Friday, July 23, 2010

Have No Fear

“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)

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!

The teens and I have started an inductive Bible study of Psalm 1 on Saturday afternoons. We had a great time of interaction and encouragement. Pray for these young people that they will truly understand God’s word and choose “to meditate on it day and night.”


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, has joined us for the week (prayerfully longer). The Ranch has definitely stretched him out of his comfort zone. His help around the Ranch is a huge encouragement. Please pray for his time in Honduras; that the Lord will give him strength, endurance and direction for his future. UPDATE Tyler misses his friends and family but completed his second week at the Ranch! Looks like he´ll be with us 2 more weeks. What a blessing, thanks Tyler.

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:

Spanish literacy class begins this week. Please pray for a good turn out and for Miriam, a teen who is teaching the class.

Praise for God’s provision of two more guitars for our class.
Pray that God will bless our devotionals and teaching time.

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.

Our helper Jose Luciano pulled another no show all week. His help on the property is huge, BUT he needs to be here! Pray that I can have a good talk with him or that we find new help. UPDATE Jose returned to work all this week! Pray for his health, he struggles with some intestinal issues.

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.
We ate some bad food this week that put Tyler, Tabi and I out for a spell. Pray for God’s hand of protection as we mediate our way through a nation that has little sense of hygiene and cleanliness.

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!




1 comment:

Teacher Shirley said...

Hey Mare you look beautiful. The girls are gorgeus. Praise the Lord for all the things He still do for you everyday, may He blees all your effort. Good for Tyler. I am praying for you. Love, Shirley