Childlike Faith...

"The Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them and said, assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.  Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven" (Matt 18:2-4). For those of you who are parents, has the Lord ever taught you a lesson or revealed things to you through your kids?  That seems to happen more and more for me...the Lord revealing spiritual truths through my precious Ayantu Faith.  One of those times happened the other day as Ayantu accompanied me on some errands.  She loves going places with me when she can, and this time it was to the hardware store and then to pick up the workers.  It had been a bit of a stressful week.  I was sick for 3 days with the chills and fever and had to stay in bed for a few days, which drove me crazy...ha!  I had also been feeling discouraged and overwhelmed with the building project, and needed some time to clear my head.  So, as we were driving, I began talking to my daughter, who was sitting in the passenger seat (only in Mexico), as if she was my age.  "Antu, daddy's stressed and overwhelmed"...she responded, "how come daddy?" and then I began to pour my heart out to her on the road.  There we were, the two of us, a 32 year old dad laying it out there for his 2 year old daughter.  When I got to the part about money, and stressing out over how much this project is costing, how are we going to get the money, etc....she responded, "Jesus."  I  asked her again what she said and she said "Jesus, daddy"  

That's when it hit me and the lesson came...as I'm looking at my 2 year old sitting next to me.  I saw that "childlike faith" that the bible speaks about and that I desire so badly.  Antu doesn't have a care in the world other then a few basics, her blankie, buzz and woody figurines, packa (Dora backpack), and Jack (her cousin). She feels loved, nurtured, protected and provided for by her mommy and daddy.

Saints, isn't it the same for us with our Heavenly Father?  The one who wants to love, nurture, protect and provide for us every single day?

"Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns;  yet your heavenly Father feeds them.  Are you not of more value than they? (Matt 6:26).

I am praying all the more for that kind of faith I saw that day in Antu...I want to be able to sit, be still, and know that He is God.  I want to remember that He has all things in control and all He asks is for us to simply NOT WORRY and to seek Him first!

I stumbled upon this picture of the first time I ever met and held my daughter.  That was almost 2 years ago (O gracious she's growing up fast).  The same God who orchestrated that special night, her adoption and EVERY detail that came with it, is the same "yesterday, today and forever.". There is not one aspect of this building project, orphanage or us living down here, that He has not thought of NOR is unaware of.  It all rests in His wonderful, perfect plan! Thank you Lord and Ayantu for this wonderful lesson!

"SHOW me Your ways, O Lord; TEACH me Your paths, LEAD me in Your truth and teach me" (Psalm 25:4-5).

Walls are finished...

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!

Faith In God...

"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."