Famous Last Words

Final words are important. “Happily Ever After.” “The End.” Last words from a dying loved one on a hospital bed should never be forgotten. “Goodbye.” “I love you.” We are scared to end our phone conversations any other way. Likewise last words can bring joy, insight, encouragement, all depending on the situation and who gives them. In the book of Acts chapter 1 verse 8 we read, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, ad to the ends of the earth.” This, according to Acts, was the last statement Jesus made before He ascended into heaven. Later in Acts we see this directive come to life through the manifestation of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, in chapter 2, and in the boldness of His witnesses evangelizing and making disciples of Jews and Gentiles. Why is this significant? Because these last words were the initiation of what we call the Church, Christ’s followers sent on mission in the world.

After reflecting on this verse, I could not help thinking of Christ’s final words before returning to the right hand of the Father. These few crucial words were foundational for the conception of the Church then, but what about now? When I take Acts 1:8 coupled with the oft-quoted Great Commission found in Matthew 28:18-20, I start to see clearly what Christ’s heart was all about. What was His chief concern before He ascended into heaven? Why did He leave us this way? It is because He left us with a job to do, a job for His Church then, and it is the same job for His Church now. The mandate has not changed- Bear witness to His good news through evangelizing, discipling, baptizing, and teaching so that others may know the Love of Christ and experience Life in Him. It is a sobering fact that Jesus’ last words then are still His last words today and will continue to be until He comes again. So, how are we going to respond?

Back in the US

So, if you didn't know already, I made it back safely last Wednesday night. Exhaustion physically, spiritually, and emotionally was only the beginning. A day full of rest and some lovely time with the family followed. I am still in a not-so-normal state, still getting acquainted with life here again. I am so blessed to be back, I have learned so much more than I expected. This trip was such a blessing in so many ways. The way the Lord provided my every need and granted me everything. I thank each and every one of you for your prayers, for they were surely felt. Our God is faithful always. I believe that God's plan and desire for the trip was accomplished. I was able to be used by the Lord in exciting new ways, and I view the Body of Christ differently now. My feelings still are a little numb.
The Church of Honduras is so much more dependent on God than I have seen. They don't have nukes stockpiled to provide security. They call on God, for they know He is their source of wellbeing. Before I departed I was able to witness the abnormal response to the recent tragic occurrences sending fear throughout the country. "God is with us," and "God will take care of us" sum it up well. This unnatural reflex is quite amazing to me. God is our provider and keeper, if only we would turn to grasp this truth.


I would love to chat with any one of you about my experience. Each attempt to convey this time falls short, but I love to share it, it helps me process the journey. Please feel free to ask. This experience wasn't just for me, It was for you, too.

I will leave you with some U2.
"One Love, One Blood, One Life, You've got to do what you should"

Go in Peace and with courage.

Please Pray for Honduras

I am sure many of you know by now the sad happenings that are taking place in Honduras. I don't want to go into it, the situation is difficult. A "coup d' etat," or a legal action, the whole situation is a mess and every day is spent wondering what will occur next. My family is flying me back to the home to the States tomorrow morning, Wednesday. I should be home safe, Lord willing, by the end of tomorrow. This is an experience I never saw coming, events that are hard to grasp. I hope that the situation does not increase to get worse, and that it begins to stabilize in some fashion. The possible involvement of other nations in the quagmire is scary. I don't know what to think, and I don't know what to say. Problems like these are not too far away from any country. It is a sad situation from all sides, for everyone involved. Our God is still in control of the situation, and He is not surprised. These crises always seemed so distant from my life. I praise God that He has kept me safe and the violence has stayed minimal. No one has lost his life, and I hope it stays that way.

Please pray for God to use this situation for his glory, that people may come to Him. Also pray for a peaceful resolution to this volatile situation. This tragedy can be resolved, and I know that God will take care of His children. God bless you and your life.

It was the best of times and it was the worst of times.

Not very often do such extremes happen in succession like they did this past week. It was one of absolutes for sure. I still am shocked by how much happened to me in such little time. So, here I go.

Monday I started my new project at the school. On Monday Tuesday and Wednesday the plan is that I work with the struggling students of the 1st grade (mon.), 2nd grade (tues.), and 3rd grade (wed.) For 45 minutes each of these days I talk with about 20 students who need help due to poor performance in class or behavioral problems (bad language, fighting, disrespect, you name it). So Monday, the very first group, went anywhere but well. It was close to impossible for me to keep their attention and the notes I had went out the window. It was a learning experience. After Monday I realized that these kids need positive attention as much as they need to hear good words. They need someone who cares. So, that being said, I felt like a failure to the max after the first day. Kids have sooo much energy. Trying to speak a different language is difficult enough, haha.

Tuesday I woke up hungry (which is strange) but this was soon to change. About 900 I tried to eat at break time and knew something strange was happening. To make a long story short I made some bad food decisions and it cost me. I made it through the class with the second graders Tuesday and it went extremely well!!! I was so surprised. I found out they like using colored pencils :) After classes I had a monstrous headache and stomach problems unlike anything I have ever experienced. I was sick! I cannot explain the immense discomfort. Anyhow, I could eat nothing. I could barely drink anything. Tuesday night was rough.

For safety reasons I accompanied the pastors and their daughter on their planned trip to the north coast beach Wednesday. This was a great idea since they didnt want me to be alone in the house while sick and I needed a relaxing break as well.

I joined them for approximately 6-hour trip to Tela, and we arrived Wednesday evening my stomach only accepting very little of anything. I woke up the next day early to enjoy the peace, sand, and waves. Thursday was a phenomenal time at the beach. I soaked it in (maybe a lot too much) and enjoyed swimming and such. I was able to eat more, too. I love the beach. It is so relaxing and beautiful. However, I was sunburnt. It was almost like I used no sunscreen or something. I was really red and in some pain. However, I relaxed and stayed in and Friday we returned back to Tegucigalpa. My stomach was improving but my shoulders and back were not. I had a blast anyway. I got in one good day of fun at the beach for sure.
Last night we used aloe straight from the plant and applied it to my sunburn- wow it was cool. Anyhow, I am doing alot better- stomach is still a little weak- and I am enjoying a little down time.
Through it all I am doing okay now. I had some fun at the beach and some time away which was nice. I just hope I don't get sick again. I will be alot more careful about what I eat, you can guarantee that. I am also hopeful that my teaching experience with the struggling kids will continue to improve. Sometimes it takes a little while for things to work out.

Here are some photos of the beautiful beach city of Tela.

My week off, etc.

Well, since Monday I have had a wonderful week. Being away from class this week has been a blessing of rejuvenation and refocusing. I have had the wonderful opportunity to share in special things. Hanging out with friends and seeing new sights/places have been common the past few days. I went to the mall with one of my new friends here, Joel, and had a wonderful time with him. I said hello to one of my friends from Asbury, Heidi, who is working here with WGM for the summer. I was able to do some reading and go to a church prayer service as well. Finally, Thursday was the most unique of all. I went with Pastor Núñez and Moises to his other property outside the city. I was able to get my hands dirty and work oustide all day. We planted several trees, avocados, coconut, mango, and we cleaned up the yard as well- weeds, trash. I really appreciated this opportunity to clean up the area. Moises and the pastor are such hard workers and it was difficult for me at times- wow the sun here is a lot hotter! Thank the Lord for sunscreen. I think I had the best snack in the world for the moment though, absolutely perfect timing, in the form of a pineapple/coconut ice cream. Planting trees/cleaning the outdoors is hard work, and I am glad to be back relaxing, clean and still a little sore.

Friday I had pizza hut here with the pastors, and man, it was quite delicious. I also went on a couple visitations to people of the church in the evening. This was a different experience for me. The culture is different- It is really open and community oriented. Yesterday was relaxing and today we went to church, pastor Núñez shared, and afterward we went to a party. Now I am back in the house ready to relax for the rest of the day. Tomorrow I start back working at the school and I am looking forward to the adventure. I am supposed to be starting a new project this week with the kids. Our God is awesome and He is doing so much.