In all of the details of the medical clinic it seems that I have almost totally neglected our construction team and the work that they have accomplished this week. On our first day we poured a new roof for the first floor of the church that will also be the floor of the church's second story. That was fifty 95 lbs bags of cement. My neck was fried by the sun and many of our backs were a little stiff on Tuesday morning.
Since we were able to finish that job far faster than our Honduran hosts had planned we needed something else to do and since we still had another 50 bags of cement it seemed like the natural thing to pave something else...so we did.
The courtyard at the Pena de Horeb church is nothing but a giant mud pit. When it rains heavily it becomes an absolute quagmire and then mud and dirt is tracked into the sanctuary and it just becomes a filthy mess. So, why not pave it? So Tuesday we spent the day loading, hauling and dumping about five truckloads of the richest and most beautiful topsoil to level the courtyard in order to pave it. (There is not a single one of you reading this who would not want this dirt in your yard, garden, flowerbed or farm. It was that good.) While this was not the most exciting work that we had ever done, those of us who were able to go and load the truck were treated to some fresh drinks from coconuts that had just been picked from the tree. It didn't taste quite like a Dr. Pepper from Sonic, but it was cool, wet and it hit the spot.
After spending the day Tuesday leveling the courtyard we spent Wednesday mixing cement and pouring it. What was amazing to us was how the local church members turned out to help work on their church. Each day we worked we had church members volunteer to help us. One gentleman - Eduardo - was there everyday working shoulder-to-shoulder with us. He spoke no English and most of us spoke no Spanish but it was important to Eduardo that he have a hand in the improvements that were being made to his church. It was important to him.
To see some pictures of the clinic, construction and the other sights of Honduras click on the link below to go to the photo album that is posted on the Crossings website.
http://www.crossingsokc.org/serveandvolunteer/MissionsOutreachMinistries/MissionsPhotoAlbums/tabid/429/Default.aspx
Soli Deo gloria,
Michael
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Thursday, June 18
Thank you to everyone who prayed for our medicine needs. As usual, God showed up and blew us all away.
(Have you ever thought about this: We acknowledge with our lips that God is sovereign and omnipotent and yet when He answers our prayers in ways that only He can, we are continually amazed. Is that because we don't fully believe what we say or because His power, might and glory is far greater than we can fathom? Or maybe a little bit of both? Discuss among yourselves...)
As you know the overwhelming response - for us, not for God - at our clinic on Wednesday left us drastically short on some medicines. We prayed and you prayed and we made plans to hopefully purchase more meds on Thursday morning in Pena Blanca. We had conficence that God would provide and that everything would work out. But to be honest, we did not know what that would look like.
For the first three days of our clinic we had been in poor communities. Lomas del Aguila on Wednesday was the poorest of the poor. But on Thursday we were in the community of Zapaca which is more affluent than any other community we have ever been in. As a result of their higher standard of living the people that came to our clinic had different maladies and therefore needed some of the medication that we had not been dispensing at our previous clinics.
We had taken with us an ample supply of medicines for heart conditions, high blood pressure and diabetes but to this point we had not used hardly any of it. Well, that all changed on Thursday as those became the most needed pharmacuticals. Once again, God provided. Plus, the volume of patients we saw on Thursday dropped dramatically back down to around 100. God knew what we could handle and He worked everything out perfectly.
I do not want to give you the mistaken impression that this trip has been all about meeting physical needs. At our very core we are committed to being used for Kingdom growth and for drawing people closer to God. If in our medical clinic we treat physical needs but leave them spiritually untouched have we truly honored God and brought glory to His name? This is why we take the opportunity to pray specifically for and with each patient that we see in our clinic. This is why we ask them questions about their spiritual needs as well as their physical needs and this is why we had the opportunity to lead two of our clinic patients to Christ on Thursday! We have connected them to the local church where they will have the opportunity to grow spiritually and discipled as followers of Christ.
As a team we are spent physically. We have worked hard and poured our lives into the Honduran people this week. We have seen the face of God in them and in each other. Sacrifices were made by ourselves and others to make this trip a reality and some of us endures hardships while in Honduras. But to a person we would willingly do it all over again for the opportunity to serve the Savior. My prayer is that we will look more intently for those everyday opportunities to serve Him wherever we are.
Soli Deo gloria,
Michael
(Have you ever thought about this: We acknowledge with our lips that God is sovereign and omnipotent and yet when He answers our prayers in ways that only He can, we are continually amazed. Is that because we don't fully believe what we say or because His power, might and glory is far greater than we can fathom? Or maybe a little bit of both? Discuss among yourselves...)
As you know the overwhelming response - for us, not for God - at our clinic on Wednesday left us drastically short on some medicines. We prayed and you prayed and we made plans to hopefully purchase more meds on Thursday morning in Pena Blanca. We had conficence that God would provide and that everything would work out. But to be honest, we did not know what that would look like.
For the first three days of our clinic we had been in poor communities. Lomas del Aguila on Wednesday was the poorest of the poor. But on Thursday we were in the community of Zapaca which is more affluent than any other community we have ever been in. As a result of their higher standard of living the people that came to our clinic had different maladies and therefore needed some of the medication that we had not been dispensing at our previous clinics.
We had taken with us an ample supply of medicines for heart conditions, high blood pressure and diabetes but to this point we had not used hardly any of it. Well, that all changed on Thursday as those became the most needed pharmacuticals. Once again, God provided. Plus, the volume of patients we saw on Thursday dropped dramatically back down to around 100. God knew what we could handle and He worked everything out perfectly.
I do not want to give you the mistaken impression that this trip has been all about meeting physical needs. At our very core we are committed to being used for Kingdom growth and for drawing people closer to God. If in our medical clinic we treat physical needs but leave them spiritually untouched have we truly honored God and brought glory to His name? This is why we take the opportunity to pray specifically for and with each patient that we see in our clinic. This is why we ask them questions about their spiritual needs as well as their physical needs and this is why we had the opportunity to lead two of our clinic patients to Christ on Thursday! We have connected them to the local church where they will have the opportunity to grow spiritually and discipled as followers of Christ.
As a team we are spent physically. We have worked hard and poured our lives into the Honduran people this week. We have seen the face of God in them and in each other. Sacrifices were made by ourselves and others to make this trip a reality and some of us endures hardships while in Honduras. But to a person we would willingly do it all over again for the opportunity to serve the Savior. My prayer is that we will look more intently for those everyday opportunities to serve Him wherever we are.
Soli Deo gloria,
Michael
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
The Lesson of the 352
Today was an amazing day for our clinic team. Of course, it was an amazing day for our construction team, too, but for this post I am going to focus on what our medical team experienced today.
Our mobile clinic went up into the hills aound Lago de Yojoa to the village of Lomas de Aguila. The small and remote village had not had a medical team of any kind - from any ministry or NGO - in over two years. The village is so remote that it is only accessible by 4-wheel drive vehicles.
When the team arrived at the school where the clinic was to be held there were already hundreds of people (many of them children) in line waiting to be seen. One of the pharmacy workers immediately said: "Lord, help us." That was quickly followed by a round of amens. Whether is was the long line of patients, the scores of anxious children or the mind-boggling number of prescriptions that were to be written the task ahead was daunting. One of our children's workers summed it up best: "It's just like eating an elephant. You have to take it one bite at a time."
We were blessed to have six medical providers today and as a result our clinic was able to see 352 patients today. That is not exactly correct...352 patients had prescriptions written for them. Some patients simply received vitamins and were sent on their way. Others could only be prayed for because we were not set up to meet their specific type of medical need. Let me tell you about one of them...
A young woman who was about 18 years old came to see Glenda, one of our providers. She had an acute medical problem that she has dealt with for about three months with no relief. Unfortunately, we were unable to treat her problem or even provide any medication for her. Glenda's husband Don was translating for the patient and he began to pray for her. As Don prayed powerfully for the miraculous healing of this young woman Glenda recalled the story in the Bible of the woman with the bleeding problem. As soon as Don finished praying he immediately began to tell the woman the same story that Glenda had recalled. Don encouraged her with these words: "God can do what no doctor can do and He is stronger than any medicine. God knows exactly what you need."
As we debriefed this evening, the recurring theme was how God provided in difficult circumstances. The number of children who attended today was more than the space for children could contain so the children's workers developed a rotation system that allowed all of the children tim to do arts and crafts and be loved on individually. This area is so remote that many of the kids do not even attend school; they spend their time working in the fields or doing other jobs that help provide a meager income for their family. Consider this: some of there children had NEVER even seen a crayon before today. They were amazed at how the bright and beautiful colors could be used to create works of art. God gifted these precious workers with patience, strength, and an unending supply of love for these children.
God's sustaining strength and provision was also seen at work in our pharmacy. A somewhat behind-the-scenes element of our clinic, the pharmacy is still vital to what we do on these medical trips. Getting the correct medicines in the proper doses with the right instructions in a foreign language is no easy feat and yet our trio of Emily, Deanna and Jim pull it off day after day. With each patient averaging four prescriptions apiece the pharmacy team filledover 1400 prescriptions today alone. The Lord provided just enough medications for the day (but now we are praying that God will provide more meds from local pharmacies tomorrow). Once again, God stepped in exactly when we needed Him to do so.
I want to share with you two seperate readings. The first is from John 15 where Jesus tells the disciples that He is the true vine. The second is a poem by e.e. cummings. While the poem was undoubtedly written for a lover, read it as a response to the words of Jesus. Read it as a prayer.
"I am the Real Vine and my Father is the Farmer. He cuts off every branch of me that doesn't bear grapes. And every branch that is grape-bearing he prunes back so it will bear even more. You are already pruned back by the message I have spoken.
"Live in me. Make your home in me just as I do in you. In the same way that a branch can't bear grapes by itself but only by being joined to the vine, you can't bear fruit unless you are joined with me.
"I am the Vine, you are the branches. When you're joined with me and I with you, the relation intimate and organic, the harvest is sure to be abundant. Separated, you can't produce a thing. Anyone who separates from me is deadwood, gathered up and thrown on the bonfire. But if you make yourselves at home with me and my words are at home in you, you can be sure that whatever you ask will be listened to and acted upon. This is how my Father shows who he is—when you produce grapes, when you mature as my disciples.
And now our response...
i carry your heart with me(i carry it in
my heart)i am never without it(anywhere
i go you go,my dear; and whatever is done
by only me is your doing,my darling)
i fear no fate(for you are my fate,my sweet)i want
no world(for beautiful you are my world,my true)
and it's you are whatever a moon has always meant
and whatever a sun will always sing is you
here is the deepest secret nobody knows
(here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud
and the sky of the sky of a tree called life; which grows
higher than the soul can hope or mind can hide)
and this is the wonder that's keeping the stars apart
i carry your heart(i carry it in my heart)
The lesson of the 352 is this: There is nothing that we can do to bring glory and honor to God apart from His spirit dwelling within us. Nothing! But when we are filled with His spirit there is NOTHING that we can't do to bring honor and glory to His name.
What every member of our clinic team did today they only did through the power of the Holy Spirit. What they could not do in their own strength they allowed God to do through them in His strength. Thank you, Lord for allowing us to once again be apart of Your plan and for finding us to be worthy vessels in Your hands.
Soli Deo gloria,
Michael
Our mobile clinic went up into the hills aound Lago de Yojoa to the village of Lomas de Aguila. The small and remote village had not had a medical team of any kind - from any ministry or NGO - in over two years. The village is so remote that it is only accessible by 4-wheel drive vehicles.
When the team arrived at the school where the clinic was to be held there were already hundreds of people (many of them children) in line waiting to be seen. One of the pharmacy workers immediately said: "Lord, help us." That was quickly followed by a round of amens. Whether is was the long line of patients, the scores of anxious children or the mind-boggling number of prescriptions that were to be written the task ahead was daunting. One of our children's workers summed it up best: "It's just like eating an elephant. You have to take it one bite at a time."
We were blessed to have six medical providers today and as a result our clinic was able to see 352 patients today. That is not exactly correct...352 patients had prescriptions written for them. Some patients simply received vitamins and were sent on their way. Others could only be prayed for because we were not set up to meet their specific type of medical need. Let me tell you about one of them...
A young woman who was about 18 years old came to see Glenda, one of our providers. She had an acute medical problem that she has dealt with for about three months with no relief. Unfortunately, we were unable to treat her problem or even provide any medication for her. Glenda's husband Don was translating for the patient and he began to pray for her. As Don prayed powerfully for the miraculous healing of this young woman Glenda recalled the story in the Bible of the woman with the bleeding problem. As soon as Don finished praying he immediately began to tell the woman the same story that Glenda had recalled. Don encouraged her with these words: "God can do what no doctor can do and He is stronger than any medicine. God knows exactly what you need."
As we debriefed this evening, the recurring theme was how God provided in difficult circumstances. The number of children who attended today was more than the space for children could contain so the children's workers developed a rotation system that allowed all of the children tim to do arts and crafts and be loved on individually. This area is so remote that many of the kids do not even attend school; they spend their time working in the fields or doing other jobs that help provide a meager income for their family. Consider this: some of there children had NEVER even seen a crayon before today. They were amazed at how the bright and beautiful colors could be used to create works of art. God gifted these precious workers with patience, strength, and an unending supply of love for these children.
God's sustaining strength and provision was also seen at work in our pharmacy. A somewhat behind-the-scenes element of our clinic, the pharmacy is still vital to what we do on these medical trips. Getting the correct medicines in the proper doses with the right instructions in a foreign language is no easy feat and yet our trio of Emily, Deanna and Jim pull it off day after day. With each patient averaging four prescriptions apiece the pharmacy team filledover 1400 prescriptions today alone. The Lord provided just enough medications for the day (but now we are praying that God will provide more meds from local pharmacies tomorrow). Once again, God stepped in exactly when we needed Him to do so.
I want to share with you two seperate readings. The first is from John 15 where Jesus tells the disciples that He is the true vine. The second is a poem by e.e. cummings. While the poem was undoubtedly written for a lover, read it as a response to the words of Jesus. Read it as a prayer.
"I am the Real Vine and my Father is the Farmer. He cuts off every branch of me that doesn't bear grapes. And every branch that is grape-bearing he prunes back so it will bear even more. You are already pruned back by the message I have spoken.
"Live in me. Make your home in me just as I do in you. In the same way that a branch can't bear grapes by itself but only by being joined to the vine, you can't bear fruit unless you are joined with me.
"I am the Vine, you are the branches. When you're joined with me and I with you, the relation intimate and organic, the harvest is sure to be abundant. Separated, you can't produce a thing. Anyone who separates from me is deadwood, gathered up and thrown on the bonfire. But if you make yourselves at home with me and my words are at home in you, you can be sure that whatever you ask will be listened to and acted upon. This is how my Father shows who he is—when you produce grapes, when you mature as my disciples.
And now our response...
i carry your heart with me(i carry it in
my heart)i am never without it(anywhere
i go you go,my dear; and whatever is done
by only me is your doing,my darling)
i fear no fate(for you are my fate,my sweet)i want
no world(for beautiful you are my world,my true)
and it's you are whatever a moon has always meant
and whatever a sun will always sing is you
here is the deepest secret nobody knows
(here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud
and the sky of the sky of a tree called life; which grows
higher than the soul can hope or mind can hide)
and this is the wonder that's keeping the stars apart
i carry your heart(i carry it in my heart)
The lesson of the 352 is this: There is nothing that we can do to bring glory and honor to God apart from His spirit dwelling within us. Nothing! But when we are filled with His spirit there is NOTHING that we can't do to bring honor and glory to His name.
What every member of our clinic team did today they only did through the power of the Holy Spirit. What they could not do in their own strength they allowed God to do through them in His strength. Thank you, Lord for allowing us to once again be apart of Your plan and for finding us to be worthy vessels in Your hands.
Soli Deo gloria,
Michael
Pray, pray, pray...
This is an urgent call to prayer for everyone who reads this blog.
During today's clinic in Lomas de Aguila our rpoviders wrote prescriptions for 352 patients. (More on that in the next posting). Most of these prescriptions were for more than one medication. Most patients averaged about four meds each. As a result our team pharmacy is out of some medicines and critically low on others. We are going to try to find the medicines we need at local pharmacies tomorrow. Please pray that the pharmacies will hav eaxctly the medicines that we need.
Soli Deo gloria,
(To God alone be the glory)
Michael
During today's clinic in Lomas de Aguila our rpoviders wrote prescriptions for 352 patients. (More on that in the next posting). Most of these prescriptions were for more than one medication. Most patients averaged about four meds each. As a result our team pharmacy is out of some medicines and critically low on others. We are going to try to find the medicines we need at local pharmacies tomorrow. Please pray that the pharmacies will hav eaxctly the medicines that we need.
Soli Deo gloria,
(To God alone be the glory)
Michael
Tuesday night worship
First of all I want to apologize for the lack of pictures. Internet access is not the same in Honduras as it is in the U.S. and uploading pictures to the blog is a frustrating and time consuming activity that would test the patience of Job.
Last night we had the privilege of worshiping with the congregation of the Pena de Horeb church. It is not a large congregation. They probably average 50-60 people for a typical service. But do they know how to worship. For this congregation worship is not a spectator sport. They are not concerned about the quality of the instrumentalists - all the music is recorded. They don't care about how good the choir sounds because there is no choir and the vocal quality of the worship leader is inconsequential compared to the intensity of his worship. When these people worship it is a fully engaged, full-bodied expression of love, gratitude and devotion to their Creator and their Savior.
I am continually awed by the level of contentment I see among the believers of Honduras. As North Americans we would say that these people literally have nothing: no paved floors, no running water, and no propect of anything improving and yet their gratitude for EVERYTHING that God has blessed them with is overwhelming...not to mention humbling. It permeates every aspect of their worship-music, praying, proclamation and giving.
As we worshipped there was an obvious language barrier. There were only two songs during the service that had English words to them and one of the songs was "Alleluia." And yet, as we joined our hearts with theirs in the worship, adoration and glorification of Jesus Christ is was obvious that we were the body of Christ. Even though we spoke different languages we were brothers and sisters united by the redeeming death and resurrection of our Savior. It was a small glimpse of what worship in heaven will be like and it was a deeply emotional experience.
We were able to further share with them in worship as members of our group shared brief testimonies of what God was doing in their lives. Time after time we remarked at how we had intended to come to be a blessing to the Honduran people and in turn we have been blessed by them. As deeply moving as our trip here last October had been, I believe that the bonds of love that have united our two groups have become even more interwoven within our hearts and spirits. It is no longer "North Americans" and "Hondurans" as if we were two different denominations. We are followers of Christ. Brothers and sisters. One body.
Please continue to pray for us as we push hard these last two days to accomplish all that God has planned for us. We have worked hard and there is still more to do. We covet your prayers on behalf of our group and the Honduran people.
Soli Deo gloria,
Michael
Last night we had the privilege of worshiping with the congregation of the Pena de Horeb church. It is not a large congregation. They probably average 50-60 people for a typical service. But do they know how to worship. For this congregation worship is not a spectator sport. They are not concerned about the quality of the instrumentalists - all the music is recorded. They don't care about how good the choir sounds because there is no choir and the vocal quality of the worship leader is inconsequential compared to the intensity of his worship. When these people worship it is a fully engaged, full-bodied expression of love, gratitude and devotion to their Creator and their Savior.
I am continually awed by the level of contentment I see among the believers of Honduras. As North Americans we would say that these people literally have nothing: no paved floors, no running water, and no propect of anything improving and yet their gratitude for EVERYTHING that God has blessed them with is overwhelming...not to mention humbling. It permeates every aspect of their worship-music, praying, proclamation and giving.
As we worshipped there was an obvious language barrier. There were only two songs during the service that had English words to them and one of the songs was "Alleluia." And yet, as we joined our hearts with theirs in the worship, adoration and glorification of Jesus Christ is was obvious that we were the body of Christ. Even though we spoke different languages we were brothers and sisters united by the redeeming death and resurrection of our Savior. It was a small glimpse of what worship in heaven will be like and it was a deeply emotional experience.
We were able to further share with them in worship as members of our group shared brief testimonies of what God was doing in their lives. Time after time we remarked at how we had intended to come to be a blessing to the Honduran people and in turn we have been blessed by them. As deeply moving as our trip here last October had been, I believe that the bonds of love that have united our two groups have become even more interwoven within our hearts and spirits. It is no longer "North Americans" and "Hondurans" as if we were two different denominations. We are followers of Christ. Brothers and sisters. One body.
Please continue to pray for us as we push hard these last two days to accomplish all that God has planned for us. We have worked hard and there is still more to do. We covet your prayers on behalf of our group and the Honduran people.
Soli Deo gloria,
Michael
Wow! What an incredible day we had on Tuesday!
Following an intense and prolonged torrential downpour on Monday night, Tuesday morning started bright and clear. Though we were somewhat tired from the previous day's efforts we asked for - and received - empowering from the Holy Spirit to accomplish the tasks that He had set before us. Is there any greater satisfaction than knowing that you have been used by God to change someone's life for eternity? I doubt it.
Once again our clinic operated out of the Pena de Horeb church in Pena Blanca. Business was a little more brisk on Tuesday as we saw and treated about 135 patients. I want to share with you one encounter we had with a patient...
An elderly woman was triaged with pain in her abdomen area. She was sent to Pam's station for diagnosis and treatment. Through a translator the woman told Pam that the pain was not a result of an illness but rather is was being caused by a bad spirit. Pam's translator, David, questioned her further trying to get a better understanding of the situation: "What kind of medicine do you need?" The woman replied that she didn't know if she needed medicine but that was why she came to the clinic at the church. "The Man of God will know what I need," she said.
By this time Pam and David were certain that this truly was a spiritual matter rather than a physical one. The joined with the woman and began to pray intently that God would rescue her from this bad spirit. In the name of Jesus they prayed for deliverance and healing and asked Him to remove the spirit from her and replace it with the Holy Spirit. Pam later commented on how evident the intensity of David's prayer was to her...even in Spanish.
As the prayer concluded there was a visible change in the woman. Her face no longer showed the discomfort it had when she arrived at the clinic. She was visibly at peace and said that she had no more pain! In fact, she didn't even need any medicine! Praise the Lord! In our holy huddles we often talk about spiritual warfare but it is not often that we see it this up close and personal.
I do want to take a moment to give a pat on the back to our trio of ladies who lead our children's activities everyday. Louise, Kristy and Lorene are incredibly loving women. They have poured themselves into the lives of these children despite language barriers, despite working outdoors under a makeshft shelter, and despite the most basic form of communication from the children being the word "Hey" accompanied by a poke in the arm. These ladies are living examples of what it means to welcome a child in the name of Jesus.
What's more, the work they are doing with the children makes what our medical providers do in the clinic even more effective. Keeping the children engaged and out of the clinic area provides a calm and quiter environment for both the patients and the providers. It allows for easier communication - and as a result, better diagnosis - because no one is having to shout above the noise to be heard. Our Heart to Honduras ministry partners have also commented on the impact of having activities for the children. They have likened clinics without this element resemble something of a zoo and a Chinese fire drill.
Duty calls and there is more concrete to pour. I will share about our worship experience with the local congregation in my next blog. Continue to pray for us and continue to ask God to strengthen us physically, mentally and spiritually.
Following an intense and prolonged torrential downpour on Monday night, Tuesday morning started bright and clear. Though we were somewhat tired from the previous day's efforts we asked for - and received - empowering from the Holy Spirit to accomplish the tasks that He had set before us. Is there any greater satisfaction than knowing that you have been used by God to change someone's life for eternity? I doubt it.
Once again our clinic operated out of the Pena de Horeb church in Pena Blanca. Business was a little more brisk on Tuesday as we saw and treated about 135 patients. I want to share with you one encounter we had with a patient...
An elderly woman was triaged with pain in her abdomen area. She was sent to Pam's station for diagnosis and treatment. Through a translator the woman told Pam that the pain was not a result of an illness but rather is was being caused by a bad spirit. Pam's translator, David, questioned her further trying to get a better understanding of the situation: "What kind of medicine do you need?" The woman replied that she didn't know if she needed medicine but that was why she came to the clinic at the church. "The Man of God will know what I need," she said.
By this time Pam and David were certain that this truly was a spiritual matter rather than a physical one. The joined with the woman and began to pray intently that God would rescue her from this bad spirit. In the name of Jesus they prayed for deliverance and healing and asked Him to remove the spirit from her and replace it with the Holy Spirit. Pam later commented on how evident the intensity of David's prayer was to her...even in Spanish.
As the prayer concluded there was a visible change in the woman. Her face no longer showed the discomfort it had when she arrived at the clinic. She was visibly at peace and said that she had no more pain! In fact, she didn't even need any medicine! Praise the Lord! In our holy huddles we often talk about spiritual warfare but it is not often that we see it this up close and personal.
I do want to take a moment to give a pat on the back to our trio of ladies who lead our children's activities everyday. Louise, Kristy and Lorene are incredibly loving women. They have poured themselves into the lives of these children despite language barriers, despite working outdoors under a makeshft shelter, and despite the most basic form of communication from the children being the word "Hey" accompanied by a poke in the arm. These ladies are living examples of what it means to welcome a child in the name of Jesus.
What's more, the work they are doing with the children makes what our medical providers do in the clinic even more effective. Keeping the children engaged and out of the clinic area provides a calm and quiter environment for both the patients and the providers. It allows for easier communication - and as a result, better diagnosis - because no one is having to shout above the noise to be heard. Our Heart to Honduras ministry partners have also commented on the impact of having activities for the children. They have likened clinics without this element resemble something of a zoo and a Chinese fire drill.
Duty calls and there is more concrete to pour. I will share about our worship experience with the local congregation in my next blog. Continue to pray for us and continue to ask God to strengthen us physically, mentally and spiritually.
Soli Deo gloria,
Michael
P.S. I apologize for this post being so late. Internet access in Honduras is limited at best. This is my third attempt at posting this entry...
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Why are we here?
Why are we here?
This is one of the questions often asked when discussing global missions. It is followed by some related questions: Why do we need to leave the country to do missions when there is so much need here? Wouldn't it be better just to send the money we would spend on a trip to the missionaries who live there and let them do the work? Truth be told, they are all valid questions and questions that we encountered on our first full day of ministry here in Pena Blanca.
When facing so much need in the world, whether it is humanity's sin and seperation from God or the overwhelming poverty that you encounter throughout most of the Third World, it is easy to ask the question: what can we do? What possible role could one person have to meet so much need? Do we make a difference when we go to Honduras, India or downtown Oklahoma City?
Without question the need is great. But once you choose to be obedient and to follow Christ's example of servanthood you will soon see and feel the difference that you can make. This was the common experience of our group during our first day of ministry here in Pena Blanca: faced with so great a need, what difference could we make?
It would be understandable if some were to throw their hands up and claim that the task is too great. However, we chose to plunge right in and do what Christ called us to do: serve others in Jesus' name. Person after person came to the same realization: while they may not be able to share Christ with everyone who is lost or treat the medical problem of every single person, they can focus their attention on the person right in front of them, love them in Jesus name and make a difference in THAT person's life.
One of our team members explained it this way: When I was in the world I thought that I was supposed to BE served. After becoming a follower of Christ I realized that I was to serve others today. In my own small way that is what I did today. I feel like I was accomplishing Jesus purpose.
So just what physical tasks were accomplished on Monday? Our three medical providers saw 100 patients in our clinic and our comstruction team poured 17 cubic yards of cement for the floor of the second stroy that is to be buikt at the Pena de Horeb church. We also were able to minister to over 100 kids through our children's activities which included Bible story themed arts and crafts and numerous coloring opportunities.
All in all it was a very full day. In the movie Chariots of Fire Scottish missionary Eric Lidle is asked why he chooses to run rather than devoting himself full-time to the church's mission in China. His response: "I believe that God made me for a purpose but He also made me fast. And when I run I feel His pleasure." We felt God's pleasure today.
Did we make a radical difference in the overall health and well-being of the nation of Honduras today? No. Did we make a radical difference in the lives of the people we treated, worked alongside, and ministered to today? Without question.
Christ does not expect any one of us to do all the work. But He does expect - even commands - each of us who claim to be His followers to make a difference where we are. What's more, He expects us to trust Him so completely that we will leave or safe comfortable surroundings to share His love to places in communities, cultures and countries that are unfamiliar to us. That could be next door, on the "other" side of town, or outside of the United States. Each and every one of us can make a difference when we are obedient to the call of Christ.
So why do we go? To be obedient and to accomplish the task He has given us...one person at a time. Where is Christ calling you to go?
Soli Deo gloria,
Michael
Sunday, June 14, 2009
We Made It!
Well, we're here.
By the grace of God we managed to arrive in Honduras, clear customs, eat lunch in the food court of the San Pedro Sula mall and make our way to the town of Pena Blanca. Mind you, it wasn't a completely uneventful trip. We did have the brakes go out on our recycled yellow school bus as we were making our way through the hills that surround Lake Yojoa. Roadside repairs were attempted but to no avail. Back-up transportation was secured and we finally arrived...a little late and a little gamey (make that VERY gamey) but safe nonetheless.
It is very easy for our North American mindset to view the unexpected and unforeseen as an inconvenience when in reality God often uses those moments to teach us something about ourselves and about His nature. Today it was a lesson in God's sovereignty. When the air brakes on our bus went out our driver very calmly and skillfully navigated his way to the shoulder of the road. Had this happened just a few miles farther down the road we would have been on a much narrower road with numerous twists and turns and no shoulders to pull onto. Praise the Lord for providing a safe place for us to stop! Ask to continue His watchcare over us while we are in Honduras.
Tomorrow morning we plunge into our ministry projects here in Pena Blanca. All of our work tomorrow will take place at the Iglesia Pena de Horeb (Rock of Horeb Church). We will be operating a medical clinic in the church AND beginning work on a second story of the church. It promises to be an eventful day. In all likelihood our medical providers will see close to 200 patients tomorrow and fill close to 500 perscriptions. Please pray that our providers will have wisdom to make the proper diagnosis for the patients they see tomorrow. Pray that the translators will be able to adequately explain the needs of the patient to the providers.
What a privilege it is to be used by God to make a difference in the lives of others. What's more, a person doesn't even need to come to Honduras to exerience this. Opportunities surround each of us everyday right where we live.
Soli Deo gloria,
Michael
By the grace of God we managed to arrive in Honduras, clear customs, eat lunch in the food court of the San Pedro Sula mall and make our way to the town of Pena Blanca. Mind you, it wasn't a completely uneventful trip. We did have the brakes go out on our recycled yellow school bus as we were making our way through the hills that surround Lake Yojoa. Roadside repairs were attempted but to no avail. Back-up transportation was secured and we finally arrived...a little late and a little gamey (make that VERY gamey) but safe nonetheless.
It is very easy for our North American mindset to view the unexpected and unforeseen as an inconvenience when in reality God often uses those moments to teach us something about ourselves and about His nature. Today it was a lesson in God's sovereignty. When the air brakes on our bus went out our driver very calmly and skillfully navigated his way to the shoulder of the road. Had this happened just a few miles farther down the road we would have been on a much narrower road with numerous twists and turns and no shoulders to pull onto. Praise the Lord for providing a safe place for us to stop! Ask to continue His watchcare over us while we are in Honduras.
Tomorrow morning we plunge into our ministry projects here in Pena Blanca. All of our work tomorrow will take place at the Iglesia Pena de Horeb (Rock of Horeb Church). We will be operating a medical clinic in the church AND beginning work on a second story of the church. It promises to be an eventful day. In all likelihood our medical providers will see close to 200 patients tomorrow and fill close to 500 perscriptions. Please pray that our providers will have wisdom to make the proper diagnosis for the patients they see tomorrow. Pray that the translators will be able to adequately explain the needs of the patient to the providers.
What a privilege it is to be used by God to make a difference in the lives of others. What's more, a person doesn't even need to come to Honduras to exerience this. Opportunities surround each of us everyday right where we live.
Soli Deo gloria,
Michael
Well, we're on our way...
It is currently 5:55am and we are waiting at the gate to depart on the first leg of the journey to Honduras. We fly to Houston, catch a flight to San Pedro Sula and then its a two hour ride to Pena Blanca. Despite the early hour the espirit de corps is very high.
During my reading in Isaiah I came across this verse in chapter 52: "The Lord will go before you and the Lord will be your rear guard." What a comfort it is to know that the Lord has already gone before us. Beyond the comfort we feel from knowing the God is sovereign, what POWER we have as we go. Because the Lord has already gone before us, we are already vctorious...as long as we remain obedient and faithful to His calling.
They just called our flight. Time to go. More from Honduras later.
Soli Deo gloria,
Michael
It is currently 5:55am and we are waiting at the gate to depart on the first leg of the journey to Honduras. We fly to Houston, catch a flight to San Pedro Sula and then its a two hour ride to Pena Blanca. Despite the early hour the espirit de corps is very high.
During my reading in Isaiah I came across this verse in chapter 52: "The Lord will go before you and the Lord will be your rear guard." What a comfort it is to know that the Lord has already gone before us. Beyond the comfort we feel from knowing the God is sovereign, what POWER we have as we go. Because the Lord has already gone before us, we are already vctorious...as long as we remain obedient and faithful to His calling.
They just called our flight. Time to go. More from Honduras later.
Soli Deo gloria,
Michael
Friday, June 12, 2009
A Return to Honduras
On Sunday, June 14 the Missions ministry of Crossings Community Church will be returning to Pena Blanca, Honduras. Once again we will be meeting the needs of the under resourced and meeting physical and spiritual needs in the name of Jesus. For this trip we have 19 participants and while the projects are basically the same - a medical clinic and construction - the details will be a little bit different.
For example, on our previous trip to Pena Blanca we built two homes for widows, put a new roof on Pastor Terencio's house and made some minor modifications to the church building. This time we are going to be adding a second story to the Pena de Horeb church. Sounds like fun.
Our medical clinic will be different as well. Rather than being centrally located for the bulk of the trip our clinic will now be mobile. We will be in a different community each of the four days that we operate the clinic. We have also combined our children's activities with the clinic focusing our attention on those children who are coming with their families to the clinic. It is bound to be rowdy, raucous and rewarding. I can hardly wait!
Please join us in prayer as we go to Honduras. Our team covets your prayers. Pray for the people of Pena Blanca who are still dealing with the aftermath of two earthquakes within the last two weeks. Pray for safety and problem-free travel for our team. Pray that each of us will be singularly focused on loving everyone we meet, treat and serve with the unconditional love of the Savior. Also, please pray for the families that we leave behind. Though we will only be gone for a week the time apart can be trying for some.
As you pray, maybe it is time for you to ask God where you should be serving. It can be locally or it can be globally. Opportunities to share in Kingdom growth endeavors are plentiful. There is nothing glitzy or glamorous about serving others, whether in downtown OKC or in Honduras. It's all about being obedient to the command of Christ to love others and to share with them the Bread of Life.
Soli Deo gloria,
Michael
For example, on our previous trip to Pena Blanca we built two homes for widows, put a new roof on Pastor Terencio's house and made some minor modifications to the church building. This time we are going to be adding a second story to the Pena de Horeb church. Sounds like fun.
Our medical clinic will be different as well. Rather than being centrally located for the bulk of the trip our clinic will now be mobile. We will be in a different community each of the four days that we operate the clinic. We have also combined our children's activities with the clinic focusing our attention on those children who are coming with their families to the clinic. It is bound to be rowdy, raucous and rewarding. I can hardly wait!
Please join us in prayer as we go to Honduras. Our team covets your prayers. Pray for the people of Pena Blanca who are still dealing with the aftermath of two earthquakes within the last two weeks. Pray for safety and problem-free travel for our team. Pray that each of us will be singularly focused on loving everyone we meet, treat and serve with the unconditional love of the Savior. Also, please pray for the families that we leave behind. Though we will only be gone for a week the time apart can be trying for some.
As you pray, maybe it is time for you to ask God where you should be serving. It can be locally or it can be globally. Opportunities to share in Kingdom growth endeavors are plentiful. There is nothing glitzy or glamorous about serving others, whether in downtown OKC or in Honduras. It's all about being obedient to the command of Christ to love others and to share with them the Bread of Life.
Soli Deo gloria,
Michael
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