Wow…just experienced my first earthquake this a.m. The bed was shaking and I was thinking what the heck is going on? My roommate thought I was kicking his bed! It was quite the experience…according to the USGS it was 4.7 which is small…but man was it shaking our hotel. Now I can see how much power an 8.0 earthquake can have. Pretty Amazing!
Greetings from Managua! Today was a whirlwind of opportunity to see Compassion International at 1st hand. We started off going to the Compassion National headquarters…this was quite the experience. We were able to see firsthand all of the work and effort that goes into making sure that every child that is sponsored is receiving the correct funding and care that is expected. Integrity is vital to an operation like this. Let me tell you Compassion is very well oil machine that is full of integrity. When you send you monies to sponsor a child…it goes to the child! Here in Nicaragua there are over 33,000 children enrolled in Compassion Projects and 26,000 of them are sponsored. They project they will have close to 100,000 children in the next few years. The need is great!
In the afternoon, we went to a Baptist Church where they have a compassion project. All of Compassion ministries is fulfilled through the local church, which get the church involved in the day to day operations. It is amazing to see…how they interact with the children. They have daily classes and they sing and play together. The elementary children only go to school from 7a.m. – 12 p.m. They then are free to roam the streets, while the parents are working the rest of the day. Also, the school does not feed them…so this presents a crisis for families. This is where compassion thrives. The start the projects in the afternoon and feed the kids. The church funds quite of the cost and then Compassion sponsors fund the rest.
The children performed a few songs for us and then read scripture…amazing. By the way 250 kids set still and pay attention during the whole service. I think we have something to learn in America! The first day we got here…we were handed a Compassion Packet to see how it operates from the stand point of a sponsor. In this packet was a name of a child, their picture, and a little about them. The one I was given was a boy by the name of Randy. I looked at the surroundings of the picture and saw that it had distinct features. Well yesterday we were at the building with the distinct features…and I had the privilege of meeting Randy. Talk about a God moment…of course I could not help but say I would be his sponsor for $38 bucks a month. He is 6 years old and his father is the only one that works. He brings in $25.00 a month. Pretty stunning to think that Randy lives on dirt floors and may get one meal a day at the project.
All this to say this…God cares about the poor, the hungry, and the lost. The question is do I? Do you? We have it so easy in America! Church it is time to rise up and see us do what we are called to do…reach 'one more!' Forgive me for grammatical errors…in a hurry but wanted to post. Be Blessed and I look forward to today!
Scripture: Mark 16:8 8 The women fled from the tomb, trembling and bewildered, and they said nothing to anyone because they were too frightened.
Observation: So Jesus is resurrected they go to the tomb and meet an angel. This angel tells them that Jesus isn't there, showed them, and then told them to go to Galilee.
Application: I would be freaked out too. Everything that Jesus had been preparing for them was now happening right before their eyes. Not only are they morning the loss of Jesus but now they are bewildered by the events of the Resurrection. I think often this is a great place to be. That when God says he will do something and does it, we are stunned…that we can't even put into words what we are experiencing.
Prayer: God I pray that there are many more moments in my life that all I can do is watch you work! Yes it may frighten me, I may tremble and be bewildered…but I pray for more of those experiences. I want to see miracles done with the Resurrection power. Thank you for this portion of Scripture.
Good Morning! This morning we will head out into the city of Managua. It is a city of 1.8 million people, and poverty is that of Haiti. Managua is also known to be a rough city. In fact one of the travel guides simply said, "Watch Your Back!" So I am looking forward to going out into the city today.
Last night as I was flying over Central America, I couldn't help but notice the thousands of little towns throughout the region. I begin to think of how small we really are and how great our God is. The reason Jesus has not come back is because there are many of His people that have not been reached. I began to realize that there are more uttermost parts of the world besides Scottsbluff. My heart began to become heavy as I continued to see small town perhaps millions of unreached people. We got a job to do church!
This morning horns are honking and cars are jam packed on roads. We will be going to Compassion International home site here in Managua to meet pastors and children. It will be a good day. Pray that I will speak the words of the Holy Spirit…perhaps even some Spanish! By the way I am staying in a Hilton Hotel…and it is amazing. Doesn't feel like I am in a Third-World country right now, but that is all going to change in a few minutes!
Scripture: 11 But when you are arrested and stand trial, don't worry in advance about what to say. Just say what God tells you at that time, for it is not you who will be speaking, but the Holy Spirit.
Observation: Another teaching moment for the disciples. They were wondering what is going to happen when all the great buildings are going to be destroyed, which then prompted more questions in which Jesus answered all they had at that moment. Probably setting in amazement God make this statement, 'That you will be arrested and stand trial." And then he makes a statement…'Just say what God tells you to say!'
Application: You could almost see their faces when Jesus told them that they are going to be arrested and stand trial. I am sure many of them thought I am done; I am not following this guy anymore. But, he then follows it up with somewhat of a bold statement…at least for me I would be squirming. 'Just say what God tells you at that time, for it is not you who will be speaking, but the Holy Spirit.' I must never forget these words. There are times when I am not for sure how to respond or even begin to speak comforting words. But the Holy Spirit will speak through us.
Prayer: Father, I desire your words not my words all the time. Forgive me for being quick to speak, slow to listen. My desire is that I would hear you more and speak your words more. As I minister in Nicaragua today…give me your words. Help me say what you want to say…In Jesus Name! Amen
Scripture: Mark 11:3 If anyone asks, 'What are you doing?' just say, 'The Lord needs it and will return it soon.'"
Observation: As Jesus was approaching the Triumphal entry into Jerusalem, He sent two disciples ahead to get the donkey. The disciples were afraid of what the people would say when they took the donkeys. So they went and got the donkeys! I could only imagine what the Disciples were thinking! They are going to think we are stealing them, we could go to jail, they're going to take us out…you can almost hear them in their huddle discussing this! So they come back to Jesus…umm "what are we supposed to do if somebody ask?' Just tell em the Lord needs it!
Application: We often over analyze the situations that God puts us in. We weigh the pros and the cons and then make a decision. When in reality all we are doing is wasting time. I know for a fact that sometimes I just need to stand up and say…"The Lord needs it." And that's it! We must do what He says…that settles it. It may not make sense and others may think were crazy, but God is in control.
Prayer: Lord, may I have the courage and boldness to do what you say and not question, analyze, or stall. Just to do what you say! In Jesus Name…Amen!
Greetings from Houston! I am embarking on a 4 day mission's trip with Compassion International to Nicaragua. The Lord has repeatedly spoken to me about getting my passport and now I know why. About a month ago Compassion contacted me and asked if I would attend one of two mission trips they were offering. Of course was my response! I have been reading a book by Ed Stetzer called Transformational Churches. One of the chapters clearly defines that Missional Mindset has to be a key to a growing thriving church. We must care more about people than programs. And God began to stir in my heart that we must not only reach out to those in the valley but to those around the world. If we as Christians would continue to fulfill the Great Commission Matthew 28:19, we would understand that we are to go into the entire world. So I began to pray and ask God where he would have The Rock Church reach out into a third world country, wouldn't you know he is sending me to Nicaragua one month later! So I set in Houston waiting to board the plane…asking God for divine encounters and for clarity if this is where The Rock Church will do our part in fulfilling the great commission. Please pray with me that God will direct every step and conversation this week. I look forward to seeing you all very soon. I will continue to blog once a day so you can follow what is happening! Pastor T
