It's Sunday!

OASIS DE AMOR

The rain poured as we loaded into the bus to drive to the church this morning. Anticipation was in the air, as this would be our first time really rubbing shoulders with the precious people of Honduras. The building was very open and although simply constructed of tin, wood and cement, it was decorated with beautiful plants, flowers and materials - very fitting for a church called "Oasis de Amor," an oasis of love! Pastora Glenda was welcoming and vibrant and she and the other leaders expressed their open hearts and arms to us. The people were warm, inviting and eager to hear the message on being found and made whole by Jesus. The team told me afterwards that many Hondurans were taking notes while I preached with the interpreter, eager to grow and learn. The response time at the end of the message was beautiful! The team prayed over people as they expressed through a physical sign the area in which they needed a touch from God (spirit, emotions, mind, body, possessions). The power of God was strong, the people were open to His Spirit, and we witnessed many encounters with Jesus.

CASA DE NINOS

This afternoon we returned to the children's home that we had toured yesterday, this time ready to serve and love the kids. At first glance, the children seemed like ordinary kids - playing and interacting as we we ran games, painted faces, and held contests. Yet behind their sweet brown eyes, each has a story:

*A young teen boy who came to the casa because his mother had been stabbed by a gang. At 5 years old, he threw himself in front of his little sister to be stabbed repeatedly in her place.

*A fifteen year old with a 3 yr. old nino, the result of being raped by her sister's husband.

*A boy who came to the casa in witness protection because he was a witness to a priest raping a boy.

And dozens of others whose situations placed them at high risk and in great need of a safe place to be loved and to heal.

The miracle is that each child will not be defined by his or her trauma. They have received love, healing, the truth of the Word, and practical skills for life.The kids were eager to hug, play, talk, laugh, and learn with us. Jenn's illustrated gospel message was clearly received, and we trust they were encouraged through our fun with them. We can't wait to show you the pictures so you can see the visible restoration that comes through Jesus!

ORA PARA NOSOTROS EN LUNES (Pray for us on Monday)

*Kelly, Kathi, Eve - sharing testimonies with teen moms and babies

*Kristin - giving a message to the ladies in rehabilitation, the staff, and the teen moms

*AJ - mapping out plans and purchasing supplies to build desks for the school

*The rest of the team: serving, painting, loving, helping as needed

con el amor de Dios

Pastora Abi :)