Going to the Movies - On Mission

Today our team had an amazing opportunity to take 13 children from the orphanage to their first experience in the movie theatre.  They were not told until just before this picture was taken why we had loaded them on a bus and taken them to the mall.  Even their adopted mothers were not told so they could be just as surprised.  We watched the new Disney movie Inside Out dubbed entirely in Spanish.  We were able to understand about 80% of the story line and a little less of the humor, but the kids had a great time (and so did the adults).

The GYM

In 2005, I became sick.  For years and years I had burned the candle at both ends, and it finally caught up with me. My thyroid "crashed and burned" and I wound up losing weight. Not in a good way either. I lost 50 pounds in 90 days. I shook like I had Parkinson's and had to hold my arm still in work meetings.  Some would describe me as looking emaciated.

I found medicine that worked (to treat the symptoms) and I began to be able to gain some weight back. I took that as an opportunity to start building healthy habits into my life. If I was going to gain weight back, I was going to do it the right way. One-by-one over the years I added healthy habits. At first it was various exercises or physical activities that made me stronger. Later it was better eating habits. This last year and a half, however, I strayed from being diligent in my exercises (yoga, kayaking, mountain biking, running, and of course the gym)

This mission is a very physical one. We lift, we dig, we pound, etc. last year I spent a greater part of the first few days just carrying buckets of water for the cement from the river. This year, it was digging a large 7 foot deep hole for a latrine.  While I am energized greatly by serving others on this mission, I am definitely feeling the ill of my straying from my physical habits. 

Knowing I can be a stubborn one, God was unrelenting with the message. I have been getting constant comments and questions from the Hondurans about muscles, working out, what sports do I do, etc. To me, I've let myself go and I don't feel as strong as I once was. So I just shook it off.  God is, however, clever in how he weaves in unexpected lessons in your life. For me, the theme of this mission has been a constant one. Incorporate healthy rhythms (habits) in your life and be very diligent in keeping them if you want to reap the rewards. 

After a couple days of he comments, our job Sunday evening was to help set up the local  church for their monthly youth service. The theme for the service was GYM. Building healthy habits. We drove in a pickup around town to several homes to borrow various tattered exercise equipment and deliver them to the church.  We were setting up a makeshift gym. The kids had a great time at the service. The setup was cool and there was a funny video and skit before the message. There was also a contest at the end with a local personal trainer. 

On Monday, we were set to have our first evening free with no planned activity. Then, someone from a young leader group also staying at the mission house was going to lead an exercise class for the ladies next door in CASA Hogar Vida, the holistic community built by he church, and she self-admittedly needed help. I offered to help teach the yoga and she was very accepting, and seemingly relieved. A couple of the women missionaries in our group also helped. 

The class that came was actually two ladies and the group of kids from the orphanage. How fun to see their smiling faces. They don't normally get to come into the mission house. So it was an exciting privilege for them. They laughed and giggled. What a moment it was!  

To me it was a powerful reminder that God has you where you are for a reason.  There is purpose to your story and path. Stay diligent in what you feel called to do, because God WILL use it for His glory and His purpose. Part of that purpose is your faith. When moments come where your history and your purpose meet, it is a faith bolstering moment.  God has us in a race for souls. You're in training for it. Do what you're called to do. 

Here is a great verse that uses the metaphor of physical prowess and athleticism to describe the discipline needed in our lives to win the prize, the ultimate prize. 

"Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing. I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified. (‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭9‬:‭24-27‬ NLT)"

God Bless

Aaron Mason

where is Christ in your home?

Yesterday we were working at the home of the family we are serving. Last year we tore the families current home down before we started on their new home. This year there is enough room to allow the family to remain in their home until the new one is finished.
Their current home is built of discarded materials and wrapped in plastic. The front door looks like one am old farm house would have hosted. It is screen and has carved wood working as it's frame. About eye level, on the screen itself, are two hand prints made of white paint. Attached to the door on one of those hand prints is a picture of Christ.
As little as this family has the first thing they want you to see is that they serve our Lord and Savior. They are proud their home and what it represents regardless of its appearance.
It made me think about how far you have to walk into my house before you see a sign that my home is dedicated to our Lord and Savior.
How far do you have to walk into your own home before you show your dedication to your faith?
I have some decorating to do when I get home :0)

Day 2

Day 2~ After morning orientation, we viewed the property. We were able to see many updates from the years previous that we were here. Checked up on the trees that were planted, learned about how and where the bricks from the onsite brick "factory" are made and used. Each building on the property is made out of the bricks that are made onsite. Our villa for instance used 25,000 bricks, It's amazing!!! The coffee roaster was not roasting any beans this AM, but it still smelled amazing and as we learned about the process and the love and care that goes into the product, it certainly gave new appreciation for my morning brew at home. 

We then went over to the orphanages, there we met the children that we had learned about during orientation. We stayed and played games and tried to bless them the best and only way we could. We brought a few new card games, small toys, played jax, showed them our pictures, phones and taught them cart wheels and laughed...let's be honest, in reality they were really the ones blessing us. 

My heart was so moved and touched by their stories. My heart was again moved in a way that only God could. I'm more aware of previous struggles upon my heart, and in one second it all seemingly disappears. Have I ever known loss truly? Yes, just in a much different way. Have I ever been faced with rejection? No, I have been steered to Christ by Christ and he is the one who has spared me. Their smiling faces looking to interact and receive love is a true testimony to their hearts. Their hearts are not bitter and worn down. They are loved and in love with God, the comfort and the blessings This church and compound provide for the families that rely on it is miraculous. Again I am humbled by my expectations and I am encouraged to know in many ways that my belief of love and how it is shown in Christ's name heals completely. 

✌️💗🌻 Serena 

Will you give me a drink?

"Will you give me a drink?" (John 4:7)

On our first full day here in Honduras, the temperature is near the 100 degree Fahrenheit mark and I am in a constant state of thirst. It draws me to this scripture and how Jesus approached teaching a woman at Jacob's well and began to teach her to think outside the law and learn about God's grace. She was focused on water literally and the laws and customs society put in place. Jesus would have none of it and flipped this conversation around from asking her for literal water to teaching her about the Living Water that He offered. 

Man can put laws and rules in place, but it doesn't change God's order or grace. First of all in their world, Jews (Jesus) were not supposed to speak to Samaritans. She said, "How can you ask me for a drink?" (John 4:9). Also, men were not supposed to address women without their husbands present and Rabbis like Jesus had no business speaking to a woman with the questionable background like she had. 

Jesus took those customs and the very basic need of water and explained that when you take a drink of water, you are temporarily satisfied, but you are soon thirsty again.  Jesus explained that He offers the living water. Take the drink and you'll never be thirsty again. 

Whatever your background,whether as questionable as this woman's, or whatever your disadvantage or sin, there is Living water for anyone who would take a drink. Societies come and go. Situations change. Man's law and governments change. None of it changes God's Word and His Living water.  Focus on God and live where you find yourself and soon you'll be a well of His Living Water yourself. You'll be able to witness and spread the word. 

God Bless. 

Aaron Mason

The HOT Work in the summer sun begins.

 

We have already started framing the home, and before we pulled out the new hammers Nick brought the local hammer failed, broke in 2 pieces.  Not to be turned back on his mission, Tony grabbed a rock and completed the task.  We have hauled water, dug a latrine (8 foot hole in the sandy soil) in addition to working on the home.  Tonight we are going to experience the monthly youth (student) gathering and listen to Pastor Geovany's middle son, David, deliver his first message. 

Wounded

God really spoke to me today. He showed us the need that is in the world. He revealed to my heart that the wounds I have been unable to lay down from my childhood are significant to who I am. There was a BUT to his revelation! The BUT is this: PUT IT IN PERSPECTIVE. Even though my wounds are real I have to put it in perspective. This is the perspective that God revealed, He has loved me through it all but it is time to see the wounds for what they were. He showed me little hearts that really have emotional and physical wounds. They have every reason to have anger and hatred in there hearts but God has stepped in to save and protect them, his love shines through them. So who am I to hold on to failure and hurt from a childhood of hurt and unfulfilled expectations. Gods perspective is that he can't move me to the next level until I see the wounds for what they have for been for me and lay them down at the foot of his throne. Out of today came the message "Son I have given you all you need to lay it down and be healed. I NEED you to do that so I can lift you up to the next level." God is great because he uses ALL things to accomplish his will. There is nothing that the devil can do that God is not working for the good of his children even before the devil does it.

Day 1

It is the end of the first day, and I cannot thank God enough for giving me all that I have. Hearing the orphans stories and putting them to their faces was amazing. It was a feeling I won't forget. It reminds me that every frustration or hurt I have ever been through is nothing compared to what these kids have gone through and most of them aren't even 10 yet. 

I remember why I had the drive to come back after my experience last year. I fell in love all over again. With the people, the scenery, everything. I almost feel like I never even left. Everything is pure happiness here and I adore it. God is so good. 

Being able to have both my parents here is awesome. I love being able to look at my mom and see her soak it all in. 

After reading a prayer partner letter this morning I'm taking her advice and soaking everything in. Looking at the people and remembering their smiles, or staring at how beautiful the mountains are.

I am forever grateful for the opportunity to come here because it truly has changed my life and I am so thankful for the people who have made this a reality for me. 

Thank you all again ❤️

Day 1 Travel

Day 1 was abound with blessings from the Lord. All our flights were smooth and timely. The bus trip from Tugucigalpa to Choluteca was as always interesting and filled with faith that the Lord will get you there. It is very tiring meeting at church at 330ish in the morning and starting the trip that lands you at a mission house in Choluteca Honduras. For some reason it took a lot out of me this year. God is faithful and I know will fill me back up to overflowing with his love and mercy. Can't wait to see what day 2 has in store.

Dragonflies

Day #2
I love to go to the second floor of the mission house and do a little workout every morning then spend some time with God while taking in the view of his beautiful creation.
Today, at the end of my  prayer, I asked him to use me as his tool as we serve or brothers and sisters and to be with my words and actions through or this day. At that moment, a dragonfly, otherwise known in Spanish as a " libelulu, flew by me and then went strsight out in front of me until I couldn't see it anymore.
A few know that I absolutely adore dragonflies because I think He placed them on this earth to be a living cross to remind us of the gift of salvation he gave us through Jesus Christ.
God is just so very good <3

Good Morning

We arrived yesterday after two flights, and a 4 hour bus trip. It was incredible! The mountainous scenery is breathtaking. The culture of love exudes from thier smiling faces. Not one time have I felt unsafe or not at ease. Even if the bus ride was a bit exciting! :-) God clearly has his hand and grace over us. 

We came pulling into the mission house with about ten minutes of daylight left. I'm anxious to explore this property and to see the new additions to the orphanage. 

This morning I was awaken by two talking gecko lizards and the most beautiful sunrise. It's warm already, but there is a sense of excitement and anticipation in the air that makes it seem as if anything is possible. Then I'm reminded of one of my favorite versus when I get in a funk and feel the spirit of defeat, Philippians 4:13, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me". And again I'm humbled at how God works in and on my mind. I'm here to serve him, but I'm clearly aware that God is the one that is serving me. 

I am blessed, I am strong only because of my faith...as everything of this world tells me that I am not capible of the kind of life I desire to live by serving the Lord. But it is because of his GRACE, LOVE, and ULTIMATE forgiveness that even I can serve in HIS name... 

Thank you Lord for the heart that you gave me. I pray that today you protect our crew, bless our crew and provide your heavenly wisdom to embark on the many tasks we will complete this week! AMEN...

PS: As I went to publish this, it didn't go through. I went upstairs to get a picture of the property and started conversation with my fellow team members. Through sharing and talking God spoke to our hearts, mine most definitely. 

THANK YOU GOD FOR OUR ABILITY TO USE Our hands and feet in your name! 

Life goes on... And so Must the Mission

Life goes on... and so must the mission

It's a team of ten this year.  It's Friday, June 26th and we are all sitting at the airport at 5am about to board our flight to Honduras via Atlanta.  We will be gone for 10 days.  I'm sure it won't seem like a long time on that last day, but as we prepared to leave this last week it seemed like a monumental task to exit our daily routines and responsibilities.

Industry changing regulation has my work very busy right now.  Also, my son just graduated and I have been helping him transition into adulthood and soon-to-be college life.  On top of that, I have other time planned off for family needs shortly after the mission. Then here was hail.  just two weeks before mission, a hail storm like I never had seen came through my neighborhood. My roof, siding, and windows were peppered so badly that they all need to be replaced.  So I have been dealing with the insurance adjuster and contractor up until the last day here. Finally, you just resign to the fact that it will all be there when you get back.

Robert Frost once said, "in three words I can sum up everything I've learned about life:  it goes on."  And that it does.... And so must the mission. You can't be in two places at once when in mission. You have to leave everything behind and trust that it will be fine when you get back. This is a necessity so that you are present in the mission. You need to be there and undistracted. God is doing great things where we are going, the least one can do is "show up."  Both literally, and figuratively. 

Last year was no different.  Back then, I was heavy into a new position at work, and my grandma passed and I needed to travel for that just before going on mission.  It was a very busy time, but it all worked out. 

Life will happen.  Mission doesn't change that. You just have to be prepared when deciding to go on mission that there will be many things in your life that threaten distraction and that those forces will intensify the closer you are to the gate at the airport. 

To my family and friends that may read this... I love you all very much. My prayers are with you, but my focus is here. I got this (by the grace of God) and you got it back home. See you all in a couple weeks!!!!

God Bless!!!

It's finally time to "Do Something"

 “I just couldn’t bear the thought of people living in poverty, Children sold into slavery. The thought disgusted me. So, I shook my fist at Heaven said, ‘God, why don’t You do something?’He said, ‘I did, I created you’”
-Do Something - Matthew West

Tomorrow at this time we will be traveling through the mountains of Honduras on our way to Choluteca. I pray that God watches over us and opens our hearts to the promptings of the Holy Spirit so that we can truly be the hands and feet of Christ. 

I cannot believe we are just two weeks from another mission trip to Honduras!! My excitement grows with each passing day. I am eager to be updated on the lives of the family we served last year and hopefully see others that live in the community that we were so blessed to get to know a year ago.
I also look forward to evangelizing. I have been noting verses that I hope will help the people we visit to better understand what Jesus' death did for us. How all he asked in return was for us to believe in him and live the Truth through faith.
Unfortunately, faith is a strange concept to them. Please pray that our efforts, at the very least, would plant a seed that illuminates His glory and clarifies His grace and mercy.

Thanks for your support - only 16 days remaining

Vega Family

We have had a awesome fund raising campaign this year.  Our team of 10 has raised over $20,000 to support our trip.  In addition, our first annual rev22two golf scramble was a huge success raising over $3000 to further enhance our work in Honduras and Moldova.  With all of your support we are going to be able to build a new home for the Vega family and also build an outhouse on their property.  We will also be donating sound equipment and a wireless security system to the church in Choluteca.  Our team is thankful for all of your love and support.