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
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
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
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
