start to realize real quick that you are no longer in the States. There are no apparent traffic laws, people drive any way they want on anything they want. Horses, horses and wagons, bicycles (with up to 3 people on each one) motorcycles, scooters, TAXIS (I think there are as many taxis as there are people) and of course the very colorful buses. Basically old school buses that are now used as public transportation.
As we drive we get out first look at the "housing"
This one is a shot of 3 houses, look past the first through the second to see the third.
It was obvious again, we are in a new world. One many of had never seen. Its a very poor country, people live in "houses" we would not put our cars in. You start wondering, how do these people live like this. Little shacks, people washing their clothes in rivers, it is just so foreign to us.
Once you get into La Ceiba you notice the people everywhere. Walking, on a bike, or even just sitting in groups in a neighborhood. These people are always in community.
You cannot help but notice the trash. There is no real trash pick up. people just through their trash out just about anywhere
It is amazing how such a beautiful country, can be so dirty.
I think one of the most important things about this Orphanage is the education these kids will receive. Right now a lot of the youth there never get to attend high school. Elementary school is provided but High school you have to pay for, and most of these people do now have money to pay for it. Education will be the single most important thing to help this country prosper.
The people...I don't think I will ever forget the faces of the people. The kids and their smiling faces. I wish I could share with you what I felt and still do. I just don't know how. I would encourage each and every one of you who have never gone on a mission trip to GO, if you church does not promote going on mission trips, find one that does and go on one of theirs!
I look forward to going again. I hope to go on the next Honduras trip. are you ready to answer the call?
Matthew 9: 36-38
36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37 Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. 38 Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field."
Mark 16:15
15 He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation
Acts 1:8
8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
Jesus didn't say, be my witness to the people across the street. He said to the ends of the earth!
However like everything else in a Christians life, God uses everything to guide you, and teach you. Going to Honduras is not just about the Honduran people. It's about YOU accepting the call, and being obedient to Him!
A trip like this will forever impact your life! The amount of personal growth one goes through is immeasurable! I can still still see and smell the airport when we stepped of the plane. It was hot and humid (think South Texas in mid august) the sky was hazy. There was a mountain not far off and you could barley see it.
I could see in the faces of people on the team a lot of nervous tension. We all tried to look confident and strong, but you could tell. This was the first mission trip for many of us, we didn't know what to expect. When you are called He doesn't expect us to be Billy Graham, jumping off the plane and immediately preaching in front of anyone in out path.
One thing I learned after our return is this...I found this verse and I believe it was Gods way of letting me know how he felt about our trip!
Zechariah 4:10
10 Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin
So we load up our bags on one of the two vans we will be riding in for the next week.
Carlos is on the Left and his Father on the right. Carlos was a good man who was a great help to us during the week!You start to realize real quick that you are no longer in the States. There are no apparent traffic laws, people drive any way they want on anything they want. Horses, horses and wagons, bicycles (with up to 3 people on each one) motorcycles, scooters, TAXIS (I think there are as many taxis as there are people) and of course the very colorful buses. Basically old school buses that are now used as public transportation.
As we drive we get out first look at the "housing"
This one is a shot of 3 houses, look past the first through the second to see the third.It was obvious again, we are in a new world. One many of had never seen. Its a very poor country, people live in "houses" we would not put our cars in. You start wondering, how do these people live like this. Little shacks, people washing their clothes in rivers, it is just so foreign to us.
Once you get into La Ceiba you notice the people everywhere. Walking, on a bike, or even just sitting in groups in a neighborhood. These people are always in community.
You cannot help but notice the trash. There is no real trash pick up. people just through their trash out just about anywhere
It is amazing how such a beautiful country, can be so dirty.
I think one of the most important things about this Orphanage is the education these kids will receive. Right now a lot of the youth there never get to attend high school. Elementary school is provided but High school you have to pay for, and most of these people do now have money to pay for it. Education will be the single most important thing to help this country prosper.
The people...I don't think I will ever forget the faces of the people. The kids and their smiling faces. I wish I could share with you what I felt and still do. I just don't know how. I would encourage each and every one of you who have never gone on a mission trip to GO, if you church does not promote going on mission trips, find one that does and go on one of theirs!
I look forward to going again. I hope to go on the next Honduras trip. are you ready to answer the call?
Matthew 9: 36-38
36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37 Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. 38 Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field."
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Did you see Jesus today?
Matthew 25:40 (New Century Version)
40 "Then the King will answer, 'I tell you the truth, anything you did for even the least of my people here, you also did for me.'
Did You make fun of the nerd in High School or did you sit down and talk to him?
Did you look away when the poor girl who is not smart walked by?
Did you cross the street when you seen the crippled person in the wheel chair up ahead so you wouldn't feel uncomfortable?
Did you look down your nose at the ________?(you fill in the blank, Go ahead I'm sure you have one, I do)
These are some Pictures I took while in Honduras. Beautiful creations of God. My wife is starting to get me stuck on plants and flowers. She just loves flowers. So I tried to take some pictures for her while I was on the mission trip.
The reason I posted these photos is to show you something that I noticed while looking at and for the flowers. GO...Look at them again! (Click on them and open them up to larger pictures)
What do you notice about them? OK, aside that they are different varieties. Some grow on bushes, one is a tree. yet another is just a flower plant.
They are all very pretty flowers right? They are all equally beautiful creations of God...agree?
Look again at the last one. the pink one. Very delicate, and very pretty right?
Out of the 18 people in my group not a single person seen it, yet every one of us walked right over it...literally stepped over it. Even I missed it.
Why?
Because it is very tiny, very small about a 1/4 of an inch across. I had to use a macro lens to get the photo. I had to find it by looking for it. I was looking for something, and i found it!
Now think again about the person you filled into the blank above. Are they that small and insignificant of a person that they deserve to be treated like they are a nobody?
Matthew 25:40 (New Century Version)
40 "Then the King will answer, 'I tell you the truth, anything you did for even the least of my people here, you also did for me.'
That person in the wheelchair is Jesus, that poor girl who is not to smart, is Jesus That nerd you made fun of is Jesus, That homeless kid in Honduras, is Jesus.
Jesus spent his time with the least of us. The people at the bottom the people who don't even get noticed, they get stepped over. Jesus wasn't here to hang out with the Richie's...or the super stars, He loves Tim Duncan, but not because he bounces a silly orange ball! I Think If Jesus was here today walking the earth he would be in places like Honduras! The tree with the big flowers and the bushes with the big flowers get all the attention...Why?
Someday Jesus will say Thank you for building me a home, thank you for feeding me when I was hungry, Thank you for giving me a chance to live when I did not have one. You will be puzzled and say but lord I didn't feed you or build you a Home, or give a chance to live...He will say "anything you did for even the least of my people, you also did for me."
40 "Then the King will answer, 'I tell you the truth, anything you did for even the least of my people here, you also did for me.'
Did You make fun of the nerd in High School or did you sit down and talk to him?
Did you look away when the poor girl who is not smart walked by?
Did you cross the street when you seen the crippled person in the wheel chair up ahead so you wouldn't feel uncomfortable?
Did you look down your nose at the ________?(you fill in the blank, Go ahead I'm sure you have one, I do)
These are some Pictures I took while in Honduras. Beautiful creations of God. My wife is starting to get me stuck on plants and flowers. She just loves flowers. So I tried to take some pictures for her while I was on the mission trip.
The reason I posted these photos is to show you something that I noticed while looking at and for the flowers. GO...Look at them again! (Click on them and open them up to larger pictures)
What do you notice about them? OK, aside that they are different varieties. Some grow on bushes, one is a tree. yet another is just a flower plant.
They are all very pretty flowers right? They are all equally beautiful creations of God...agree?
Look again at the last one. the pink one. Very delicate, and very pretty right?
Out of the 18 people in my group not a single person seen it, yet every one of us walked right over it...literally stepped over it. Even I missed it.
Why?
Because it is very tiny, very small about a 1/4 of an inch across. I had to use a macro lens to get the photo. I had to find it by looking for it. I was looking for something, and i found it!
Now think again about the person you filled into the blank above. Are they that small and insignificant of a person that they deserve to be treated like they are a nobody?
Matthew 25:40 (New Century Version)
40 "Then the King will answer, 'I tell you the truth, anything you did for even the least of my people here, you also did for me.'
That person in the wheelchair is Jesus, that poor girl who is not to smart, is Jesus That nerd you made fun of is Jesus, That homeless kid in Honduras, is Jesus.
Jesus spent his time with the least of us. The people at the bottom the people who don't even get noticed, they get stepped over. Jesus wasn't here to hang out with the Richie's...or the super stars, He loves Tim Duncan, but not because he bounces a silly orange ball! I Think If Jesus was here today walking the earth he would be in places like Honduras! The tree with the big flowers and the bushes with the big flowers get all the attention...Why?
Someday Jesus will say Thank you for building me a home, thank you for feeding me when I was hungry, Thank you for giving me a chance to live when I did not have one. You will be puzzled and say but lord I didn't feed you or build you a Home, or give a chance to live...He will say "anything you did for even the least of my people, you also did for me."
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
A day at the Beach!
A day at the beach! Well, it may not be what it sounds like...We met at the "town square" and we waited for a local church group to show up. Our mission...Pass out tracks! It was interesting. The weather had been sunny all week and this morning the clouds rolled in and looked like it was going to storm on us!
A couple locals looking at those crazy Americans.
The church group finally shows up, notice the very large speakers on top of the van...yes he was using them and he was preaching the Gospel...
Time to pass out the tracks and begin out walk to the beach about 5 blocks away.
We finally make it to the beach. Everyone is trying to find someone to talk to and give a track to. My only regret on this trip is not being able to communicate with the people of Honduras.
I did find one guy on the beach who could speak English. He told me he had lived in Miami for 15 years. He told me he knew Jesus. I'm not sure, I think he was homeless and lived here on the beach
The Teens of the church then did a little play on the beach It was very cool, and before long there were a lot of people watching them. It was all about how a girl got caught up in sin (the box around her says sin in Spanish) and she was stuck in this sin and could not get out, until a friend brought to her the good news Of Jesus, then she was freed from her sin!
This was an exciting event. We even managed to get on the news...Again
It is cool to be a part of building God's Kingdom. Much of the time you never know what role you really play. You might be the seed planter, someone else will come along and water the seed and then yet another will be the one to harvest the new plant!
I have said before I hope that when I have gone home to be with Jesus, that I will get to see who else is there as a result of something I had done. I hope I have the opportunity to tell everyone about our Loving God. What a reunion that would be. Can you imagine the reception a person like Billy Graham would have if everyone he reached with the Gospel were there to receive him...Its a good thing Heaven is an eternity...it might take while!
A couple locals looking at those crazy Americans.
The church group finally shows up, notice the very large speakers on top of the van...yes he was using them and he was preaching the Gospel...
Time to pass out the tracks and begin out walk to the beach about 5 blocks away.
We finally make it to the beach. Everyone is trying to find someone to talk to and give a track to. My only regret on this trip is not being able to communicate with the people of Honduras.I did find one guy on the beach who could speak English. He told me he had lived in Miami for 15 years. He told me he knew Jesus. I'm not sure, I think he was homeless and lived here on the beach
The Teens of the church then did a little play on the beach It was very cool, and before long there were a lot of people watching them. It was all about how a girl got caught up in sin (the box around her says sin in Spanish) and she was stuck in this sin and could not get out, until a friend brought to her the good news Of Jesus, then she was freed from her sin!
This was an exciting event. We even managed to get on the news...Again
It is cool to be a part of building God's Kingdom. Much of the time you never know what role you really play. You might be the seed planter, someone else will come along and water the seed and then yet another will be the one to harvest the new plant!
I have said before I hope that when I have gone home to be with Jesus, that I will get to see who else is there as a result of something I had done. I hope I have the opportunity to tell everyone about our Loving God. What a reunion that would be. Can you imagine the reception a person like Billy Graham would have if everyone he reached with the Gospel were there to receive him...Its a good thing Heaven is an eternity...it might take while!
Friday, March 28, 2008
Yes they do!
The question is, Do they really live like that? It was amazing to see what conditions the Honduran people live in. It was obvious from the moment we began our van ride to La Ceiba that things were different...very different! You would see these little shacks, every where. Along the rode side, even in the "cities". You would have a nice looking home and it would would be completely surrounded by these little shacks (actually there where way more shack than nice homes). We had a chance to really get to know one Family. Roland Bessy and Liliana.
Roland is second from the left.
Bessy in the center.
And Liliana. She was such a cute little girl, but sadly I never seen her smile, not even one time during our stay.
This is their house
This place was about 12X12 but then you have to look inside
Then you see more then half of their "house" is being used as construction storage. So they are actually living in a space about 6'X12"
Look closer and you will see where Liliana sleeps
Lets not forget the "kitchen"
Or what about the laundry room? Ok this is not Roland or his family, but this is site you see nearly everytime you pass a river
No that's not just old clothes laying next to the river
She was maybe 8
Look at the shape of the stone she is using to wash her clothes. Notice the angle of it, I wonder how many times and for how many years that stone has been used as a wash board that made it into that 45deg angle?
Which reminds me I need to go start a load of laundry and thank God for the blessings of what he has given me!
Roland is second from the left.
Bessy in the center.
And Liliana. She was such a cute little girl, but sadly I never seen her smile, not even one time during our stay.This is their house
This place was about 12X12 but then you have to look inside
Then you see more then half of their "house" is being used as construction storage. So they are actually living in a space about 6'X12"
Look closer and you will see where Liliana sleeps
Lets not forget the "kitchen"
Or what about the laundry room? Ok this is not Roland or his family, but this is site you see nearly everytime you pass a river
No that's not just old clothes laying next to the river
She was maybe 8
Look at the shape of the stone she is using to wash her clothes. Notice the angle of it, I wonder how many times and for how many years that stone has been used as a wash board that made it into that 45deg angle? Which reminds me I need to go start a load of laundry and thank God for the blessings of what he has given me!
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