Opportunities to Serve

Joel and his family received their new home  a couple of weeks ago thanks to a team  from Ohio.

Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death - even death on a cross!'  Philippians 2:6-8  

Jesus chose not to use the fact that he was equal with God to his advantage, but instead 'took the very nature of a servant'! Who are we then to put ourselves before others, to try and get ahead and only do what is best for #1, when Jesus himself became a servant to others.

'Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him...When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.' John 13:3-5,12-17

This is a pretty well known story in the New Testament and it shows Jesus serving his disciples. In those times they would have worn open sandals and their feet would have been pretty disgusting when they arrived at their destination. It was the job of a Gentile. When Jesus washed the feet of his disciples it showed an amazing act of humility. Jesus always taught by example. He wants us to serve with an attitude of humility.

Teams are starting to arrive from the states to help serve our community here in La Ceiba.  Some of the ways teams come to serve is through medical teams, construction teams,  and children ministry teams. I am looking forward to meeting the teams this year and seeing what God is going to do in and through each team that comes. 

I am really looking forward to next week because my parents are coming to visit for a week.  There will be a team here from the states during their visit, which will give them an opportunity to see all the areas of ministry. 

Beginning of the New School Year

The week was the first week of classes at the public school. In Honduras the public school year starts in February and ends in the beginning of November. The beginning of the school year it means a lot more planning for the staff of CNI. The things that we were able to accomplish this week was only made possible through the Lords work in and through our generous partners.  

Getting Organized

106 backpacks filled and ready to distribute

Last week we collected our kids school supply list and looked at our donated inventory to see how we could help supply for the needs of our kids. We were able supply basic essentials for all of our kid, all 106 of them! Each child received a backpack, colored pencils, crayons, eraser, ruler, pencil sharpener,  2 notebooks, pencil, and pens. 

Walking Alongside

During our planning meetings we discussed the idea of creating a little more stability for our kids. Our kids experience so much change especially with people coming a going from their lives from parents, teachers, friends, and volunteers.  So this year we are staying with the kids that we tutored last year. 

This year I will tutoring 1st and 2nd  grade. A handful of my first graders didn't pass last year due to learning disabilities,  being absent during testing, and other circumstances that were out of their control. I will be tutoring 30 kids this year. I will be tutoring 2nd graders for an hour in the morning and 1st graders for an hour in the afternoon. 

Some of our 6th grade girls ready to head to school in the afternoon

Precious kids that are so grateful!

Fingerprints of God: Ricci and Jason

Ricci playing with the foam puzzle 

Jason and Mely (staff member of CNI) at the Christmas party

God's Fingerprints: Ricci and Jason

Two weeks ago today Ricci and Jason came up to me and said "Adios" (Goodbye).  I immediately looked at them both and asked why did you just say "Adios", culturally you do not say goodbye you say I will see you later. They told me their mom's boyfriend was here to take them to another city to go and live there. They aren't sure when they are going to return.  Their mom left last September to live in this other city. Jason and Ricci have been living with other family members here over these last 5 months. 

These two kids are so strong. Life has not been easy, especially over these last 5 months since their mom left. Jason and Ricci both are very mature for their age because they have had to be very responsible. Ricci, like many of the girls at CNI, cooked for her and Jason. Jason is the protector of his family.  They both attended the church here and the church family has provided so much for these kids.

One of the things I liked to watch was Jason play soccer. On the soccer court his walls came down and he could be a kid even if it was just for a few moments. Another thing he enjoyed doing was coming up behind the staff and covering our eyes and making us guess who it was.  

Ricci is so sweet and she watched out for the younger kids. One day when I was watching the kids on the playground she took the initiate to push some of our younger kids on the swings.  In September while a medical missionary was here she taught Zumba classes. For a while Ricci joined us because she had to wait for Jason to finish school so they could walk home together. Her laughter was contagious. One time after a hard workout the next day she said her back hurt a little and that she felt like a old lady. Then she pointed to me and said, "just like you!"

I thank the Lord for the time he has allowed for me to get to know two of His precious kids. I pray for their safety, protection, and health. I am thankful that they are able to be with their mom now and play with their two younger siblings. I know the Lord has a perfect plan for their lives and He will take care of them, which brings me peace and comfort.

Picture from my time in New York at Rice to Riches restaurant.