res-o-lu-tion

                        A course of action determined or decided on.   

Thousands of people each year ring in the New Year with promises to be better.  Vows to diet, learn something new, increase savings, and exercise more are among the most common.  On the eve of 2014, promises seem to have moved away from the ideology of self-improve to self-indulge with pledges ranging from wearing snap black hats to no flaming Cheetos for breakfast.  Research studies report that four out of five people will make New Year’s resolutions and nearly one-third will break them by January.  Why are resolutions so quickly abandoned?  Is will power weak or dedication insincere?  Perhaps few resolutions are kept because they are promises flawed in nature.

New Year’s resolutions tend to be created on the foundation of self-centeredness driven by what people desire and can be void of substance.  Resolutions that are lasting would require an element that would ensure longevity through an eminent impact on life, an element based on a spiritual aspect with a plan to solidify the resolution into daily living.  It is only through Christ all things can be done.  Psalm 37:4 states:

“Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.”

Delighting one’s self in the Lord means that we find great pleasure in our relationship with Christ.   The desires of our heart should be His will in every aspect of our lives.  The Lord’s giving to us according to His will becomes a magnificent blessing to those who find joy in Him.  Lining up our goals and aspirations based on His way and His plan result in achieved New Year resolutions.  

Here are some examples of New Year’s resolutions that could not only be achieved, but be a focus for us to be closer to the Jesus.

Develop a prayer lifestyle- Prayer, our lifeline, allows us to commune with God, drawing us close to Him for comfort, healing and guidance as we talk and listen to Him.  There are many guides posted to nurture a prayer life; however, the most valuable teaching is from Christ Himself.  The Lord’s Prayer directs us to give glory, honor and praise to God, acknowledging His Sovereignty over Heaven and earth.   It seeks petition for His provision, protection and forgiveness.  It affirms we are to forgive and reaffirms God’s power. 

Read the entire bible- Grow in your understanding by knowing God’s truth.  There are many resources to help plan out the readings.  Purchase a hard copy of the One Year Bible or bookmark it online.   Sign up for daily readings sent via email.

Join a bible study- Deepen your personal readings by growing in knowledge of God’s word.  Contact churches for small group, monthly breakfasts for both men or women and weekly studies.  

Participate in a local mission’s ministry- Stretch your faith by serving others in need.  Jesus instructs us on how we are to care for others; feeding the poor, clothing the naked, and providing shelter for the homeless.  Food pantries are in need of non-perishable goods, homeless shelters are in need of funding, soup kitchens are in need of workers.   The elderly and disabled in residential care would be blessed by care packages and visitors and those choosing life for their unborn babies require assistance, equipment and guidance.

As we count down to 2014 let us consider resolutions that draw us closer to Christ, serve others and bring guidance to our own hearts, executing a plan to keep the resolutions alive.

To learn about resources to execute and maintain resolutions in 2014:

Daily Scripture Reading-

www.oneyearbibleonline.com

www.biblegateway.com/reading-plans/

Prayer-

http://www.str.org/articles/ten-tips-to-help-your-prayer-life#.UsM6Yrso7IU

http://teachustopray.org/how-we-pray/

Servitude-

http://www.threeoakscenter.org/programs.html

http://www.leahshousemd.org/

https://www.marylandsail.org/SailPDFLinks/SailPDFLinks.aspx?PDF=FPS_St_Marys_County

PRAY, CONSIDER, RECEIVE, SHARE 

     Please PRAY that the hearts of people turn towards Christ and be guided by the Holy Spirit.  The world has become more uncertain than ever.  Matthew 24:6 repeats the words of Christ that tells us in the end times we will hear talk of war and rumors of war.  He goes on to say that we are not to be troubled because these things must come to pass.  People go about their daily lives without assurance, searching for comfort in a world that cannot possibly provide it.  For those in Christ, our confidence comes from knowing God’s redemption plan restores us back to Him.  It is there we find ultimate peace in knowing Jesus brings salvation to all who will receive.   Jesus is the Way, the Truth and Life.  Only He can reconcile our hearts back to God.  Seek the Way.  Learn of Truth.  Choose Life.   Please PRAY that people develop a hunger and thirst to know more of Jesus.  Pray hearts open to hear the Good News of God's plan to reconcile all creation back to Him through His Son Jesus Christ.  Pray for spiritual growth with the people of America, that they embrace their faith in Jesus, fully trusting in Him.  May we all not just believe in Jesus, but believe Him.

     Please CONSIDER giving, through donations or  volunteer service locally within your own community, fulfilling the Great Commission through service to the poor and neglected people of our country and other regions worldwide. 

     RECEIVE the Lord's eternal blessing for your partnership in whichever manner He guides you in. 

    Please SHARE this blog with anyone you know who is interested in supporting and/or partnering in missions work, locally or globally. 

 

PRAYER REQUESTS

Our loved ones deployed overseas, those preparing for deployment and their families

Ministries working to alleviate poverty

People struggling to cope in unsettled times

People suffering with chronic illness

People healing from recent loss

Godly wisdom and boldness to make decisions based upon it

 

Charity

 

If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love,

I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 

If I have the gift of prophecy and know all mysteries, all knowledge,

if I have all faith so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.  

If I give all my possessions to feed the poor, and if I surrender my body to be burned, but do have not love, it profits me nothing.

 

Love is patient, love is kind. 
It is not jealous. 
Love does not brag and is not arrogant. 
It does not act unbecomingly, it does not seek its own. 
Love does not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered. 
 It does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth. 
Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
Love never fails.

 

1 Corinthians 13: 1-8 (paraphrase, my own)

 

Grading one of my 8^th grader’s written work, I pause as I reread her sentence.  Her efforts touch my heart as her growing knowledge of living out faith emerges.  Knowing she and I are working on a similar ministry project I decide to save the conversation for another time.  However, she’s anxiously awaiting feedback and noticing my pensive look she states in her rapid speech, “What?  I didn’t use the word correctly?”  Smiling, I answer her, “Grammatically?  No.  Conceptually? I absolutely understood what you meant!  We will talk about it later.”  Grinning, she returned to her desk.  It was clear she was proud of her work and she should be as she begins to experience the spiritual meaning of the word.

In this generation, “charities” abound.  A person of any age can save any species of animal, insect (preferably butterflies), atmosphere, or land mass and take up a fight to end an endless list of disorders and diseases.  People are moved to bring relief for disasters, famine or war.  While all these are admirable causes to take on, what generates the passion to advocate for these organizations?  Mankind has become extremely self-confident in his or her own ability to make things happen through knowledge, fame or finances.  Prestige, ambition and honor replace service and humility.  Glory, no longer lifted to God, is bestowed on the have’s in their self proclaimed superiority as they improve upon the inferior have not’s.  English lexicons define charity as an organization or volunteer giving, typically monetary, to help those in need.  It also is described as having a kindness and tolerance in judging others. 

The bible clearly defines charity not only as love, but outlines the evidence of such love.  A strong inference can be made implying if the passion that motivates you to act and respond as you do is not a result of love within you, those efforts are empty.  People can be intelligent and knowledgeable educating society, generous with finances or work to eradicate the most deadly diseases, but if the motive is not generated by love, it is just another worthy cause because charity is not what a person does, it is the fervor behind how a person lives out his or her life. 

Love, more than a strong feeling of affection originates from the author and finisher of our faith.  It emanates from God who desires for all His creation to live within such a wondrous love.  The very essence of our character, nature of emotional responses and how we conduct ourselves clearly define a choice of what reigns in our hearts.  Love seeks out to find the best when a person behaves at his or her worst.  Love forgives hurts that run through the inner recesses of our being.  Love rejoices over the blessings of others although we ourselves continue to struggle.   Most importantly, love resonates a compassion and mercy that otherwise would deem impossible. 

Later that day, I brought up to my student her sentence using the vocabulary word “charity”.  The conversation went something like this:

Me:                “I was thinking about your sentence.  What is charity?”

Student:       “Charity?  Well, charity is what we are doing for poor children.  We are giving gifts for Christmas, shoebox presents.” 

Me:                “Is it anything else?”

Student:       “It’s a donation.  You want to give it.”

Me:                “Why?”

Student:       “Why?  Because we love God and we love the children!”

Me:                “Exactly!  We do this because of the charity, the love in our hearts.”

Student:       “Charity and love are the same?”

Me:                “Yep.  The bible teaches us that charity, the love in our hearts is how we
                         are to live.”

Charity, in Greek, “agape”, in its best depiction is an unsurpassed love, a reflection of how Christ loves, moving us far beyond what we could humanly achieve in and of ourselves.  Charity as an act of benevolence has limits, charity as an expression generated from Godly love, knows no bounds.  It reaches deep, it spreads wide.  It frees captives bound in prisons of his or her making.  It is tolerant and respectful.  It extends grace, walks in patience and understanding, is unselfish and a reciprocal act between God and man, extended to others.  St. Augustine wrote "Charity is a virtue which, when our affections are perfectly ordered, unites us to God, for by it we love Him."  Our love towards God therefore allows us to truly love others.

When I meditate on 1 Corinthians I envision kneeling before my Lord on judgment day barely able to watch as He puts my deeds in the fire.  What will be the results regarding my life’s work?  How much of my charitable works will be purified to precious gems or reduced to wooden ash because I was not motivated by charity towards my fellow man?  Jesus warns to lay our treasures in Heaven.  I believe this means I must count the cost and decide Whom I will serve….ambition, goals, ego, self, riches, or my Lord Jesus Christ.  When He seeks me to pour out myself will I give all of what He asks?  Will a crown laden with gold and jewels be laid on my head or will I dejectedly gaze at the ash before me as a result of empty self-serving deeds?  Does it matter?  Charitable acts are a good thing!   While that is for each person to determine for themselves, yes, I believe it does.  What matters is the why?  As my student, in all her innocence shared, we do it out of love. God’s love for us and our love of Him which allows us to love others.  It is because of Him we are able to live out a life of charity.   

A small group of us packed 15 Christmas shoebox gifts last Saturday.  I know of other shoeboxes that were packed throughout the last few weeks by individual families as an introduction to their children on showing God’s love to other people.  It is a marvelous thing to put meaning behind giving, to give substance and eternal purpose to simple acts of kindness.  Millions of shoeboxes will be delivered across the globe to grateful children, toddler to teen.  However, the greatest joy will not be the presents filling the shoeboxes, but the Godly love expressed in the giving.  Love is the real gift and it will be etched inside hearts for a lifetime.

PRAY, CONSIDER, RECEIVE, SHARE 

     Please PRAY for the children who will be receiving Christmas shoebox gifts this season.  Pray that while the gifts bring a window of hope and joy to young lives struggling with persecution, famine, war and diseases the recipients of the shoebox gifts sense God's unconditional love for them.    All the children who receive Christmas shoeboxes will be invited to participate in the The Greatest Journey,  a bible study introducing the love of Christ to them.  Pray that they are able to hear the message of His plan of reconciliation of His creation back to Him through Jesus Christ.  Pray for the volunteers whom have been working all year processing shoebox gifts and will gather at the processing center in the upcoming weeks to prepare the boxes for shipping.  Lift up all those who will travel to and/or serve in over 65 countries delivering Christmas shoebox gifts and ministering to children that they remain safe, especially in the areas experiencing hostility towards followers of Christ.  The Lord has designated each gift for a special child, may it be a blessing to each and every one!

      Please CONSIDER giving, through donations or volunteer service, to Samaritan's Purse or any other faith based ministry living out the Great Commission to spread the gospel that Jesus is Lord.  No person is "called" to share their faith.  Believer's are commanded by Christ to share the message of hope in Him to all people.
      RECEIVE the Lord's eternal blessing for your partnership in whichever manner He guides you in. 
      Please SHARE this blog with anyone you know who is interested in supporting and/or partnering in missions work, locally or globally. 

PRAYER REQUESTS

The message of God's gift of His Son Jesus, to be focal this holiday season

Provision and shelter for children surviving in the midst of war

Children whose parents are incarcerated or unable to provide for them

Recipients of Christmas shoebox gifts

Continue to pray for the ministries of Samaritan's Heart, Vive Talamanca, Pearl Process and the La Carpio church in San Jose, Costa Rica 


TO LEARN MORE ABOUT

Samaritan's Purse
Go to:  http://www.samaritanspurse.org/

Operation Christmas Child
Go to:  http://www.samaritanspurse.org/what-we-do/operation-christmas-child/

To donate OM Costa Rica or a partner ministry of OM Costa Rica (English) -  

Go to:  https://my.omusa.org/page.aspx?pid=328

                    Note:  In the additional information comment box type: “Donation for OM Costa Rica                                                                                                                field #14500, specify the missionary, ministry project or sponsor a child/teen

 




 

 

Samaritan’s Purse: Operation Christmas Child

The Gift of a Shoebox

Over Thanksgiving holiday, “It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas” will have an entirely different connotation in America.  People will hustle and bustle in frenzied mad dashes to the best deals for the must have desired Christmas gifts.  I grin knowing my Christmas shopping will be completed.  Thanksgiving Day I will usher in the holiday season with a cup of hot cocoa, Miracle of 32^nd Street and recipes of sweet indulgences awaiting creation in the upcoming season.  Or is that the recipients in anticipation?  Having prayed over each heart filled shoebox and the child God will lead it to, I thank the Lord for giving me the means to send gifts to His precious children somewhere in the world.  Like a child in wonder of wrapped presents under the tree, I will anxiously await the email revealing the location my shoebox gifts are destined for.

 

 

I first learned of Operation Christmas Child five years ago I when I happen across an article sharing a remarkable story of inspiration.  Eight year old Evilyn Pinnow desired for a way to help the poor and had heard about Operation Christmas Child.  She began a shoebox club that today has over 80 children meeting monthly to fill shoeboxes.  The club has grown from the first one hundred boxes filling her parent's garage and now meets at her home church.  I cherished the thought of filling shoeboxes with gifts that would travel to a child around the world.  It has become a ministry for me, one I can work on year round, that I have long hoped to share with others. 

What a rewarding sense of holiday spirit gathering together to pack surprises, treats and supplies for children all over the world.  Children color beautiful pictures and write letters that introduce who they are, where they are from and end with precious wishes of good will.  One year I was astonished as my gifts were part of the first time delivery to children in Iran!  Several years ago I was shopping for a toy to place in each box and thought, “School supplies?  Who wants school supplies for Christmas?”  I was greatly humbled as I watched video clips from children whom just received their Christmas Shoebox.  Over and over again, joyful faces spoke with utmost appreciation for pencils, paper and reusable lunch bags, items I take for granted.  Needless to say, once the stores began the back to school sales and teacher appreciation week rolled around, I purchased and collected just about every school supply I could think of and was blessed with four solar calculators to include in the older children’s boxes!

 

 This year’s National Collection Week is November 18-25.  I so desire to extend an invitation to all interested in joining me at my home for “Good News, Great Joy” packing party.  I will be packing my shoeboxes Saturday November 16 beginning at 10 AM.  Anyone and everyone is invited to come over and join me as I listen to Christmas music, craft cards, write letters, enjoy tasty treats and pack shoeboxes full of fun and needed gifts.   Bring a favorite snack to share, Christmas CD, shoeboxes and all your items to pack.  I will also have a table set up with many supplies for children to write letters or make Christmas cards to include in to shoeboxes.  You can also include a photo of your family and provide an address.  The child receiving your gift may write back to you.  If you’ve never filled shoeboxes, to get started, decide on whether you want to fill a shoebox for a girl or boy and then choose an age category:

 

2 – 4 years              5 – 9 years               10 – 14 years

 
Here are a few suggested items:

            Toys:  stuffed animals, cars and trucks, dolls, yo-yo’s, harmonicas, jump ropes, blocks, balls, travel size magna doodle or etch-a-sketch, slinky

            School Supplies: solar calculators, pens, pencils and sharpener, markers, writing pads of paper, crayons, drawstring fabric backpack, ruler, protractor, reusable lunch bag

            Hygiene Items:  toothbrushes, mild bar soap (in a plastic bag), comb/brush, washcloth, toothpaste, tissues 

(Dentists are great resources and very willing to donate toothbrush/toothpaste!) 

            Other:  socks, ball caps, sunglasses, hair clips, toy jewelry, watches, flashlights (with extra batteries), books, coloring books, hard candy/gum (must be in original package and doubled bagged in Ziploc).

Note: No war related toys, politically themed items, used items, chocolate or out of date candy, liquids or lotions, medication or vitamins, aerosol, breakable items or glass.

Target sells standard plastic shoeboxes for under $1.  This becomes a gift in itself as the child will have something durable to keep his or her treasures in or use for storage.

If you are unable to join us I will collect items to fill shoeboxes or filled shoeboxes and transport them to a local drop-off location.  Use the link below under "To Learn More About" to make your donation for shipping and to print labels identifying the gender and age group appropriate for the gift.   If you would like to sponsor shoebox(es), it costs $7 to ship an individual box.  If you made your donation online you will receive an email sharing the destination of your sponsored box.  Just download the label and send it in an email attachment to be printed and placed in your sponsored shoebox(es).
 

You can also create a shoebox as a family or have your own packing party!  It is a great deal of fun and wonderful reminder Christmas is about giving and God's greatest gift of all!

PRAY, CONSIDER, RECEIVE, SHARE 

    Please PRAY for children in situations with nothing to call their own, who have little to take their minds off the poverty, disease, famine and/or war surrounding them with the absence of reminders they are loved.  Children like Alex Nsengimana of Rwanda who received his first shoebox in an orphanage after the horrific genocide in 1994.  Recipients of Christmas shoeboxes have the opportunity to participate in the follow-up program, The Greatest Journey, partnered through Operation Christmas Child with their local church.  Alex like hundreds of other children found hope in Jesus Christ through a Christmas shoebox gift and Christ Himself through The Greatest Journey.  As Operation Christmas Child marks its 20^th anniversary stories like Alex’s can be heard world-wide.  Chronicles of how an unadorned shoebox gift touched their lives and as adults the joy they now experience as pastors or missionaries, often in their own villages, when they pass out Christmas shoeboxes to the next generation or teach The Greatest Journey program.  PRAY for the children who will be receiving Christmas shoebox gifts this season.  That each gift ministers to each specific child and brings a lasting sense of hope and God’s love for them.  People need Jesus to guide them to a loving God who is the only One who can protect the essence of self, their soul.  Jesus is the Way, the Truth and Life.  Only He can reconcile our hearts back to God.  Seek the Way.  Learn of Truth.  Choose Life.  May we all not just believe in Jesus, but believe Him.  Please PRAY for those delivering Christmas shoeboxes through the underground churches, regions where believers are being persecuted and areas of war.   

     Please CONSIDER giving, through donations, packing a shoebox or volunteer service, to Operation Christmas Child and/or locally within your own community programs providing Christmas gifts and hope to children of our military, those with incarcerated parents or are homeless.  Guidance Counselors, social workers, etc. often have names of children and teens you can sponsor for the Christmas holiday.  Below are links to websites where you can learn more about Samaritan’s Purse’s Operation Christmas Child.

     RECEIVE the Lord's eternal blessing for your partnership in whichever manner He guides you in. 

     Please SHARE this blog with anyone you know who is interested in supporting and/or partnering in missions work, locally or globally. 


PRAYER REQUESTS

Children surviving in the midst of war

Children displaced in homeless shelters, missions or orphaned

Children whose parents are incarcerated or unable to provide for them

Recipients of Christmas shoebox gifts

The message of Christ’s birth be focal this holiday season

Continue to pray for the ministries of Samaritan's Heart, Vive Talamanca, Pearl Process and the La Carpio church in San Jose, Costa Rica  (see previous blogs August-October)



TO WATCH A STORY OF REDEMPTION THROUGH A SHOEBOX

A Gift for Prakash
Go to:  http://www.samaritanspurse.org/article/a-gift-for-prakash/

The Hands of the Toymaker
Go to:  http://www.samaritanspurse.org/article/the-hands-of-the-toymaker/

A Gift of Forgiveness in Rwanda
Go to:  http://www.samaritanspurse.org/operation-christmas-child/alex-story/


TO LEARN MORE ABOUT

Samaritan's Purse
Go to:  http://www.samaritanspurse.org/

Operation Christmas Child
Go to:  http://www.samaritanspurse.org/what-we-do/operation-christmas-child/

To donate OM Costa Rica or a partner ministry of OM Costa Rica (English) -  

Go to:  https://my.omusa.org/page.aspx?pid=328

             Note:  In the additional information comment box type: “Donation for OM Costa Rica                                                                                               field #14500, specify the missionary, ministry project or sponsor child

  

 

En Route

August 10, 2013: Day Eight

Saturday.  Already?  The week went by so quickly!  Having packed the previous evening, I sought as much time outside enjoying the sun rise over the city.  A new school year will begin in five days not leaving much time for reflection.  As I get situated at “my” stone table and stool it dawns on me I am weighted by as much trepidation preparing to come one week ago.  I’ve experienced much in the last five months.  I pray those lessons help me gain insight and deepen my faith in the Lord and His purpose for my life.

 

We spent our last morning with the Paniagua’s enjoying breakfast at a local eatery.  The morning was a bit chilly, yet pleasant at the outdoor seating once in the sun.  We were blessed with weather akin to Maryland of recent weeks, considering it was the rainy season; but, as a cold front moved in after Tuesday’s storm, temperatures dropped the last few days.   After saying goodbye to Alex, Julie and their girls we were off on a short ride to the airport.  I felt myself memorizing the route, imprinting buildings, statues and surrounding mountains into my mind in an attempt to soak up what final pieces of Costa Rica I could grasp.  The anticipated question “Jesus, are you sending me back to this place?” danced around my head in a dare to be spoken out loud, if even just a whisper.

 

Once the journey home was a reality I settled in to view landscape new to me.  Tracking the flight I realized at one point we were over Cuba.  Suddenly, I wasn’t so comfortable about flying!  I’ve never flown over the Caribbean nor have I been.  Seeing breathtaking hues of the water along island shores moving out into the Sea captivated my attention.  Never would I fully have believed the wonder of turquoise colors in the water had I not seen it for myself.   Shades of green mixed with a mysterious blue at the depths create a surreal appearance. 

 

One flight attendant I found quite amusing as she stumbled in her dispensing of information.  On several occasions I was caught observing her during her blunders.  Giving me a raised brow I smiled back raising my own brow which made her laugh.  Three hours into the flight I got up to use the restroom, something I adamantly try to avoid, and ended up in a lengthy conversation with this particular flight attendant.  Waiting for my turn I asked if she felt different in the air than on land when pregnant.  She was 6 months pregnant with her fourth and possessed a quick wit and Bronx-like façade.  At one point, we both jumped up on the soapbox regarding education and also shared a bit of fun that definitely helped pass time.  After three boys, whom it was apparent she adored, she was hoping God would bless her with a girl.  She explained how she was carrying this child differently and how differently she felt in general, more exhausted and forgetful, which I bit my lip and we both burst out laughing given her current difficulty with in flight speeches.   I had the privilege to briefly pray for her, the baby and her family, promising to keep her in my prayers especially in the upcoming months.

 

The team met a week later and in that time it was decided each person would share a specific portion of the week and photos correlating would be shown to the congregation.  As I prayed about this, it seemed indispensable to share the spiritual aspects in relation to the One guiding, healing, providing and comforting.   Works of service tend to focus on the circumstances, make contrasting comparisons and what those who have did about it.  I felt enticed to give testimony of what Christ did through us.   I wanted to communicate the relational part of ministry and reiterate God’s Word is true and alive and the source of strength for the weak, the weary and oppressed.  That through Christ an unexplainable joy exists where happiness flees in any given moment.  I’ll close with my précis, highlights that I hope reflect the heart of my week, on the Costa Rica mission’s trip:

“Watching the Lord bring Scripture to life impacts me the most when serving Christ and other people; however, never before as literal and vivid as my week in Costa Rica.  Sharing with Roshani, the lead missionary for Talamanca, she too experienced that same sense of elation.  We were able to be used as vessels to God fulfilling His own Word!  What a joy and honor.  The bible states He “will lift us up from the miry clay and place our footing on a sure foundation.”  We tend to think if these images metaphorically.  However, God’s words flow deeper than metaphor.  Before our eyes, God lifted a family from a sinking, slippery muddy foundation and placed them on a solid firm wood foundation. 

             The Bible states God will “make beauty of ashes”, turn our “mourning into joy” and outlines what a Godly woman entails.  We met women who have been destitute, abused, without known traits or skills.  Unknown to them, but Jesus knew.  He used their pain and hardships to strengthen them, transforming the women into Proverbs 31 women full of self-esteem, growing in knowledge of Him as He develops hidden talents and gifts that can be utilized so they can provide for themselves and their loved ones.  

             Jesus spoke of caring for the widows and orphans, meeting the needs of the poor so no one goes without.  He told the woman at the well He could give her drink where she would thirst no more and fed multitudes bread from Heaven.  We worked alongside a street ministry feeding the stomachs and souls of homeless men and women bound by additions to drugs and alcohol.  One evening of being a reflection of the Lord’s Light might have been the only act of kindness those men and woman had all week.  Showing Christ to those lost in their pain and suffering strikes a cord within guarded hearts that can resonate with peace God desires for His creation.

             The Bible shows of people in the early church selling all their possessions to follow Him.  We broke bread and worked alongside a family who left a comfortable middle class lifestyle in Costa Rica and walked away from the potential for a well paid profession in order to move into the slums and serve their people, bringing nothing but the love of Christ with them.  Trusting God to make a way, living solely by faith, because if you believe, the Lord can make a way where there is no way.  I know He can, I am assured He will because I’ve seen it. 

             The Bible speaks of God revealing Himself to the heart of people.  We fellowshipped, lifting up the name of Jesus in worship and praise, song and testimony, in the home of a prominent leader of the Talamanca community who recently came to Christ, along with his wife, and dedicated his home to the Lord. 

             His Word instructs us to pray without ceasing.   Family members testified of answered prayer as their adult children and grandchildren came to Christ while others regained hope to continue and believe in the same prayer for their own.   The Bible documents people delivered from the control of satan at the command of Jesus Christ.  We met young people bound by the hand of satanic forces in a newly saved family praying they be set free from any satanic attack.  Prayers for healing, salvation in Christ, growth in Christ and deliverance abound. 

             God’s word comforts us through countless acts of grace and unexplainable miracles.  Through prayerful hands in the name of Jesus and by faith people were healed, experienced restored energy and found peace in a time of confusion.  Glory to God was lifted when stories of deteriorating eyesight of blurred vision but amazing clarity when reading His Word were shared.  God is moving all around us.  People question the relevance of the Bible today.  The Bible is timeless and alive everywhere we dare to look.” 

PRAY, CONSIDER, RECEIVE, SHARE 

     Please PRAY for people.   No person needs the abundance of religions instituted through the eras.   Religion, a temporary organization made by people, for people, tends to focus on the ability of man and prays for what we want or think we need when the greatest need people have is reconciliation of the heart.  While religion satisfies the human need to have something to believe in, faith,  initiated from the power of God, nourishes the soul.  People need their Creator, the great I AM.  People need God's Son, our guide to a loving God who ultimately is the only One who can protect the essence of self, our soul.  Jesus is the Way, the Truth and Life.  Only Christ can reconcile our hearts back to God.   That is the purpose of why He came to earth and that proclamation is the premises of faith in Him.  Seek the Way.  Learn of Truth.  Choose Life.  Please PRAY for the work being accomplished worldwide through men, women, youth and children.  That God would honor and bless the efforts of missionaries, pastors of local churches, mission ministries and their volunteers.  Pray for those who support God’s work through resources, time, skills and/or finances.  Pray hearts open to hear the Good News of God's plan to reconcile all creation back to Him through His Son Jesus Christ.  Pray for spiritual growth with the people living in remote areas where hearing God's word or fellowship with other believers is difficult or illegal, that they embrace their faith in Jesus, fully trusting in Him.  May we all not just believe in Jesus, but believe Him.

     Please CONSIDER giving, through donations or volunteer service to Christ-honoring ministries and/or locally within your own community.  Below are specific prayer requests to sponsor teens and projects, as well as links to websites where you can learn more about Operation Mobilization as they move to fulfill the Great Commission through service to the poor, neglected and hurting people of Costa Rica as well as other regions worldwide.

     RECEIVE the Lord's eternal blessing for your partnership in whichever manner He guides you in. 

    Please SHARE this blog with anyone you know who is interested in supporting and/or partnering in missions work, locally or globally. 

PRAYER REQUESTS (Regional)
 
Men and women, active duty and reserve, deployed or preparing to be deployed.  Pray for
                 protection and safe return, body, mind and soul. 

                 Catherine and Noel, Christ goes with you, as does my love...
 
Government workers impacted by this politically self-centered shut-down and it's rippling
                 affect. 
 
People who are suffering from illnesses, chronic pain, financial difficulty and/or emotional
                 struggles from day to day.
 
Families who have been recently impacted by flooding, tornadoes and heavy snow storms.
 
Families and friends grieving the lost of loved ones.

 

PRAYER REQUESTS (Costa Rica)

Antonio, 13 years old and unable to attend school.  Requires sponsor $150, one time gift to 

                 provide uniform and materials for school.

Jerry, 14 homeless boy taken in by member of congregation who struggles providing for

                  own family.  Requires sponsor $150, one time gift to provide uniform and

                  materials for school.

Dia del Saber (Day of Flavor), all day Saturday program for the children of La Carpio

                 who receive a nutritious breakfast and lunch, recreation activities where the   
                 children learn to socialize and relate to one another without violence in thematic   

                 workshops.  Requires $500 a month to run the program for 15 children.

 The ministry in La Carpio, funding to complete the facility in order to minister to the
                 the people, providing meals, services, etc.  The construction of the facility also
                 provides employment for those hired to complete specific tasks.

Facility in Talamanca, funding to complete construction and provide employment to
                 workers able to complete specific tasks.

Talamanca Community,  funding to complete Angela's home and provision for homes of
                 people.

                 Funding so the children and youth can attend school with required uniforms and
                 supplies.

                 Funding to complete water filtration system.

Pearl Process, increase of orders to promote the mosaics business in order to continually
                 provide employment for the women of San Jose.

OM Costa Rica Missionaries, Roshani Morton, Gissenia Jimenez Quiros, Alex and Julie  
                 Paniaqua, and Raquel Lopez

 

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT

Operation Mobilization (OM) –

Go to:  omusa.org

OM Costa Rica (Spanish, Chrome translates to English) –

Go to:  http://www.omcostarica.org/spa/

To donate OM Costa Rica or a partner ministry of OM Costa Rica (English) -  

Go to:  https://my.omusa.org/page.aspx?pid=328

             Note:  In the additional information comment box type: “Donation for OM Costa Rica                                                                                               field #14500, specify the missionary, ministry project or sponsor child