We are excited to share that on Wednesday, we finished the outer walls of the orphanage building. GOD IS AMAZING. We are all astounded at what has been accomplished thus far...and can't wait to see Him finish the project!
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"For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day and having done all, to stand" (Ephesians 6:12-13). I wanted to take a moment to share with you about our trip to the Creel orphanage this past weekend. We were very excited and eager to meet and play with the children again. However, upon arriving to the orphanage, things did not go according to plan. We noticed there was something strange going on, especially as all of the children were asked to get onto the bus. We could tell that we weren't really welcomed there and the directors did not want us talking to or playing with the kids. Pastor Luis went into the house and met with them for about 30 minutes. It was during this time that he was informed that they will never let one child be removed from the grounds. The current directors basically said that what we are doing is illegal and they contacted the authorities and others to help them fight to keep the children. They will not submit to the wishes of their boss Ray Wilson, his board of directors or their organization, Black Buffalo Ministries. This obviously was heartbreaking to hear. Sadly, the focus has been shifted from what is best for the children, to what is best for the directors.
As we drove away from the orphanage, I began praying and asking the Lord what all this meant...and then...His peace which surpasses all understanding filled my heart. He reminded me that He is in control and will work ALL things out for good. I called Ray that night and shared what had happened. He of course was bummed as well, but hopeful knowing that our God is in control. All of us have been praying like crazy, waiting for the Lord to lead and direct our next step.
During this whole ordeal, the Lord has reminded me that we didn't move down here just for the kids in Creel...but to care for ANY and ALL orphans the Lord brings to us. God will be faithful to bring us orphans from wherever He chooses. He also reminded me of something I read, "faith in God includes faith in his timing." Both Ray, the Vargas', Jackie and I believe that God has something else for those orphans in Creel. I don't know when or how, but we are going to continue relying on the Lord and His timing.
Ray is talking with his organization as well as others to see what they can do in light of the situation. As for us, we will continue our course of building the orphanage and preparing for orphans to come into our care. God is doing something bigger and greater and we must not let the enemy discourage us when difficulties come about. If "pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble..." then you can believe there will be resistance from the enemy. But that which can give us peace and assurance at the end of the day is knowing that our God is able...He is on our side and will fight for us!
Please join us as we fervently pray for those children and the difficult situation!
"God is able, He will never fail, He is almighty God, greater than all we seek, greater than all we ask, He has done great things. God is with us, God is on our side, He will make a way, far above all we know, far above all we hope, He has done great things."
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"For the Lord will rise up as at Mount Perazim, He will be angry as in the Valley of Gibeon - that He may do His work, His awesome work, and bring to pass His act, His unusual act" (Isaiah 28:21). The latter part of this verse seems to describe best how this week went. I love how it says, "...His UNUSUAL act..." To me, that speaks of when the Lord does things that are hard to explain or grasp. At the beginning of this building project, we projected with a crew of 8, it would take 6-8 weeks to lay 8,000 blocks for the outer structure of the orphanage. Well, the Lord has done His awesome work...His unusual act. After only 2 weeks of working...we have about 1,200 blocks left to lay, which means we should be finished by end of next week. If that isn't "unusual" enough, our total count of blocks needed comes to 5,200 block, rather than 8,000.
Thank you Jesus that You do Your work, your AWESOME work. And when You do that awesome, unusual act, we can stand in awe, unable to explain the very hand of God at work!
Tomorrow after church, we will be heading back up to Creel for another visit to the orphanage. There is no school on Monday, so the entire Vargas family will be able to join us. We are greatly looking forward to a time of hanging out with the children, singing songs, playing games, cooking them food and loving on them. Please be praying for safe travels up there and our time with the kids! Looking forward to sharing more photos!
"O Lord, You are my God. I will exalt You , I will praise Your name, for You have done wonderful things; Your counsels of old are FAITHFULNESS and TRUTH" (Isaiah 25:1)
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