THOUGHT FOR TODAY: If asked why we don't pray more, we might not say it, but we’re probably thinking, "There just aren't enough hours in the day”. That thought is very revealing, because we do have enough time for the things we think are worthwhile. It looks like we don't see prayer as being very practical. However not everyone agrees with that. Although there is variation as to the exact quote, Martin Luther is said to have told his barber something like this: "I generally pray two hours a day except on very busy days. On those days I pray three hours.”
I think we must be getting a piece of someone else's hurricane (Mexico I'd guess). Last night we had torrential rain and we've had high winds for about 24 hours. Nicholas came back to the Center at 3 a.m. to make sure the new roof was keeping the water out. He and Marcos went inside the building and tucked tarps around the new construction, machines, fabric, etc…. We went to San Pedro today and among many other things, took the red van to our auto repair shop where the guys said they can help us sell it. It's a good vehicle, but we just had the white van fixed and we really can't afford to keep two large gasoline engines on the road…. Thank the Lord we were able to take enough money out of the bank today to make payroll tomorrow.
THOUGHT FOR TODAY: If asked why we don't pray more, we might not say it, but we’re probably thinking, "There just aren't enough hours in the day”. That thought is very revealing, because we do have enough time for the things we think are worthwhile. It looks like we don't see prayer as being very practical. However not everyone agrees with that. Although there is variation as to the exact quote, Martin Luther is said to have told his barber something like this: "I generally pray two hours a day except on very busy days. On those days I pray three hours.” Beto said he was coming to work today but he didn't show up. We were all set to go to the Minister of Labor, and then we learned that his daughter is having surgery today. There is, of course, an exception for that under the law, although he should have called in. We’ll wait to see what happens tomorrow….. I visited the school today to find out how Perla and Carlos are doing. Carlos is at a very elementary level for his age (either 10 or 12) but the director is working with him and hopes to bring up to grade level within three months; says he's a little rebellious though. Perla is doing very well…. Joel got better results from his tests of water coming from the OSU water filters today; 4 out of 9 passed the test. The mayor of the village of El Rondon visited today; he's interested in beginning the program too. We will help him build one unit here and take it to his village and see how much interest he can generate. This afternoon we met with a man in Cortes who owns a construction company. Were hoping he can help us get a firm start on the dorms.
THOUGHT FOR TODAY: One thing we should probably all be asking God for is a new appetite. Otherwise, whenever we have some free time we may find ourselves drawn to the things of the flesh rather than the things of the spirit. However a new appetite has to be developed. Behavioral scientists would probably tell us, in principle at least, you pray more because you feel like it; and you feel like it because you pray more. Luis Paz came for a visit today. He wanted our opinion of the man who preached last Sunday. After I told him we liked the man very much he indicated that he, Pablo, will likely be our new pastor. Pablo is 24 years old, a good preacher, has seen the other side of life, and has had experience working with gangs. He will live in the apartment adjacent to Iris and Enrique. He is a member of the Philadelphia church in San Pedro, and is enrolled in pastoral training at the large Reformed Church downtown…. While we were at it, I asked Luis about building out the west end of the manufacturing plant for our carpentry and welding schools. He was agreeable with that. Did I mention? The new pastor is also an experienced welder Thanks for your prayers…. There was a good sized brushfire with high winds just a few feet from the Mission Center today. There are advantages to being surrounded by a 10 foot, cement block wall.
THOUGHT FOR TODAY: During an extended prayer session, it is likely your mind will begin to wander. I would suggest you consider having a partner to pray with you. If you're married it could be your spouse; if not, a friend. You say a prayer he/she says prayer, and so on. Several years ago I noted that often times what I was calling prayer was little more than worrying with my eyes closed. Cheryl left for Tulsa today. After several delays she didn't get home until after midnight…. Tonight I called Lourdes’s husband Daniel in Florida. He abandoned her and the kids about six years ago and they are really suffering. I reminded him that Carlos and Perla are his responsibility and that we are praying that he will return now. Please add that to your prayer list …. The story on our student who was killed—he received money from his mother in the States and had gone to the bank in Puerto Cortes to draw it out. For whatever the reason, he then went to Chaloma which is considered the most dangerous city in the Sula Valley, and it was there that he lost his life. We are using this as an opportunity to impress upon our students the importance of being right with God at all times. I also gave some of the guys a copy of the Cross and the Switchblade to share among themselves…. I've been reading in the book of Judges; there is a powerful message there for those leading Israel today.
THOUGHT FOR TODAY: I hope that when I say things like, "the Lord said to me”, etc. it doesn't seem like I'm implying that God talks to me in an audible voice. I could just as easily say, "I was struck with the thought"; or "the thought suddenly came to me". In Luke 22:61, NLT, the writer says, "Suddenly, the Lords words flashed through Peter's mind…." I think that communicates it better. With a speech impediment and not able to read at 10 years old (this morning he told the teacher that his mom said she couldn't remember when he was born) Carlos has had a pretty tough time of it in school. However, I think the kids must of been nice to him because this evening he was all smiles and ready to go back tomorrow…. We took Victorina’s daughter, Jennifer, for an ultrasound today. The doctor said she needs to have breast surgery right away…. We picked up the van today. It seems to be running great, but still no A/C…. I got a note from Eliezar last night and he's already making plans to bring the team from Venezuela back next year to go door-to-door. We received word this morning that one of our students was murdered; no details yet.
THOUGHT FOR TODAY: Over the years we have made many friends that live along the stretch of highway that runs past Seis de Mayo. One of my favorite things is to exchange a greeting and a smile as we drive along. Today was a little harder because it was the "morning after" Semana Santa, for many a week long party at the beach. However not overspending or over eating; not sunburn or even a hang over can match the power of a smile. One of our students, Luis, was murdered in a machete battle last Friday in Choloma, ( a near-by industrial center about a half hour south of us). He was Nelson’s computer student. This drives home the importance of giving them the Word everyday. This student was told the Gospel in every class, but we do not know if he has accepted Christ. Do pray for these students that they would receive the Word and respond to it.
We spent the night at Phoebe and Frank Harrison's last night; Mark and Joy Hoff were there for dinner. It was great being with old friends. Cheryl and I both agreed it was also good to be back in our old neighborhood. We had not been able to get online with either of our computers; Frank has wireless so we were able to connect and get caught up on some things. We went to church at ICF; right after lunch came back to the village where we had service at three o'clock. It was really special. A young man from San Pedro preached the sermon; several people came forward at the invitation. __________________________________________________________
THOUGHT FOR TODAY: If someone had asked me back in the 1980s about my plans for the future I would likely have said, "I'm waiting on God." It's as if He finished the conversation by saying, "you aren't waiting on me; I'm waiting on you." I pointed out earlier; it was another 16 years before I really took the step of faith. I wasn't being stubborn; I just didn't know what to do. Yesterday afternoon we got an urgent call from the bank saying there were some suspicious charges popping up one after another on our bank account. Turns out someone got my card number and had made 17 fraudulent purchases worth about $2000. I've had the card about a week…. Cheryl will be leaving for Tulsa next Tuesday. I had planned to be with her, but won't be able to leave that soon because of so many things pending here that need our attention, e.g. our new physician starts May 4; the new church is in only its third week and with a temporary pastor; City Hall was closed all week so we haven't been able to follow-up with the Mayor; Carlos and Perla start classes at the new school this Monday; we need to get more construction underway on the manufacturing plant; and Tyler and I need to set up a new way to do banking!! We also have a fairly serious employee problem. Other than that…. I will have to return to Tulsa no later than May 3 or 4 to attend Marisa’a concert in Fayetteville that weekend…. Today was the annual church BBQ at the Gilens (family from Russia). It was good to be with old friends.
THOUGHT FOR TODAY:If we do decide to do something different than we've always done, what should we do? This statement by a well-known evangelist many years ago got my attention. He said "Unless you make a major change in your prayer life right now, in five years your spiritual life will be no further along than it is right now". Maybe, then, a good place to start is with our prayer life. Dr.and Mrs. Green, Margaret, and Victor left yesterday. We got a lot accomplished during their stay, just in time for the new physician next week…. I spent much of today in Puerto Cortes running errands. We had follow-up letters for the mayor but then learned City Hall is closed all week. The most important thing we did was to buy the necessary things for Carlos and Perla to start their new school experience next Monday. They were so excited to pick out tablets, pencils, backpacks, phys ed uniforms, shoes etc. Afterward Nicholas and I took them to Wendy's for lunch. I doubt they had ever been in a place like that before and they were beside themselves. It was a wonderful experience for all of us…. I have had a couple of heart to heart talks with Beto; I hope he will get back on track.
THOUGHT FOR TODAY: It seems like we have more problems than usual here. I generally seek peace by trying to figure out how were going to fix everything. Real victory, however, is peace in the midst of all the problems– through sustained prayer. An hour of prayer will change your perspective on just about everything. This was the second Sunday that we had services in the new church. Victor Arteaga from Peru, by way of Tulsa, preached in the morning and afternoon. Before morning service we walked through the streets of Seis…. Pottersville still. Counting both services we had about 35 people; Melissa Paz and family came and Erika led singing…. This noon Nicholas and I went looking for Dr. Castellanos, the physician that the mayor promised us. When no one in either Seis de Mayo or Gran Via seemed to know him I stopped at a pulperia and asked the 2 men sitting there if they had ever heard of him. One said, “I’m Dr. Castellanos.” Turns out he lives just on the other side of the wall from the Center. He’s going to meet with us on Wednesday; speaks English and his daughter is a dentist.
THOUGHT FOR TODAY: To "do something different" may not be as easy as it sounds. On December 23, 1983 God made it clear, "you're not waiting for me – I'm waiting for you." It was another 16 years before I really took the step of faith. |