Caring for One Another

"Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. Give no offense, either to the Jews or to the Greeks or to the church of God, just as I also please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved." - 1 Corinthians 10:31-33

It's been a good but busy weekend. Yesterday we went to the Bridge House for a BBQ. It was a lot of fun. It was a good time to catch up with our Bridge residents, and other friends in the city. Today was a regular day in the city, that included church and shopping.

The message in church today was great. It was a reminder that the church is about people, not a building, events, or programs. We are the body of Christ, and as such, we must care for one another. That is something that the Lord has been putting on my heart a lot lately. As Christians, we are responsible for caring for one another and meeting one another's needs. I am trying to be more intentional about checking on people and seeing how they are REALLY doing. Then I can pray for them more specifically.

If you have a prayer request, please send me an e-mail and I will commit to praying for your needs.

Busy Week and RBC visit

"For what have I to do with judging those also who are outside? Do you not judge those who are inside? But those who are outside God judges. Therefore 'put away from yourselves the evil person.'" - 1 Corinthians 5:12-13

This past week has been extremely busy. Besides being the first week of classes, I also had a group here visiting from my home church in VA. I was able to spend last weekend with them, and then they came to the ranch from Wednesday through Saturday. They worked at the ranch all day Thursday, and then we went to a community church service in the evening. On Friday, I took them to visit another project in the city. I wanted them to have an opportunity to see the "real" Honduras while they were here. We walked through downtown, met the street kids in the market, and then watched "street kid soccer." It was a good experience for them. I think it helped to put into perspective why my ministry does what we do.

The team left Saturday morning. I spent the rest of the afternoon with a friend. Today was a regular day in the city - church, lunch, and shopping. Tomorrow it's back to work and the normal weekly routines.

First Day of School

"Examine me, O LORD, and prove me; try my mind and my heart. For your lovingkindness is before my eyes, and I have walked in Your truth." - Psalm 26:2-3

Today was the first day back to school. We started with a chapel to begin the year with praise, prayer, and a time of sharing important information. After that, I taught for three class periods in a row. I am teaching 7th and 8th grade math, Algebra I and II. By the time I was ready to go home for lunch, it was almost time for the kids to come back, so I just stayed. I had a meeting at 1pm, another immediately following, and a third soon after that. I worked until a little after 5pm before heading home. Not long after arriving home, one of the housemoms stopped by to drop something off, but we ended up talking until after 6pm. We got interrupted when my cell phone rang. It was a teacher that had gone to the city, so I had to make sure she was alright. She was, she just needed a phone number. I made some toast for dinner because it had gotten too late to cook a full meal. After dinner I went to the teacher housing to spend time with a couple of the teachers and see how their first day went. It sounds like except for a few minor things, everyone had a generally good day.

RBC Team Arrives to Honduras

"Keep my soul, and deliver me; let me not be ashamed, for I put my trust in You. Let integrity and uprightness preserve me, for I wait for You." - Psalm 25:20-21

Yesterday, the construction team from Reston Bible Church arrived to Honduras. I met them at the airport and went with them to the Mission House in El Hatillo. There, they had a long day of orientation and introductions with the medical team that is also staying there. After a good night's sleep, three members of the team went with me to the English speaking church, while the rest went to the Spanish speaking church. We all met up again for lunch at a typical Honduran restaurant. From there, we went to Valle de Angeles, a tourist area with lots of souvenir shops. I had to return to the ranch after that. The team will be working on construction at our new mission house site until Wednesday. Wednesday night they will come out to the ranch where they will spend the rest of their week.

I am so blessed to have this team from RBC. The team includes two members of the missions committee, and my friend Jeff. I am looking forward to spending more time with them here at the ranch.