“Don’t be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot touch your soul. Fear only God, who can destroy both soul and body in hell.¨
Matthew 10:28 (NLT)
For God did not give us a spirit of timidity (of cowardice, of craven and cringing and fawning fear), but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control.
2 Timothy 1:7 (AMP)
For God did not give us a spirit of timidity (of cowardice, of craven and cringing and fawning fear), but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control.
2 Timothy 1:7 (AMP)
Last post I shared a story of a man who, possessed by alcohol and all the demonic forces that accompany booze, attacked the bus with harmless punches, slaps, kicks and curses. Though shocking, this event did not bring fear to me. Nonetheless, many regular attendees of our classes and/or service expressed great concern for my safety and my family. “Jon, you shouldn’t travel alone,” and “Jon, you shouldn’t come to this area again. It is too dangerous.”
Though their concern increased my own, every time I prayed about the situation, God gave me peace and several verses to confirm it. As Sunday approached my alarm rose, but once again I was relieved as I read the girls the story of David and Goliath from their Jesus book. “It isn’t how strong you are or how many swords and spears you have that will save you – it is God who saves you! This is God’s battle. And God always wins his battles!” (from The Jesus Storybook Bible by Sally Lloyd-Jones)
I opened the Sunday service with gratitude for the people’s concern, but told them that God had the situation in His hands. God cared for this man and desires his life to be changed and saved. It was a great time to share from His word the very verses that encouraged me.
Well the true test came when we approached the same stop where the “attack” happened the week before. Amidst a group of young men stood the man; he separated himself from the group and approached the bus. A part of me said, “Here we go again.” Yet, something was different. He motioned to roll down the window and then proceeded to apologize for his behavior the week before! (Yeah, go ahead and read that again). What a testimony to the power of God and of prayer! Now we need to see this man get saved!
Leslie (16) Emy (24)
Tania (15) Kevin (15)
Arturo (15)
Here are a few long awaited shots of Marillyn, the pregnant one:
Tyler, a young man from Texas,
Our residency application is almost complete. Please continue to pray that we would be granted a full year of temporary residency. (Once the baby is born in December, we will be able to apply of permanent residency). I wanted to share a few of the shots that DID NOT make it for our Honduras ID card:
Other requests:
Praise for God’s provision of two more guitars for our class.
Continue to pray for God’s provision for the completion of the construction of our home. Our goal, Lord willing, is to begin again in August.
Internet hasn’t arrived yet; pray that it comes soon. It serves as an important tool for ministry and communication with our support team.
Mare’s pregnancy is going well. Pray that we locate a mid-wife soon. We’ve spoken to one, but haven’t met yet.
Health is a constant battle.
Overall we are well. Life is very challenging at the Ranch, but every day we are encouraged in the Word and excited about what is happening and what, one day, will be. Thanks for your prayers and notes of encouragement!