Humbled and Awed

Several weeks I go I sent out a simple page expressing an urgent need- supplies and support for the ABA Feeding Center.

Yesterday I sat at my computer in my tiny office at the bottom of the stairs and read the report of contributions received during the month of May.  I WAS HUMBLED AND AWED.  The support that came in during this month has more than met the immediate needs of supplies and some have even begun to offer monthly sponsorship for a child.

Unable to continue reading as the tears blurred my vision, instead I slipped to my knees, knelt at my desk, and began to pray.  I prayed for the Lord to bless all of those who gave so generously.  I prayed for the Lord to meet every need they have as they have so generously met our need.  I prayed for the Lord to give me wisdom and guidance to use this money wisely, as a good steward.  After all, I am just a steward, the money is the Lord's.  I prayed for the Lord to search my heart and know my ways and to correct anything that might be wrong so that I would not let down any of those who support us monthly or occasionally- those who trust me and trust this ministry to bear fruit for the Kingdom. 

For a moment I just sat there and felt the great weight of responsibility that I always feel when I pray for our sponsors.  I am responsible to them to use these resources wisely, in the best possible way to reach this town for Jesus. It is not a responsibility that I take lightly

In the book of John chapter 6 I recently read the story of Jesus feeding the 5,000.  As I sat there before the Lord, my heart worshiping the God who has once again met our need through the generosity of friends, I felt the Lord talking to me about this passage.

You see, Jesus turned to Philip who was from the region to ask where they could buy bread for so many people.  Philip quickly answers that 200 denarii isn't enough money.  Isn't enough?  No, it probably wasn't- but it was no small figure either as it totaled about 8 months wage for an average worker.  Do YOU have 8 months wage in your wallet?  Then a boy comes with 5 barley loaves and 2 small fish.  There is a hidden message here.  Barely was a poor man's bread.  The rich ate wheat bread.

So, the poor boy looked at the need, then at his source (God) and determined that his re-source was enough...even though it was meager.  The man with more resources (8 months wages if you recall) forgot to look at his source and quickly determined that his resources did not meet the need.

I think if I had been there that day I would have put more stock in feeding the multitude with 8 months wages than with a poor boy's lunch.  But God didn't use man's wisdom.  He used the unexpected to meet the need.

And He has done it again.  God has faithfully provided by using the unexpected - those from whom I have not heard in a while, those that I am quick to judge as "giving enough already", and those for whom I know it is a struggle to send an offering.  God touched each of their hearts, they looked to Him as their source, and they obeyed.

Just as the poor boy was a crucial element in feeding the 5,000 I know that those who are standing with me at this hour are also crucial to the feeding of multitudes.  They are part of this miracle that is taking place in San José Pinula.

THANK YOU FOR GIVING WHETHER OUT OF YOUR ABUNDANCE OR YOUR POOR BOY'S LUNCH - THANK YOU.

If you, too, want to be a part of this check out our website for details:
www.crossculturejesus.org

The City Street

There is a certain place in Guatemala City that makes me cringe.  This particular street is heavily traversed- although I suppose that could describe any street in this over-trafficked city.  However, on this particular portion of this particular street something occurs which boggles my mind as a "gringa"- the dividing lines on the street merge, disappear, and reappear, painted, faded, and painted again in such a fashion that I can never tell which of the lines I am supposed to obey and which ones are simply left over from times past!  The cars in front of me swerve and weave in and out of one another in an indistinct pattern, leaving me no clue as to which of the cars is actually obeying the law and which of the cars is simply driving Guatemalan style. 

As I cautiously pick my way along a lane which suddenly disappears or worse- suddenly becomes the on-coming lane I can feel my heart race.  Surely this section of the street is only confidently driven on by people such as my husband who have been around long enough to KNOW which of the painted lines are the most recent and which ones are simply to be ignored.  My husband has driven along this route so often that he detects any change immediately and knows which way the lanes run - or run out- by reflex.  To me- it is utter mayhem!

But as I gather my courage and drive through this section, holding my breath and praying for divine protection, I realize something.  Oftentimes we go along in life just like this.  We go along hoping we are in the right lane, but not really being sure.  We try to follow the guy in front of us supposing maybe he has it right, but not very sure of that either.  The lines of sin and right vs. wrong are smudged and faded, we are no longer sure if we are in God's will or just making it up as we go along. 

And I think of how the Bible offers that dividing line.  Without God's Word to show us the way, our daily life is a struggle and a series of guesses.  But with God's word we can clearly see the direction we need to take and the decisions we need to make.  God's Word keeps us on course. 

I notice how in my life if I neglect my Bible leaving it sitting on the coffee table far too long suddenly I am not as quick to discern when I have taken a false step.  I bumble along often times hurting those I love with the mistakes I make, the attitudes I have or the lack of love and patience I display.  I find myself unsure how to respond when crisis comes, or even when a simple problem presents itself. 

There is truly nothing like God's work to keep us going along the right track with the right attitudes and making right choices.  The Psalmist said, "I will hide they word in my heart that I might not sin against thee". 

So today as I reflect on a recent encounter with THAT section of Guatemala City I also reflect on my constant need to be in God's Word.  I repent for the times I have neglected it and I make a conscious decision to read my Bible and pray more diligently.  I encourage you to do the same.  It will change your life.  Just watch and see. 

my faithful friend

Mother's Day in San José

Mother's Day is a celebrated event world wide.  And why shouldn't it be?  Every day mother's all over the planet make sacrifices for the good of their children.  We give up our own hobbies so that we can take them to theirs.  We give up our own t.v. channels in favor of Mickey Mouse.  Despite the fashion divas we may have been we suddenly find our fashion budget spent on miniature outfits and our own closets full of last year's (or the year before's) clearance items.  Sleep and comfort become a thing of the past as we comfort sick and distressed children well into the night and in the early morning hours.  We strip off sweaters and suffer a chill so that our precious ones can wrap themselves instead.  The last piece of cake, the last of the icecream, food off of our own plate is directed into the mouths of our beloved tykes to whom we would deny nothing. 

As we live a life of continual sacrifice and continual giving we find that we are transformed more into Jesus every day.  He was the one who exemplified sacrificial living, giving up all His glory to come down to us.  He took on our sickness and gave us health.  He took on our curse and gave us blessing.  He took on our sin and gave us eternal life.  He sacrificed Himself even to the cross all out of love for us.  When I look to Jesus as my example to follow I find that even when I think I have given everything I can it still doesn't compare.  It makes giving up a few hours of sleep or slaving over a hot dinner seem very, very insignificant in comparison.  Still, it is what I have to give.  This is the example of giving and sacrifice that I can be for my children to show them a little bit of Jesus in our home.

On Saturday we celebrated 57 women whose daily sacrifices far outweigh mine.  These women are more the example of Christ than they realize.  Single mothers who slave over a hot fire making hundreds upon hundreds of tortillas all day long for just a few dollars a day.  A widow with 6 children who knits trinkets, purses and industrial wipes for less than many Americans spend at McDonald's.  Women who even in torrential rains walk their children miles to and from school to make sure they get an education.  Women who grow their own corn, then grind it and cook it into tortillas, tamales, and other Guatemalan meals.  Women who have suffered heart ache, abuse, and humiliation yet still strive to do the very best they can for their children.  These are the mothers of our Little Giants and the women we honored on Saturday last. 

The busy day started early even though the women were expected to arrive at 2pm.  Chrissy and Alfonso (who still helps when he can, bless his heart) were setting up the sound system in the restaurant before noon.  The rest of us gathered at the ABA base before noon for a quick lunch and to pack the car with all our supplies.  Earlier in the week the ladies had been busy making chocolate covered marshmallow butterflies to put at each place setting.  I am constantly amazed at the creativity on our team. 

After we arrived at the restaurant we got busy setting up the tables and putting up decorations.  Hats off to Chrissy who directed the whole event.  It was amazingly organized and very well planned.  She spent a great deal of time placing the centerpieces just right and the results were stunning.  (by the way, Chrissy and Yoli came up with the centerpiece idea and made them as well).

Our theme was the Transforming Power of God.  Which was depicted by using caterpillars and butterflies in all of the decoration.

 As always, we had a time of worship followed by a time of games.  Yoli and Chrissy directed the choreographed worship and Kimberly helped them with the games.

Our guest speaker was a friend of Chrissy's.  She did an amazing job sharing how Jesus had transformed her life and her family and encouraging the ladies to lay it all down at the cross and trust in the Lord to transform their homes as well.  When she invited all those who desired salvation and transformation to come forward the results were astounding- especially considering the highly catholic atmosphere in San José Pinula has made "going forward" a bit taboo.  Truly it was the work of the Holy Spirit and years of sowing the Word into these families.  I know some of the women who went forward were already saved.  In fact, they are active in their home churches, but knowing that they went forward for a touch from the Lord encouraged me that these women need more ministry and more encouragement.  May we be the vessel He uses!!

As always, some women were to shy to go forward.  They prayed in their seats.  Considering the women who went forward and those who prayed in their seats about 95% of the women received ministry that afternoon.  

 

 

Notice the mother with her baby in a sling- a common sight around here

It was an uplifting event.  Every year it grows larger.  Every year we see salvations take place.  Surely our annual Mother's Day event is one that should continue. 

A HUGE THANKS GOES OUT TO ALL OF YOU WHO GAVE FINANCES TO SEE THIS EVENT TAKE PLACE.  A HUGE THANKS TO THOSE WHO SENT GIFTS TO THE WOMEN.  AND A HUGE THANK YOU TO THOSE OF YOU WHO PRAYED FOR THE SUCCESS OF SATURDAY'S EVENT. 

We couldn't do this without you.  You are a part of changing these women's lives.  God bless you!!!!!!!