How Great Thou Art...

We had a wonderful and powerful service at church yesterday.  Now that our trip to Creel has taken place, we felt it was time to reveal the whole amazing story about the orphanage..and ALL that God has and is doing.  The church knew a little about what was going on, but not the full details of the orphans in Creel and relocating them. Our service started out as usual with a wonderful time of worship.  For me personally, this time was extra special as I sat there holding my precious Ayantu on my lap.  She was clinging to her daddy and it was one of those incredible moments as a parent.  And then...we came to the song that stirred my heart tremendously, How Great Thou Art.  As the church sang from the bottom of their hearts, how great their God is...I was moved to tears.  I've song this song a thousand times before, but in that moment, as I held my daughter, who once was an orphan, abandoned naked in a road 2 days after being born, my heart was overwhelmed...How Great Thou Art.  And here I am now, about to share with this wonderful church in Bachiniva Mexico, that God is opening the doors for us to build an orphanage...and begin to care and minister to children in need...How Great Thou Art.  After Pastor Luis and I shared, we showed a number of pictures of our trip to Creel, the children at the orphanage and the building project.  After it was over the church began to applaud and thank God.  Pastor Luis shared that there are multiple opportunities for the entire church to get involved in this adventure.  The response thus far has been wonderful.  One gentleman came up and said "I'd like to donate 1 1/2 bags of cement from my house."  Others began to put money in a little box that the youth made, for donations to buy block.  160 pesos was given, which will buy 16 blocks.  Some may think that is small in light of the 8,000 blocks we need to buy.  HOWEVER...remember what Jesus said in the gospel of Mark...

"...De cierto os digo que esta viuda pobre echo mas que todos los que han echado en el arca; porque todos han echado de lo que les sobra; pero esta, de su pobreza echo todo lo que tenia, todo su sustento" (Marcos 13:44).

"...assuredly, I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all those who have given to the treasury; for they all put in out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in ALL that she had, her whole livelihood" (Mark 13:44).

Seeing and hearing this scripture being fulfilled was absolutely beautiful.  Others offered their help through working and cooking for the workers on Saturdays.  I can't wait to see how the body of Christ here, continues to rally together for the work of the Kingdom.

One of the other highlights of yesterday was a wonderful answer to your prayers and ours.  Pastor Luis gave the gospel message at the end of the service and a chance for people to put their faith and trust in Jesus.  A number of people raised their hands, INCLUDING, Eloy, one of our workers.  When I heard that after service, I wanted to leap for joy.  This man has been on my heart ever since the first time I met him...and we have been praying constantly for him to surrender to Jesus...How Great Thou Art!

Please pray for other workers who don't the Lord.  Florentino in particular...who has yet to come to church, nor, has really heard about Jesus.  We are praying that every morning as we pray and read a little from the Word as a team...seeds will be planted and watered and his heart would be forever changed!

One more thought I'd like to share with you all...regarding worship.  It is so easy to slip into complacency when it comes to worship.  Sometimes we get tired of certain songs, don't feel like singing...or we just aren't "moved" by worship.  May I encourage you in something.  The next time you worship...try reading and actually "thinking" about the very words you are singing.  Don't view it as just another song to sing...but words to minister to your soul.  That is what made worship so sweet on Sunday, especially, How Great Thou Art!

O Lord my God, when I in awesome wonder, consider all the worlds Thy hands have made.   I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder, Thy power throughout the universe displayed.

And when I think, that God His Son not sparing, sent Him to die, I scare can take it in.  That on the cross, my burden gladly bearing, He bled and died to take away my sin.

When Christ shall come, with shouts of acclamation, and take me home, what joy shall fill my heart.  Then I shall bow, in humble adoration, and there proclaim, my God How great Thou art!

Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee...how great Thou art, how great Thou art.  Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee...how great Thou art, how great Thou art!