I love serving in the mission field! It's incredibly rewarding to be used by God to accomplish His will. However, it's the way He uses my daily experiences to allow me to better understand His truth that causes me to cherish my calling.
One of my latest revelations is how completely dependent on God I really am. I suppose some of you may be thinking that's an obvious theological truth, and it shouldn't have taken two years in the foreign mission field to discover. Sadly, for me that is exactly what it has taken. Prior to our move to Costa Rica I would have agreed that I was dependent on God, but it surely wasn't something that was lived out everyday.
I think the primary reasons it wasn't lived it out everyday, is that I had structured my life in such a way, that I didn't feel like I needed to live by faith at all. I didn't feel all that dependent on God's daily provision. Almost every area of my life was under control, or at least that was the illusion I had created. I had a secure and steady job, with a secure and steady paycheck, and lived in a secure and steady part of town. I had insurances in place to help mange any problem that may arise.
However, here in Costa Rica, I'm learning to embrace and celebrate my complete and utter dependency on God. Being that I'm a recovering control freak it's been a difficult spiritual truth to accept and embrace, but now more than ever I realize how completely dependent I am on God.
So what happened to help reveal this truth to me? It's been a combination of many things. However, I'm only going to take the time to share three. The most tangible way is our family's monthly financial support. I know it's stupid, but sometimes I worry about our support. I start to get concerned that God isn't going to provide for us. Keep in mind that He has never let us down in the past, and has sometimes worked though miraculous circumstances to show that He will provide. Even still, sometimes the doubts overcome me and I worry. Sometimes, during my times of worry I think to myself that it would be a lot easier to return to the United States and get a steady job, with a steady salary. Then He reminds me, that He called us here, and He is going to provide for us. Then I realize this is the best job security you can have.
Another area is His calling me to lead and direct His ministry. Directing 6:8 Ministries is a lot of work and an awesome responsibility. To make matters worse, I can't think of anyone less qualified than me to do the job. I have no previous experience or formal training in leading or directing a mission organization. Then He reminds me that He wants to use me in spite of all my weaknesses. He is doing great things through His ministry to change lives in powerful ways. He's causing His ministry to grow in ways I would have never imagined. I'm certain that none of the success we have experienced would have happened apart from Him. Almost daily I ask Him to help me lead His ministry in a way that would honor Him.
The final area is my family's physical safety. We live in a dangerous area, and the potential for harm is always present. There are frequent robberies and shootings. I hear about assaults and burglaries on a weekly basis. I sometimes find myself senselessly worrying about our personal safety. We try to be cautious and wise, but we will not live in fear. In the two years of living here we have never been personally victimized, and we are learning to trust God to go before us and protect us.
In closing I'm thankful that my daily life is full of uncertainty. It's causing me to recognize my complete dependence on God, and in turn strengthening my faith. I don't ever want to go back to safe and secure, if it means compromising or losing touch with my new found dependency.
Depending on Him,
Spencer
Monday, September 29, 2008
Friday, August 22, 2008
Greater Things
The theme song for several of the teams this summer was "God of this City". It a song form the latest Passion album of the same title. If you are not familiar with the song, part of the chorus is "Greater things are yet to come; greater things are still to be done in this city". We believe that is true here in Alajuelita, however we would like to share just a few of the things that God accomplished through the mission teams over the past few weeks.
God used the mission teams to...
...remodel the house of two crack addicts. These guys have been addicted to crack and begging in the streets for over twelve years. They totally didn't deserve the love shown by the mission team from River City Church in Jacksonville, Florida. They came to repair the home and provide a clean, safe and secure place to sleep. The team also prayed and shared the gospel with them. Sadly, they are still addicted to crack, but I can see Jesus slowly breaking through. They have managed to keep their home clean and in good repair; and still ask me to thank the gringos God sent to help them every time they see me.
...purchase and build a home for Pastor Raphael and his family. Pastor Raphael, lives with his wife and two daughters in one of the most dangerous areas of Alajuelita. He is the pastor of a small church with big needs. God uses this church to reach some of the poorest of the poor, because of that the Pastor was living in a small shack of a house behind the church. Faithfully serving and never complaining. He never asked us for a house, but admitted that he had been praying for God to help in some way. That is when God sent a team from Wade Baptist Church in Mississippi, to purchase and build the house. We were told that it normally takes six weeks to construct the house. Well... God allowed this hard working team to do it in five days! God then sent a few teams to come and do some of the finishing touches.
...painted school. God sent s team from Celebration Church in Jacksonville, Florida to paint one of the local schools. They also taught English and were able to openly talk and teach about Jesus in the classrooms!
We could go on, and on, and on...and still leave something out. The point is that God is amazing and He is using His people to do amazing things, and for that we are eternally grateful.
God used the mission teams to...
...remodel the house of two crack addicts. These guys have been addicted to crack and begging in the streets for over twelve years. They totally didn't deserve the love shown by the mission team from River City Church in Jacksonville, Florida. They came to repair the home and provide a clean, safe and secure place to sleep. The team also prayed and shared the gospel with them. Sadly, they are still addicted to crack, but I can see Jesus slowly breaking through. They have managed to keep their home clean and in good repair; and still ask me to thank the gringos God sent to help them every time they see me.
...purchase and build a home for Pastor Raphael and his family. Pastor Raphael, lives with his wife and two daughters in one of the most dangerous areas of Alajuelita. He is the pastor of a small church with big needs. God uses this church to reach some of the poorest of the poor, because of that the Pastor was living in a small shack of a house behind the church. Faithfully serving and never complaining. He never asked us for a house, but admitted that he had been praying for God to help in some way. That is when God sent a team from Wade Baptist Church in Mississippi, to purchase and build the house. We were told that it normally takes six weeks to construct the house. Well... God allowed this hard working team to do it in five days! God then sent a few teams to come and do some of the finishing touches.
...painted school. God sent s team from Celebration Church in Jacksonville, Florida to paint one of the local schools. They also taught English and were able to openly talk and teach about Jesus in the classrooms!
We could go on, and on, and on...and still leave something out. The point is that God is amazing and He is using His people to do amazing things, and for that we are eternally grateful.
Sowing Seeds
Wow what a summer! God continues to work in and through His ministry in mighty ways! He allowed us to host fifteen mission teams, over a fifteen week period. If you combine team members with individual participants the total is two hundred and forty-one people, from twenty-two different churches in five different states.
Please allow me to explain why those numbers are so exciting to us. It confirms to us that God is using His ministry to strengthen His church on a global level. He is using 6:8 Ministries to change lives, and in-turn strengthen churches back home.
We realize that we can't control what each individual will take away from their experience here; that is up to God, and God alone. However, we strive to place each team member in a position to live out the gospel of Jesus Christ in a tangible way. This summer provided a lot of opportunities for Him to plant a lot of seeds, that in time He will use to bring a lot of fruit; and for that we are incredibly excited and grateful. We are humbled by the fact that He would allow us to be part of His ministry. It's amazing that He can use the likes of us to accomplish anything, let alone things that have eternal value. To God be the glory for the great things He has done, is doing, and is expected to do!
In Christ,
Spencer
Please allow me to explain why those numbers are so exciting to us. It confirms to us that God is using His ministry to strengthen His church on a global level. He is using 6:8 Ministries to change lives, and in-turn strengthen churches back home.
We realize that we can't control what each individual will take away from their experience here; that is up to God, and God alone. However, we strive to place each team member in a position to live out the gospel of Jesus Christ in a tangible way. This summer provided a lot of opportunities for Him to plant a lot of seeds, that in time He will use to bring a lot of fruit; and for that we are incredibly excited and grateful. We are humbled by the fact that He would allow us to be part of His ministry. It's amazing that He can use the likes of us to accomplish anything, let alone things that have eternal value. To God be the glory for the great things He has done, is doing, and is expected to do!
In Christ,
Spencer
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Ramblings - Work
God is at work, and changing lives here in Alajuelita. He's not just busy meeting the spiritual and emotional needs; but He is also meeting the physical needs as well. It's been amazing to watch Him work though the missions teams over the past month. I want to share a few ways that He's been meeting the physical need through 6:8 Ministries over the past month.
His name is Wyner, he is in his late twenties, he has steady work, but only makes enough to pay for food and clothing. He has a wife and two small children. What he didn't have is a home. His family was living in a small room off the back of his mother's house. They all slept on the floor together, because there wasn't enough room for beds. However, that all changed when God sent a mission team to build him a home a few weeks ago.
His name is Walter, and he is the director of the largest elementary school in Alajuelita. He is responsible for 1,800 students. The school had projects to be done, but no money to do them. However, that changed when God sent a mission team to build a dining area, and a concrete slab that will be used as a playground.
His name is Boris, he is sixteen, and he makes excellent grades in high school. He is very smart and speaks English well. He has a lot going for him, except that he's never had his own bedroom. He has been sleeping in the same bed as the rest of his family. However, that all changed when God sent a mission team to build him a small bedroom a couple weeks ago.
His name is Raphael, he is ninety years old, and he is dying of cancer. He spends his days lying in bed, in horrible pain, praying that it doesn't rain. Why? Because his roof leaks and the rain water pours directly into his bed. However, that all changed when God sent a mission team to repair his roof last week.
His name is Jesus, He died a horrible death at thirty-three years of age, but is alive and working though His people today. He is the reason that we can love others as ourselves. He is the only reason we can have hope and peace during times of despair; and He is the only one who gets the glory for what is happening in and through His ministry here. I'm overwhelmed by God's goodness and provision. I'm humbled that He has allowed me to be part of what He's doing here in Costa Rica. I'm also amazed how He works all things together for good.
Finally, I'm incredibly thankful for each of you. I recognize that we could not be here without all of your prayers and support.
Amazed by Him,
Spencer
Spencer
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Luce's Funeral
A bright yellow sun is shining in a completely blue sky today. It's the first we've seen of either of them in several days due to Tropical Storm Alma.
Yesterday was a different day, because yesterday we attended the funeral service of a dear friend. It was the night before last that we learned of the death of Lucia. She is better known as "Luce" to many of you. She was almost ninety-five years old, and suffered terribly during her last days.
Her death was a blessing for all who had been praying for her suffering to end, but was even a greater blessing for Luce, who is now no longer in pain, but is now experiencing the peace, joy and love that comes from being fully in the presence of God.
The interaction between 6:8 Ministries, including all the "gringos" God sent to pray for Luce over the past few years, has been a blessing to Luce, and her family; and being with them on the day of Luce's funeral strengthened our relationship with them as well.
From ten in the morning to three in the afternoon we visited with about one hundred of Luce's friends and family in the Juan Pablo Community Center. Luce's body was there in the center of the room, but her spirit was in heaven. Pastor Miguel from Mt. Sinai Church in Aurora preached a message of hope found in the gospel of Jesus Christ.
At three we departed the community center and followed the hearse to a nearby cemetery for Luce's internment. We walked slowly through the city under the pounding rain of tropical storm Alma.
Interestingly, there is a superstition here in Costa Rica. They say they if it rains on the day of a persons funeral, that it means that person didn't want to go just yet. The local news reported that it was the most severe rainfall Costa Rica has experienced in almost a hundred years! This certainly seemed to be a true reflection of Luce tenaciously hanging on to life her last few years. Luce valued life, she loved her family, and wanted to experience it until the end...and so should we.
Our life is not our own, it's a gift given for us to do God's will. Our life should be about serving others, and living for Him. Often Luce made us wonder why she didn't just give up and die. However, sometimes I wonder if God is wondering why we don't live more for Him.
Living today!
Duke
Friday, May 2, 2008
Ramblings - Investing
It's always great to have friends come to visit, and this past week was no exception. We had the privilege of hosting Alex, Chad, and Josh (Chad's nine year old son). They came with no set plans, except to see how they might be able to serve those in need. Thankfully, here in Alajuelita, we are never short on opportunities to serve.
Chad and Alex are both successful businessmen, and like most businessmen they are always looking for a good investment. So it really didn't make much sense for them to travel a thousand miles, to spend their valuable time, and hard earned money on people they had never met. However, I guess it all depends on how you measure the return on your investment. If you measure the return by the amount of hope and love it generates; they had a greater return than any of us could have ever imagined!
We started our week by passing out food, medicine, and prayer to those in need. It was really cool to hear Josh pray for a ninety year old woman with gallstones. When we had finished praying we bought her the medicine she couldn't afford, $14 well spent. We also prayed with Luce, the old woman who is slowly dying a painful death. She has stopped eating, but complains of hunger, she needed some Ensure drink mix. So after we finished praying we bought her the needed Ensure, $22 well spent. Finally we walked though Aurora and visited Jose Antonio, the little boy with a severe heart condition. They needed food, Pedisure, and diapers, $40 well spent.
The next morning while in Juan Pablo we were introduced to Dora and Alehandro. Dora is handicapped and has trouble walking. Her husband, Alehandro, is an auto mechanic when he can find work. We were told that this is family was in greater need than most in Juan Pablo. They live in a small two room house where we saw two immediate needs. The first was the front supporting wall of the house was eaten away by termites, and what wood was left was rotting away. This was incredibly unsafe, as it looked as though the whole house might collapse in the next storm. The second was a need to build a ramp, because of Dora's handicap it was very difficult for her to navigate the climb to leave her house.
We decided to help this couple and it was an amazing experience. Chad and Alex bought all the materials, but it didn't end there. They could have just paid somebody to fix it, but they wanted to put their own time and sweat into the project. They cut and welded the new, stronger metal supports. Josh even got in on some of the welding action! They mixed and poured concrete, they painted and picked up trash. They even put in a window, which was way more than anyone expected. Soon it was one of the nicest looking, two-room houses in Juan Pablo; and Alehandro and Dora's pride and hope had been restored. It was neat to watch them hang curtains and set-up house. Construction project, $550 well spent.
Then there was Christian, the handicapped young man who didn't have a working wheelchair. He used his arms to pull himself around the house. Not only was he physically handicapped, but he was also struggling in his relationship with his father. It was cool to watch God go to work. Alex, who speaks fluent Spanish was able to talk with Christian in a way I never could. Not just the language barrier, but as it turns out Alex and Christian have a lot in common! They have shared some of the same difficulties in life. Alex had even spent some time in a wheelchair after a car wreck that almost killed him. Alex restored hope and encouraged forgiveness. He also bought Christian a new wheelchair, $200 well spent.
I could go on and on, but this "rambling" is already too long. I don't tell these stories to boast about Alex, Chad or Josh. Actually, I'm guessing they are probably a little embarrassed by the attention. However, the reason I wanted to share this is so that it could serve as an encouragement and reminder as well.
While serving others, even what the world would call the least of these, they brought comfort, hope, healing, and love. Their investment will have huge returns for a long time to come, and though they came focused on giving, they are the ones that left with everything. Empty hands, but full hearts! What a way to travel, what a way to live! When you follow Christ and invest in others...you will always have guaranteed return, and that is good new for any investor!
Chad and Alex are both successful businessmen, and like most businessmen they are always looking for a good investment. So it really didn't make much sense for them to travel a thousand miles, to spend their valuable time, and hard earned money on people they had never met. However, I guess it all depends on how you measure the return on your investment. If you measure the return by the amount of hope and love it generates; they had a greater return than any of us could have ever imagined!
We started our week by passing out food, medicine, and prayer to those in need. It was really cool to hear Josh pray for a ninety year old woman with gallstones. When we had finished praying we bought her the medicine she couldn't afford, $14 well spent. We also prayed with Luce, the old woman who is slowly dying a painful death. She has stopped eating, but complains of hunger, she needed some Ensure drink mix. So after we finished praying we bought her the needed Ensure, $22 well spent. Finally we walked though Aurora and visited Jose Antonio, the little boy with a severe heart condition. They needed food, Pedisure, and diapers, $40 well spent.
The next morning while in Juan Pablo we were introduced to Dora and Alehandro. Dora is handicapped and has trouble walking. Her husband, Alehandro, is an auto mechanic when he can find work. We were told that this is family was in greater need than most in Juan Pablo. They live in a small two room house where we saw two immediate needs. The first was the front supporting wall of the house was eaten away by termites, and what wood was left was rotting away. This was incredibly unsafe, as it looked as though the whole house might collapse in the next storm. The second was a need to build a ramp, because of Dora's handicap it was very difficult for her to navigate the climb to leave her house.
We decided to help this couple and it was an amazing experience. Chad and Alex bought all the materials, but it didn't end there. They could have just paid somebody to fix it, but they wanted to put their own time and sweat into the project. They cut and welded the new, stronger metal supports. Josh even got in on some of the welding action! They mixed and poured concrete, they painted and picked up trash. They even put in a window, which was way more than anyone expected. Soon it was one of the nicest looking, two-room houses in Juan Pablo; and Alehandro and Dora's pride and hope had been restored. It was neat to watch them hang curtains and set-up house. Construction project, $550 well spent.
Then there was Christian, the handicapped young man who didn't have a working wheelchair. He used his arms to pull himself around the house. Not only was he physically handicapped, but he was also struggling in his relationship with his father. It was cool to watch God go to work. Alex, who speaks fluent Spanish was able to talk with Christian in a way I never could. Not just the language barrier, but as it turns out Alex and Christian have a lot in common! They have shared some of the same difficulties in life. Alex had even spent some time in a wheelchair after a car wreck that almost killed him. Alex restored hope and encouraged forgiveness. He also bought Christian a new wheelchair, $200 well spent.
I could go on and on, but this "rambling" is already too long. I don't tell these stories to boast about Alex, Chad or Josh. Actually, I'm guessing they are probably a little embarrassed by the attention. However, the reason I wanted to share this is so that it could serve as an encouragement and reminder as well.
While serving others, even what the world would call the least of these, they brought comfort, hope, healing, and love. Their investment will have huge returns for a long time to come, and though they came focused on giving, they are the ones that left with everything. Empty hands, but full hearts! What a way to travel, what a way to live! When you follow Christ and invest in others...you will always have guaranteed return, and that is good new for any investor!
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