Devotion, Mission Trip

In A Hurry?

Honduras_2010-Monday_Work_007In a hurry to meet us, little Stephanie from Honduras, grabbed one wrong flip-flop.

I know that because the next day, she had on one of the same ones, and it’s mate.

This brought a question to my heart.  Are we in that big of a rush to meet with Jesus? 

So hurried that we scramble each morning, hoping not to miss an opportunity to show Him how much we love Him?

Probably not—for most of us.  I know I like things orderly.  Timely.  Even though I have found I work best under pressure—I like to take my time, plan things out—cross all the “t’s” and dot all the “i’s”.  Sometimes I even get distracted on my way to meet with Him in my morning devotion.  I spy some laundry in front of the machine, decide now is a good time to put on a load to wash—you know—while I read and pray.

Then, my feet feel the grainy remnants of yesterday on the floor.  I grab the broom. 
And as I step on the sidetracks of the morning, I remind myself of my purpose.

Spend time with Jesus.  Meet with Him.  Go to Him.  First.  While the day is yet fresh—without the beads of perspiration.

One of many things I have taken away from our Mission Trip to Honduras is the way the children ran to meet us every single morning. 

Who knows how long they waited at the top of the hill.  (Sidenote:  There is One waiting for you today….at the top of whatever hill you are trying to climb…ask for help…)

While in Honduras, my roommate, Marcella and I rose very early every morning in anticipation of what the day would bring.  Knowing we needed to tuck into our hearts every single fragment of the day—tie it securely and never forget what God has done—where He brought us from—and where the journey would lead us all—as we take His hand and grip it fiercely. 

All the way home.

“Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, He got up, went out, and made His way to a deserted place.  And He was praying there.”  Mark 1:35 NIV

We don’t have much more of the journey ahead.  Meet with Jesus in the quiet place.

The early place. 

 Give Him your day—before it takes over your mind….let Him have it all.

There have been many times—my quiet time was when the house was still again—after the ravages of the day had taken it’s toll–that was when He refreshed my soul, refueled my mind—and it was needed.  So necessary.

Whatever your time—wherever or however it takes place—meet with Him.

Not much time left….

© The Knightly News 2007-2012

Cambodia, Mission Trip

How Far Can You See?

Without my glasses, I can’t see very far….
But with my glasses on –or my contacts in, my eyesight is much better….

Still there are things I cannot see. 

Every time  I see this particular sign near my folk’s house, I think about our trust in God.  Our sight is limited.  Therefore we must put our faith, hope, confidence and complete trust in Him…who sees all things.

Are there things blocking your vision?

My vision has been blocked, distorted–and blinded at times. 
There have been times when I “thought” I knew the outcome of a situation–yet I was surprised….
He alone knows the outcome of this particular mission trip to Cambodia. 
Jeff will deliver 3 of us to the airport tomorrow morning very early–and we will leave here–knowing that God already knows what is across the water…
He knows the “who”–the “what”–the “how”….and the why.  It’s because of HIM that we go.
As for God, His way is perfect; The word of the LORD is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him.  2 Samuel 22:31 NKJV
I cannot fully express to you tonight in words all that I have felt today.  To say this day has been emotionally tumultuous would be mild. I had to put my hope and trust in HIM early this morning…and remind myself that HE planned this trip–not me–all day long.
We (the girls going) really appreciate your prayers.   If you wake up during the night…please pray for us….when you sit down to your meal…please pray for those we will be feeding…we will be feeding them “Jesus”….with all we have in our hearts.  The school where we will be part of the time doing VBS has no electricity….no running water….are you getting the picture?  Go to the blog I wrote the other day and look at the photos…. 
Stay tuned to this blog, and another blogger named “Lois” from Louisiana will be blogging this journey. Her blog is “Dirt and Divinity“. SHE IS AN AMAZING photographer. I sneaked a peek. Visit Lois’ blog–she tells the story well.
We are packed to the MAX with supplies and gifts for the children.  Jeff helped me rearrange and shift my “stuff” several times to get the weight right….(Pray).
As internet works…we will both post each night.  PRAY that the internet works without ANY complications.  I believe HE cares about EVERY detail of our lives.
Keep your eyes and heart open–even though you can’t see over the hill…
He can.
(Life has been extremely busy…I’m sorry I’ve not posted much regarding this trip –but more is coming…)
© The Knightly News 2012
Mission Trip

The Church of Tomorrow

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What are we doing to make sure they are fed?  Taught?  That the seeds are sown into their lives?

It doesn’t happen by accident…we must be purposeful in our mission to help those around us, as well as those in distant lands.

What if….it were your child, or grandchild that depended on a missionary to get the Word to them about the LOVE of JESUS CHRIST?  Can they depend on you to help carry the Gospel to the nations?  Can they depend on me?

Discussion of late has been the lack of responders to the needs.  They would rather not “know” what it’s like there…I suppose it’s an easy out—“If I don’t know…then I won’t have to go.”  Or, I won’t lose sleep over the fact that children are forced into “labor” at such an early age—physical labor just to put bread on the table….they give up their opportunity at an education.

DSCF9390We even encountered a young girl of about 6 years old, who “danced” on the sidewalk, hoping for coins to be dropped in her bucket.  This was not her choice. 

When our team passed out tracks at night—and watched as they read them, then shared them, we did so with the greatest hope that these words of Salvation would begin to change the hearts and lives of those who “live on the streets”….and point them to the Cross of Jesus…where HE gave all.  For all.

What can we do?

Give. 

Pray.

Go.

Share.

BE the life impacting Christian that is needed to this lost and dying world.  Point them to Christ.  The ONLY way to be saved is through Jesus Christ –and the recognition of our sins—casting all our selves at the feet of Jesus—accepting HIM as our LORD and Savior.  Allowing Him to change us—from the inside out.  Permanently.

 

faith, Life, Mission Trip

What’s Around the Bend?

Only God knows the next details of our lives.  We must keep on track.  We must stay focused on HIS WILL, not our own plans and purposes.
There have been some news updates regarding the upcoming missions trip.  Please read this post carefully.

IMPORTANT Update:

I was sent an e-mail this morning regarding the trip (I will not even mention the location). We have been informed that we cannot “blog, facebook, or tweet” about the trip.  I was told, this is very different than our trip to Honduras.  I won’t share the “name” of our location before we leave, but if you are a regular reader, then you already know.

SO, since you know where I am headed, I am asking for BIG PRAYER. She (our missions trip coordinator) said it was for the protection of the ministry that already exists there. She also said that the AG have pulled many of their missionaries over the past few years from surrounding areas, as well as there.

So–if you are getting the very needed items for the children (some of you have asked for a list, if I have forgotten to send it to you, please remind me), please don’t share the location for the items via facebook or your blog. I thank you so much! If you have blogged about me “going there”, I ask you to please remove the post, as I have had to do so myself.

I will glady share the details about the trip when I return, although, I will not jepordize the ministry there in any way.  God has shown Himself to us all along this journey! God is moving and working! We must be diligent in our work as well.

All funds for the flying portion of the trip were raised–TOTALLY by God’s hand. I believe the needed supplies for the children will come in like manner. Through the hand of God. He already has those in place that He wants to use for His glory. It’s all about HIS GLORY. No one else.  I’ve already been hearing from some, and I am incredibly thankful.  You have no idea what it does to me to get a card with a verse of Scripture and a note from you!

So, if you planned to “keep up” with us while we traveled via my blog, I will not blog the trip work while we are there. I  WILL be able to take pictures–and can share from those when I return (possibly only in person though)! 

I ask you to please write “Mission of Mercy” and the “name of the location of where we are going” on your refrigerator. (You can stick my name there too!) and pray for us all EVERY DAY. Before we leave and while we are gone.

Again, I so appreciate each one of you who have played a major role in my life. God has already used your love and friendship to me in amazing ways to “grow” me to where I am today. (And He’s not done….because I am so far from where He wants me to be! BUT I work toward that goal!)

IF the LORD impresses a particular passage of scripture for me, please send it–either via e-mail–text me, or through the mail! It is always amazing how HE uses each of us to help another. Through His Word!

Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:58 NIV

Have a blessed week!

© The Knightly News 2007-2010

Jeff's Posts, Mission Trip

Day 5 Peru! Jeff did his own captions!

YEAH!!!

Jeff has done my reporting job for me! He did the captions of the pictures—before he sent them to me! GREAT JOB Precious Man! (Same man as “Sweet Man”–he’s just REALLY precious to me!)

They are really good. He takes you on a little “work journey” to see how they moved some bricks… you will like this!

http://picasaweb.google.com/s/c/bin/slideshow.swf

It looks like he’s gonna start you out with his lunch though. They are getting fed VERY well from what I have heard…and no one looks hungry.

Thank you to WHOEVER took the picture of my darlin’ man! It was really good to get to see him today on here!

© The Knightly News 2007-2010

Jeff's Posts, Mission Trip

Day FOUR.

Okay people. These guys are a bit tired…you can tell by those that fell asleep on the way back to the hotel from the job site. Who can blame them? I know they are working hard–and long every day. God bless them ALL!

Jeff added some descriptions to some of the photos, I added some as well. He will clarify any mistakes when he gets home. I try and remember all that he tells me (Since I’m not the blog-reporter on site. THANK YOU MARCELLA for posting signs in your yard rallying for me to win! That’s a little joke. Don’t say very little.)

Thank you to all my blog readers for praying for these guys. I have a friend, Denise in Tennessee who is faithfully praying for these awesome guys every single morning! Thank you Denise!

Okay guys! Let’s get on with the next day’s work! LOOKS like much progress is being made.

Oh, by the way, someone asked me at church about the floor being held up by the “pole trees”. That is not permanent. They will work in that area next. The local church members, not our guys.

Hey Marcella—they have a toilet on site that FLUSHES. Tell Krystal. She would want to know if the toilet got a “blessing”. If you went to Honduras, you will know what I mean by that! Our toilet on our site did not flush. Nope.

Okay. Enough chit-chat. Look at the photos. You can tell I am a bit tired, my writing is the pits. Sorry. Will do better.

http://picasaweb.google.com/s/c/bin/slideshow.swf

© The Knightly News 2007-2010

Jeff's Posts, Mission Trip

Sunday in Peru!

They had a wonderful day today! A bit cooler–but very good!

Jeff said that Brandon Spencer preached a powerful message! They had a good crowd there at church–and wonderful fellowship with the people. Very friendly–awesome spirit among them all.

You can tell from the pictures on the beach that the guys enjoyed themselves. I didn’t see anyone swimming….must be the temp.

IF I WERE THERE—I WOULD BE TELLING YOU ALL MUCH MORE OF THE HAPPENINGS. PLEASE CONTACT PASTOR THOMAS MOORE AND HAVE HIM PICK ME AS THE MISSIONS BLOG-REPORTER. AS A MATTER OF FACT–FOR THOSE OF YOU ON HIS FACEBOOK PAGE…FACEBOOK HIM A NOTE. JUST LIKE YOU DID THE WALMART NOTES. I DON’T THINK ANYONE IS RUNNING AGAINST ME.

PUT MY SIGN IN YOUR YARD THOUGH–JUST IN CASE.
 (y’all from here do know I’m joking–right?)

http://picasaweb.google.com/s/c/bin/slideshow.swf

© The Knightly News 2007-2010

Jeff's Posts, Mission Trip

Day 2-Peru!

http://picasaweb.google.com/s/c/bin/slideshow.swf

[REMEMBER if the slide show is too fast, click on it and it will take you straight to the page they are loaded on)

Today–much work was done. These guys are tired! Jeff said they have been fed very well by the church ladies!

Tomorrow they will be in church service with the people they are working with in the afternoon and evening. Continue in prayer for the men–I imagine they will have some interesting things to tell us when they get home. I wouldn’t want to spoil any of their “sharing enjoyment”. Pray for them. God is faithful–and what they experience there this week will impact them for the future work that God plans for many of them.

(If I’m not making much sense—I am a bit tired. I spent the day with mother and Aimee–and the LORD gave us a sweet surprise. I will tell you about it later tomorrow. Must get sleep now. 🙂

© The Knightly News 2007-2010

Jeff's Posts, Mission Trip

Straight from Mirones Bajo, Peru

Wish I could say I was “there” —but I’m not.  But my source is keeping me updated with all the latest news and information so I can do the same HERE for you!

Did I tell you I wanted to be a blog-Missions-Reporter? 🙂

Day 1–These guys have worked hard today.  They were greeted at the site this morning by the amazing and kind people of the church, who welcomed them in the most unique way—in song!

I thought that was just the neatest–sweetest gesture! 

Just for a few details, they are laying brick–some experienced, some learning–all working very hard!

The men that were hired to help (from Peru) mixed the mud for the brick layers.  They were glad when our guys took a lunch break!  To keep this many guys in mud–they had to mix A LOT of dirt. 🙂

Below is the slide show of the day’s events.  You will see some familiar faces.  Pray for these guys whether you recognize them or not.  They are doing hard work–and need to stay healthy!  They need strength–and they need the weather to cooperate!

http://picasaweb.google.com/s/c/bin/slideshow.swf

Jeff said the people are very friendly and appreciative of the work our men are there to do. All smiles all around! [AS LAST TIME, IF THE SLIDE SHOW GOES TOO FAST, CLICK ON IT AND IT WILL TAKE YOU STRAIGHT TO THE PAGE THEY ARE LOADED ON. YOU CAN THEN VIEW THEM BY CLICKING ON THE FIRST ONE AND THEN USE THE ARROWS AT THE TOP OF THE PAGE]

Thank you LORD for safety getting there–and for strength and speed to complete the work YOU have placed before them! We give You all the praise and glory for all that is accomplished in this place of worship–and everywhere their feet step–we claim for YOU! In Jesus name, Amen!

© The Knightly News 2007-2010

Mission Trip

The LOVE of Your SPONSOR (Cafe` Devotion)

Erwin. Pray for him today.

The morning started early. I was awake before 4am. Thinking, praying, wondering what the day would bring.

Little did I know before my feet hit the floor of the life changes that would take place in all of us “first timers” today.

First time on a mission trip.

I wasn’t prepared for the tears that burned–and spilled. My husband, Jeff has been on a few missions trips—but he never warned me about the feeling you get when you look in the eyes of a child and want to help, but realize your limitations.

For the REST of this story–head over to the Cafe`.  I’m sitting there waiting on you–I’ve got a cup already poured and your chair is pulled out! Waiting on YOU!  I can’t wait to see you!  There’s a special message

from my heart to yours!

© The Knightly News 2007-2010