We Saw So Many Wonderful Things Today!

A Short-term missionary says, "You just wouldn't believe the terrible things that I saw. It was horrible. They don't have anything. How could anyone live in that?"
Others say, "I just couldn't live like that. I can't imagine seeing that."
Others say, "We are so blessed and take it for granted."

All of these statments are true in some sense, but the truth is that they are only speaking of one part of our/their life. But this is only the eyes of the flesh and we should know that this is the least important part of our lives- the flesh. The spiritual life of a person is the one that will last into eternity. Amazingly many here have a very deep love relationship with Jesus Christ. The lack of material wealth and prosperity does not stop God. Actually He thrives here. Matthew 11:25-26 tells us, "At that time Jesus answered and said, "I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and have revealed them to babes. Even so, Father, so it seemed good in Your sight..."

There were so many things we saw, heard, and experienced that are truly wonderful. Trying to list all of them would be like trying to name the character of Jesus with one word. It cannot be done. The reason this is true of today is because Jesus Himself was working with us today! One amazing event was seen tonight as we were leaving Santa Rosa. Rob shared with our team, children, parents, and others from Santa Rosa about the True Vine. Once he was finished many prayed for us individually and then the most amazing event took place. The children and others prayed for us all at one time, out loud, on the dirt road next to the bus. The Spirit of the Lord met with us with such an awe that I only hope that God will bless me with again during my lifetime. This group of children and others are a mixed group of Dominicans and Haitians. In this culture these two groups mix almost as well as oil and water. What an amazing experience to have these two groups come together, in the name and love of their Savior Jesus, and pray for our wellbeing. We thought we were coming to help and change their lives, but they have changed ours. How humbling. Thank you God for choosing the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty (1 Corinthians 1:27).

The flesh is very important and we should recognize that if we are followers of Christ then we will help our brothers and sisters who are in need. This is not something that "is good to do". It is commanded of us as Christians. Matthew 22:37-40 Jesus said to him, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it You shall love your neighbor as yourself, On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets." If your son or daughter was hungry would you not feed them? God calls us to love all people as people who were made in His image. The word love here is not superficial it has feeling, emotions and actions which will follow.

The fact is that we have been blessed, and yes we do take many things for granted, but that should not be the end of our statment or our actions. God gave us His word and experiences in life in order to learn, love,and ultimately glorify Him. The love that we have for God for saving us will drive us to work. As David Platt stated in the book Radical, "The same God who saved us from work, saved us to work."

We must also be humbled before the Lord. In Mark 2:1-12 we have the story of Jesus forgiving and healing the paralytic. The men who carried the paralytic to Jesus show much faith by believing in Him enough to carry this "dirty" man straight to Him and then when met with resistance found another way to get him to the Healer. Just as these men carried him to Jesus with opposition, it is our responsibility to be the men and women to carry others to Jesus. Then they lowered the paralytic (humbled him and the men who brought him) so that he could encounter that wonderful experience with Jesus. Mark 2:12 says, "Immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went out in the presence of them all, so that all were amazed and glorified God, saying, "We never saw aanything like this! We can truly say we have never seen anything like this!

Are you allowing your life to be humbled by God? This trip has been humbling for us. What is God calling you to do?
It is our responsiblility to be the men and women to carry these to Jesus.

The Familly of God

"Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind." 1 Peter 3:8

Praise the Lord! We are so thankful tonight for the faithfulness of our Father. Each day, we begin the day with a devotional. Charlie reminded us today of the brevity of life on this earth. As we ventured out into the streets of Bayona, this devotional focused our eyes even more on the importance of sharing the Gospel with the people we encountered. During the morning, each team visited the homes of residents in the community. The people of the Dominican are very hospitable. They will invite you into their homes instantly. They want you to feel that their home is your home. It is wonderful to see them open their homes so freely. Our visits went very well today. Many lives are being ministered to, encouraged, and lifted up in prayer. The people here have shared with us their tragedies, their personal testimonies, and their constant struggles. We have shared with them the plans that the Lord desires for them to have. Many have come to know Christ, and many are softening their hearts to learn more about the plan of salvation. We praise God for how He has orchestrated these meetings and has softened hearts. Please continue to pray with us that more will come to know Christ in this area.

This afternoon, we held Bible Studies for men, women, and children. We were beyond blessed with the herd of children coming to join us. We were also so excited to see so many women and men come to hear the word of God. In the men and women's studies, they were able to share with others their stories. Many of their stories include death, alcohol addiction, and poverty. As these men and women shared their lives, we were able to share with them the hope that comes from a relationship with Christ. These men and women needed to know that we share their concerns with them because we love them. This was a wonderful way to encourage them. We were also blessed as 100 children came to learn songs about Jesus and the creation story. The children completed crafts and got to play with yoyos and bubbles. It was such a blessing to see them sing about being in the Lord's army. It was such a pleasure to serve the children today and minister to them. Many of them need guidance, acceptance, and love.

Please pray for men in the community and fathers to accept the responsibility of leading their homes and being a role model. Please also pray for how you might be able to influence these children. It has been a day of praising the mighty work of the Lord.