Day 2 update -- Easter Sunday

Imagine a small church building in a third world country filled with half Hondurans half Americans and the most beautiful worship you've been a part of in a very long time and you've imagined how we began our day. The service was translated by Tim so that we could understand and we sang both Spanish and English songs. Chris led the English songs and did a marvelous job. That boy is gifted and is being used mightily here to lead us before the throne. It was absolutely beautiful. Somehow the God we serve gets bigger and yet more tender when you watch him cross every barrier that exists. Christ's blood, it just covers it all, America...Honduras and everywhere else. At the end of the service today three ladies decided to give their hearts to Christ and the story of one was so moving that I am compelled to share it here. On January 23 a husband/daddy was baptized into Christ at the church in Los Pinos. A month later he was killed in a shooting while on duty as a security guard. Today his wife and daughter went into the water with Christ to follow in the footsteps of a faith that they loved so much. It was precious beyond words that I am able to formulate here. There were so many children there and we got to spend some time with them after services. Precious, beautiful kids here. Goodness.

Then we left there and traveled to a small orphanage about an hour outside of Tegucigalpa called Didasko. To say that we walked away changed is a mild understatement. We were all basket cases for the most part. Imagine that :) Wives you guys would be so proud of your hubbies they came thinking they'd build houses and pound nails and they are being changed in the most tender ways by a God who has taken them so way out of comfort zones and moved into their hearts. We had a devo tonight and I don't know that there was a dry eye on a guy in the place. We all have been so moved. Today was the day we handed out the blankets with the childrens names embroidered on them. What a delight. They took them to their 4 drawer and one bunk home and were so proud to show off their "space." Whewwww!! We hid Easter eggs and gave out lots of treats and above all just sat and spent time with the children. Most people "adopted" a child or God placed one with us might be a better choice of terminology. Special special moments. Doesn't take long for your heart to be given away in this place that's for sure. When you only have two hours, you make the most of every minute. We boarded the bus wondering how in the world we could possibly leave that place. Those children are the most loving, trusting, beautiful picture of God's love. It's amazing and they have already lived such horrible lives. It's amazing what love is doing in their hearts. Jorge and Rosa Castillo run the orphanage and we had some moments today that will be forever cherished with them. They are inspiring people who make you want to sell everything you own, quit your job, and just be all for Jesus. They are just the real deal and you feel closer to God somehow by being around them and hearing their story.

We closed tonight with a devo and talked about where we'd seen Jesus today again. We were not a loss for stories to share. Almost everyone had something to say about ways that Jesus had become more visible to them today. I can assure you that I will never be able to read my Bible and the stories of Jesus with the children in the same way ever again and neither are 33 other folks. Jesus would have lived this life, He would have sat in the middle of those kids today, and He would have walked away from them tearfully with a part of His heart gone forever. It seems an honor we're almost not worthy of to be able to walk so closely in footsteps He would have imprinted while we're here. Small drops in a bucket, but drops nonetheless and ones we are so grateful to make.

Well it's getting late and we're pooped, so will close this for tonight with some personal messages for some of you. Please know that we cherish your prayers from the bottom of our hearts. Tomorrow we will be building a house for a family in Los Pinos near the church where we worshipped today. It will be a delight to watch a family with no home walk into one tomorrow after we leave and know they will be sheltered now. We love you!


Genny: I just want to tell you how wonderful it is to watch your family here with these Honduran people. Trey is GREAT with these kids and Kristen is jumping right in and lovin' all over them! And what workers! Genny, you've put good things in these kiddos, you truly have. You've planted the seeds...God is going to bring the harvest. And your hubby is spending some quality time with his son. Only thing missing is you...next year!! Love you sis-tah! Kay

Brian F: You are s-o-o-o-o-o going to love this; this is so you. Your servant heart is going to thrive here in Honduras. Can't wait to show you the pictures! Take care, Kay

Dylan and Wyatt: I can't wait for you to get a little older so you can come with us to Honduras and meet some of these children. We met some great kiddos at the Christian orphanage today. My special friends name was Luis-Daniel and he was 5 years old. I gave him a Superman toy from Burger King and he loved it! He lives with 29 other children at the orphanage and only has a few toys and clothes that fit in 4 drawers but he's a happy boy! His biggest smile today was when Uncle jeff gave him a necklace with a cross on it. I have pictures of him to show you. I'm praying for you every day. I love you so very much. Grandma Kay

Dylan, Wyatt, and Ryley: It was so good to hear your voices on the phone. Mommy, Daddy, Grandma Kay and Papa Rick love and miss you. Keep praying for us, we are praying for you. I love you ( Te amo ), Mommy and Daddy

Mom, Dad, and Mi Familia: I can feel your prayers. We are all doing well and losing alot of self here, but gaining much better blessing in return. I can't wait to tell you all stories. :) Te amo, Rebekah

Sarajane, Kylie, and Maggie: Missing you a bunch, but there has been so much going on, there is rarely much time to think about it. What an amazing journey so far. Had part of my heart ripped out today at Didasko orphanage by a little boy and girl named Alejandro and Katerin. Sure wish I could bring them home with me. Tell Maggie I gave that special little white purse to Katerin. If you remember, please email Mandy's home # to me. I may be able to call you Tuesday evening. Love you all bunches!

Sarajane: I miss you so way much and cannot wait for you to experience this with us. There have been a hundred times that I have thought oh Sarajane would love this, it is so her. Just know that when you get here it will be perfect timing. You would be so proud of your hubby God is moving and touching him deeply. Keep praying for me as I'm praying for you.

Connie McKain: Thanks for answering the phone today - hearing your voice for a few short minutes will help me get through the week. I can't wait to get home and share with you the places I've seen Jesus this week. I love you and the girls and miss you. Thank you for supporting me in this trip. Be prepared, I will be coming home a much different man than the one who kissed you goodbye.

Linda and Eric: Sure do miss you two. Worship was great today. We have met so many wonderful folks. I can't wait to tell you. Davey is great. You both would be so proud of him. We journeyed to an orphanage today. Our hearts are still there. Love you dearly. Your Brian Paul and Dad

Kathy: Katelyn and I have seen Jesus. Today was such an awesome day. In Isaiah 6 when Isaiah saw the Lord, his cry was "I am un-done." Today we saw His servants and my mind has been opened to the meaning of His words - in a small way - but I am beginning to understand. Katelyn and I will come home changed and it will be good. Jen is warning us of even more powerful days ahead. God is crushing our hearts but it isn't painful, it just gives meaning to us in an often meaningless world.

Mom and Dad: Happy Easter! Thanks for the messages. We are having a blast, this is a dream come true to get to come here with these people who have done so much for my heart. It is an absolute delight to stand back and watch them with the children and see ways they are being changed by this place that I love SOOOOOOOOOO much! I appreciate your prayers. All is well here, better than well, it's heavenly. Moments borrowed from Him for sure. Keep praying, I love you. JEN

Anita: Tell Brennen to stop growing while I'm gone. Tell him his other B in the pod will come back soon. All is well! We are safe, healthy, and having a great time. Neither of us have gotten too sunburned YET. I love you. Brian