Inspiring Others

25 Apr Inspiring Others

In a city that is filled with violence, darkness, negativity and little hope, we are called to be light and salt of this world.  It’s hard some days, but there is such joy seeing God use His people, especially his youth, to break through the darkness.  It has been amazing to see our youth from the Bordos motivated and encouraged by the Lord.  They have a new passion to learn, seeking guidance and tutoring after youth group every Friday.  They have become hard workers and have let God changed their attitudes.  And they are serving their community, setting an example and inspiring others in the community.  I really can’t describe how proud I am of them!

I am excited to give a quick update on our youth discipleship group and some of the ministry in Honduras!

First, we have been challenging our boys to actively preach and teach the Word of God.  It’s a big challenge, and a bit uncomfortable, for the boys to speak in front of each other, but God has been providing for them and they know it!  Having the boys speak out their faith has led to tremendous spiritual growth in several of their lives.  We have also started providing guitar lessons to a handful of the boys who want to help lead worship.  Justin Ross has thankfully agreed to help teach and we are going to host a small class each Monday night.  Tonight is our first lesson, so please pray for the boys wanting to learn!

Our soccer ministry has also had some exciting developments.  Coach Don Ruben has been doing an awesome job leading and many of the boys not only look to him as a coach, but as someone they trust!  We have now formed two teams, broken down by age, who have recently joined a small league of semi-professional teams.  It has been encouraging to watch the boys compete and while we may have lost 3 out of 4 games, the boys recognize they are playing better teams and it has pushed them to improve.  BUT, the most encouraging thing has been the comments we have received from other coaches.   Opposing coaches have noted how hard our boys work and have been surprised by their discipline. For us, that is a win

Reynaldo

Our ministry at Ministerio Vida continues to progress.  We have partnered with a young man named Jonathan Jarman, who is from Virginia and is starting a welding project.  Jonathan is going host classes on welding and several of the men are excited to learn.  In the carpentry workshop, we continue to see lives changed.  We have given praise recently as our lead carpenter, Reynaldo, saw God restore his relationship with his young son.  God has opened doors and Reynaldo has had an opportunity to spend four days a week as a Dad!

When I see and watch all that is happening in and through our city, I get so inspired and it is very overwhelming and humbling.  It leads me to the following verse

In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.   – Matthew 5:16

God continues to encourage me that our light can inspire others.  I pray God will use the boys in the Bordos or the men of Vida as light in a dark city.  I pray their lives, attitudes, and hearts are so different that others are asking, “What is it in that person that is so inspiring?”  My prayer is that those in the dark will not just see our good deeds or service.  I pray they see God living in our lives and realize that it isn’t us, but Him working and shining through us.  He is our inspiration!

Thanks for walking next to us and being part of this awesome journey.  Your prayers and encouragement is felt and needed on a daily basis!

God Bless, Cris