The hard thing about blog writing is I do not know what it can and cannot contain. Some people screen what they write for their readers, or write to promote something; therefore, the real is not said. I want to write about the real, because that is what matters.
So here I am, Honduras. Known by many as the number 1 most dangerous country in the entire world. I am psyched about it! Why? I think you know the answer.
This is where Christians have to be. This is where a battle is being won and Christ needs more of His army to love and fight. Even against odds. I am part of that army here, and if I have to face something, I have the full armor of God. (Ephesians 6:10-20)
I worshiped not too far away from all of you this morning. While dancing and praising the Lord with people from the slums of Tegucigalpa, I knew all the people I love were also worshiping the same God in America. Worshiping the Lord comes from the heart, but the outward appearance is very culture oriented I am learning. It was new for many of us, but so so fun. They pulled the chairs to the side and just danced all out for the Lord, full joy in their faces! Their eyes pierced me with the beaming grace they have received from the Lord, it showed.
The testimonies of the children I have met here are incredible… things that only the Lord can get a person out of. It is a clear calling. But in reality, I was just as them. The outward actions are just different.
The couple we live with got married three years back, an amazing man and woman of God. Tony has just started this ministry not too long ago… they never were blessed with children of their own, but the Lord blessed them abundantly with other children. They currently have about six boys in their house living with them, all from the slums and coming clean. When he’s honest with us (which is always) he says any day, any time, the Lord might serve them someone else. These young boys never have received love, or family attention, and now I don’t know if I have ever had more kisses and hugs in the past couple days!
Tony is so excited to have us here, so efficient in providing for us in every way possible. His wife cooks for us amazing Honduras food, 52 people three times a day!
Joseph, age 15, came to Tony a year ago, and spent five months being their son. He was high on paint-thinners and other hard drugs, using a knife to get his next fix. Tony gave him food, clothes, a house, family, church and a discipleship. Joseph took money many times until he was confronted. The next day he was gone. Tony didn’t see Joseph again until he came begging to come home again. And again he took, and ran.
Today, the Lord put Joseph on Tony’s heart. While we were all in church Tony went to look for Joseph and found him on a bench, higher than high.
“What do you want?” Joseph asks. Tony just looks back at Joseph and replies, “Well, what do you want?”
Silence overwhelmed them until Tony tells Joseph that he knew long ahead that he was being taken advantage of, that theft was happening with someone he trusted, with his son.
“Why then?!” Joseph starts asking. “Why not ask me before, or throw me out?”
“Because, I might not have a lot of money, but I care more for your heart and soul than any amount of money.”
Sobbing, Joseph starts saying he wants to return home. Tony tells him not now, but that wanting to is the
first step. They already have one teenager that is difficult to have as a son, it would be much with Joseph too.
Pray for Tony and his wife’s strength… that their work here for the boys and the Lord is not in vain and they know it! The devil knows how to work here, and it gets discouraging. Tony’s trust in the Lord’s sovernty astounds me.
Pray for Joseph’s heart. For him to desire the life God would provide for him, if only hegave up himself.
I am learning about the one.
That it is sometimes all about that one, that one relationship, that one person the Lord gives you.
Joseph is Tony’s one today.
Who’s yours?
