THOUGHT FOR TODAY: The last time I was in Honduras I came across some notes I took during Steve Johnson's sermons several years ago; his messages were good preparation for the mission field. Then, over Christmas I made contact with an old friend whose father was my Spanish teacher in high school. He taught me for four years and helped make it possible for me to speak Spanish when I arrived in Honduras. This brought to mind the contributions numerous people have made to my life over the years. It also reminded me there’s no room for pride concerning anything we may accomplish in this life. Whatever it is, we didn't do it on our own. Someone has said, "A self-made man is a prime example of unskilled labor." Any successes we may enjoy, we did it standing on the shoulders of many people in our past.
Nickolas called today to ask a favor. He wanted to use the pickup to drive his son to San Pedro to visit José and his family. Of course we were pleased to let him do it. Nicholas and José used to work together at Chiquita; we are hoping that maybe someday we will have jobs for both of them. I also asked Nickolas to set a meeting with the village council for next Wednesday while the OSU engineering students are with us. They have future plans that the council members will be interested in…. Kayla will start work on Monday, cooking and preparing for the student’s arrival on Tuesday; I will arrive in San Pedro midday on Monday.
THOUGHT FOR TODAY: The last time I was in Honduras I came across some notes I took during Steve Johnson's sermons several years ago; his messages were good preparation for the mission field. Then, over Christmas I made contact with an old friend whose father was my Spanish teacher in high school. He taught me for four years and helped make it possible for me to speak Spanish when I arrived in Honduras. This brought to mind the contributions numerous people have made to my life over the years. It also reminded me there’s no room for pride concerning anything we may accomplish in this life. Whatever it is, we didn't do it on our own. Someone has said, "A self-made man is a prime example of unskilled labor." Any successes we may enjoy, we did it standing on the shoulders of many people in our past. Our calendar for 2012 is starting to take shape. Just this morning I have been in contact with a church in Tulsa that is putting together a trip for February; and with another church in Georgia which is exploring the possibility of a trip in July. There are at east two medical teams being formed; and a couple of days ago I ran into one of the faculty advisers for the school of engineering at Oklahoma State University and he said there are already 14 engineering students signed up to come down spring break. In all, we have four college and university groups scheduled for this year… I will be returning on Monday to host another group from OSU that is making a special four-day trip; Cheryl will return the third week in January.
THOUGHT FOR TODAY: in Honduras you can buy all kinds of “knock offs”, imitations of various designer products. The good news is they don't cost much money; the bad news is they don't hold up under stress. It has occurred to me, there is also such a thing as an imitation of true discipleship; and like any counterfeit it is dangerous. It’s dangerous because just by looking, you can't tell it’s not the real thing. You can find out, however, and a good place to start is with two basic questions, "Does it hold up under stress? How much is it costing you? With regard to our faith, surely Jesus paid it all on a cross at Calvary. At the same time, discipleship has always exacted a substantial cost, just as it did with the first disciples of Jesus. Furthermore, it seems that often a part of the cost is material. Maybe that’s because one of the hardest things for most us to sacrifice is our money. Christmas often renews concerns we have about our young people who have wandered away from the faith. It helps me to remember that no matter how far they may have strayed, nor how far away they feel from the Lord, the way back is only a singe step.
Yesterday I received a letter from Nicholas on behalf of all of our workers, addressed to the family and friends of Gathering Hearts for Honduras. His prayer is that God fill us all with His grace at this special time of the year that we may know and remember that our salvation is in Jesus Christ, the Savior of all mankind…. I think I mentioned that Nicholas begins his pastoral training program this next year; I think it's going to be a good fit…. Marisa and Amy got in last night so we're all under one roof again for the first time in a long time. What a blessing it is.
THOUGHT FOR TODAY; We are enjoying a few days off. I’m grateful, but I can see that a few is going to be enough. I have much more to share when, for example, it’s payday and we don’t have any money; or we’re running out of time and we can't see the next step. I've experienced this before. Back in the 1980s when I was still in the regular workforce I began publishing a newsletter for managers. Each publication had the “employee of the month”; tips on management; legislative matters of concern in the workplace; etc. Then there was my favorite part, an editorial where I shared insights about daily Christian living. The thoughts I shared were well received; but I can remember where I was sitting the day it hit me -- we were less than two years into the project and as far as any further insights, I really had nothing more to say. That happens all too quickly when we are not being forced to walk by faith. I got a message from Nicholas today. All classes have been dismissed except for computer and English classes. In Honduras, after December 15th there’s very little activity in the workplace until after New Years. So, Norma, Mirna, Alfredo, and Lourdes are all taking this opportunity to use their accrued vacation…. Today Nicholas delivered beans, rice, and chickens to Lourdes and the kids.
THOUGHT FOR TODAY: Cheryl and I were discussing the fact that maybe we should have attended a certain event the night before. We didn't go, and we hadn't even prayed about it. God has a will about everything, even the smallest things – and always for good reason. In this case He either wanted us to go or not go. It’s not complicated. You may remember a story told by George Mueller. After prayer one evening he felt compelled to go for a walk. As he was returning home he encountered a man who ended up donating enough money to meet some critical needs at the orphanage. Imagine if he had decided he was too tired for a walk that night. I had an e-mail from Nicholas yesterday telling about their Christmas party. In addition to our 14 employees, the sewing students and their families attended, and after lunch there was a graduation ceremony where five ladies received certificates of completion. Everyone expresses their gratitude for the prayers and financial help from all those who support this ministry, making their programs possible…. Yesterday morning we shared the latest Gathering Hearts happenings with one of the Sunday school classes from First Methodist Church; and then were blessed with a number of Christmas gifts. This afternoon Cheryl met with a group of young ladies from the Owasso Bible Church…. We are feeling extremely blessed that Michael got home tonight.
THOUGHT FOR TODAY: If we invest our time having fellowship with Christ, being accepted by everyone else will become less of an issue. It’s a good thing, because if we are living out the true Gospel not everyone is going to like us, for the same reason not everyone liked Jesus. But then, if God accepts and approves of us, does all the rest really matter anyway? Nicholas got back to the Mission Center on Wednesday as yesterday, December 15, was “aguinaldo", the day when each employee receives six weeks pay. He called today to express thanks on behalf of all the employees. They will be having their big staff party tomorrow as well as graduation exercises for sewing and computer/English classes. Before I left they drew names and will give their secret pal a Christmas gift. I got a call from little Carlitos today saying that they didn't have money for Christmas. I could hear Lourdes in the background telling him what to say. Before I left I bought some supplies for them just in case of an emergency. I'll have Nicholas deliver them tomorrow.
THOUGHT FOR TODAY; Another of our greatest fears is the fear of being rejected. That can make “just being yourself” too risky; it’s safer to adopt and preserve an image. Regrettably, some people, even Christians, may live and die without ever knowing who they really are. Last night we met with the group from First Methodist church that is planning to come to Honduras in January. We will be trying to match the work to be done with the skills and interests of those who are coming. There are two projects for those interested in construction. One is the dormitory. The contractor has given us the cost and details for putting down the footings. Another has to do with one of Alfredo’s passions. There are a number of families that live in the lowlands by the river. Their “house” consists of four poles with sheets of plastics stretched between them and whatever they can find for a roof. The floor is dirt except when it rains; then it’s mud, and there are often several children living there. Alfredo has come up with a design that would make possible to build a small house for less than $2500 in materials. There will be other work in teaching, ministering, sewing, and hopefully medical and dental care, etc.
THOUGHT FOR TODAY: I believe the hour of prayer each week will eventually lead us to the perfect fit for our life, if… if we have a willing heart that is ready to anything, anywhere, at any time, at any cost. Yesterday Cheryl and I spoke to a Sunday school class at First Methodist Church, inviting anyone interested to join a group that's coming to Honduras in February. Afterword, I was thinking, "If this morning had happened 15 years ago and if I had been a member of that class, I probably would not have been interested. I would likely have thought, "I don't have the time to go on such a trip; I don't want to spend the money; and frankly, I don't feel inclined to become involved in missions. I have learned; never take yourself out of the picture. What seemed to be out of the question has become the perfect fit.
THOUGHT FOR TODAY: Everyone wants to put their best foot forward and make a good impression. However, trying to maintain just the right image can be stressful. Our life message can and should flow naturally from our times with the Lord and not from our abilities or accomplishments. I got home from Honduras Wednesday night. Thursday morning we left for Dallas to visit family; we got back last night. On Thursday Nicholas left for his hometown in the south of Honduras to visit his family. He will return on the 14th, as December 15 is the day every employee receives six weeks salary instead of two. Everybody will be on hand for that. I heard earlier this week that 16 factories in Honduras are closing to go either to Nicaragua or El Salvador. Electricity and labor costs are cheaper there. There was also an article in the San Pedro newspaper saying the unemployment in Honduras is 51%. I don't believe that so I did a little research on the Internet. In summary, the report showed a little less than 30% up until 2009 when it plunged to around 5%. I don't believe that either. It was in 2009 that Mel Zelaya was trying to change the constitution so he could serve continuous terms as president; those kinds of reports are good for your political success. I suspect the rate is around 30 to 35%. That makes our factory project all the more important
THOUGHT FOR TODAY: Recently I suggested to a group that we all consider making a covenant that for the next year we will set aside one full hour each week, find a place where we won't be disturbed, and spend that entire hour in prayer. One young lady said, "Just the thought of it scares me." When she said that, I knew she really understood the probable impact of what I was suggesting. Such times of prayer practiced regularly over a period of time will very likely lead to some major changes; and most people fear change more than most anything else in life. |