This week has been another week in Belize of molding of hearts and new challenges. I was able to spend my two regular days at Octavia Waight, Monday and Wednesday, as well as take part in two youth groups, Tuesday and Friday nights respectively. We also went to mid-week service at Amazing Grace Christian Fellowship in Spanish Lookout, as Jim was teaching for Pastor Rudy. We were able to finish a few work projects on the house as well (I now have a basic knowledge of house painting received from Jungle Jim). Today we finished out the week with the Saturday morning market and will be attending a dance performance in Belmopan with a neighbor tonight. Now as to the aforementioned molding of hearts I can only directly report my personal experience.
When one has prior experiences in certain areas (such as missions), at times it is easy to brush things off with a simple “Oh yeah, I’ve done this lots of times” type of attitude. Although I may not have thought, in the past, that I would be one to do this, I find there are many things in my heart that I would not approve of myself, if I had spoken them out loud to another person. And is this not what Paul declares in Romans chapter 7?
Has then what is good become death to me? Certainly not! But sin, that it might appear sin, was producing death in me through what is good, so that sin through the commandment might become exceedingly sinful. For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am carnal, sold under sin. For what I am doing, I do not understand. For what I will to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do. If, then, I do what I will not to do, I agree with the law that it is good. But now, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me. For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells; for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find. For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice. Now if I do what I will not to do, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me.
I find then a law, that evil is present with me, the one who wills to do good. For I delight in the law of God according to the inward man. But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? I thank God—through Jesus Christ out LORD!
So then, with the mind I myself serve the law of God, but with the flesh the law of sin.
Romans 7:13-25
I feel as though these words have jumped right off the page and into my experience right now. “I delight in the law of God according to the inward man. But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind,” What a struggle it has been for God to reveal these things to me and help me to remember them yet again. There is so much freedom in Christ and yet I allow my flesh to enslave me again, when I have the power, in my God, to walk away free. How much of my life have a wasted in self…….. in my flesh? What a gift my life in Jesus Christ is. Do I see it as such? Do I really believe that to live is Christ but to die is gain (Philippians 1:21)? What does living that out on a daily basis look like? These are many questions that not only peak my curiosity but push me to seek out the answers in God’s word. How long has it been since I have actively sought answers in God’s word? I don’t really know the answer to that but I know that that definitely means to long. Where do we get the mentality that once I am in high school then me life is really going to start, once I am in college, once I get married, once I have children or once I (fill in the blank here)? Why do I actively seek out new and exciting opportunities to minister in other places (which is not to say that this is necessarily a bad thing) while ignoring what God has put right in front of me, right now? Yes, God wants to do a work in my life but God is also DOING a good work in my life if I care to see it. I would bring attention again to Paul when he says in verse 24 “ O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?” But (and there is a big one) Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift (2 Corinthians 9:15)! Paul (1 Corinthians 1:2) and Jude (Jude 1:1) both divinely declare that as a Christian I am sanctified in Christ. What a great feeling to know one’s chains of slavery to sin (Before I was a new creation in Christ) have forever been blown out of the water!! Colossians chapter three talks about how we are to put on the new man (Colossians 3:10), which is in Christ, having been shown our inability to follow the law as imperfect beings…………………………….am I getting a little to preachy for you guys? I speak from a changed heart and an opened mind to the amazing adventure and freedom there is in submitting to my heavenly groom and the love He put into His plan for my life. I hope each of you reach out to our Savior today and spend some time just in awe at His feet in worship.
In Jesus,
Your little traveler Hannah-a bondservant of Jesus Christ, and more free then imaginable!
Please pray for:
Clinic in Los Tambos and that we would have a successful planning meeting with Pastor Eric tomorrow.
Debie’s safe arrival home to Belize on Wednesday.
Jim as he prepares to return to the states to take care of Granny’s house.
Ongoing fellowship and discipleship with the young girls of Amazing Grace Christian Fellowship as well at the church in Los Tambos
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Anther week within the will of God
So I am a little late getting out another update. I will try my best to convey the events of the past week and a half.
Last week at Octavia Waight we were privileged to host a team of two nursing professors and two nursing students from Nazarene College in Rochester, New York. It was a full week of learning full head to toe assessments and helping irrigate ears. They also invited us on Thursday to go with them to visit Clarissa Falls, which is one of the local attractions near San Ignacio.
We had a great time with them and I learned a lot from the professors, as they were both nurse practitioners. They even invited me to come out to New York when I feel like becoming a nursing instructor.
We were also able to go on a tour of one of the local hospitals. The hospital is brand new and the only fully operational wards are the labor and delivery ward and the emergency room. It was interesting walking the yellow halls of San Ignacio Community Hospital.
Tuesday nights I’ve had the Joy of helping one of the couples at church with youth group. They alternate weeks of teaching in English, where Danny Barkman teaches, and Spanish, Where Pastor Eric from Los Tambos (which I just figured out that I have been spelling wrong in my previous posts) teaches. Danny taught on Luke chapter 13. In verse six Jesus teaches on the parable of the barren fig tree. Jesus speaks of the importance of fertilizing the fig tree to give it another chance to bear fruit after three years of barrenness. God had given me the task of fertilizing Belizean hearts with the word of God. Please pray that God would give His eyes as I go about this task.
On Friday Becka, Jim, and I set out on a little weekend trip to the town of Punta Gorda in the south of Belize. This is where Melodie Tucker (now Viafranco) spent so many great years as a full-time missionary down here. It is also where I spent the majority of my time the first time I came to Belize in November of 2009. Just seeing the ocean and smelling the salty breeze was very refreshing. We then went to Placencia on Sunday where we met Maria and Emily who are good friends of the Tuckers. We were happy to host Maria and Emily on the hilltop for Monday and Tuesday. We waved goodbye to our visitors on Tuesday as they headed back to Placencia on the bus.
The days pass by one by one and I am over half way done with my time here already. God is teaching me so much living in a place where life is very different from what I am used to. Every challenge that arises I am reminded of God’s constancy and faithfulness. God has shown me this in little things such as passing notes with the young girls from church, getting letters from my grandma, the not so amiable residents at Octavia Waight remembering my name or asking for me, a cool breeze on a hot day, and wishing a brother happy birthday. God doesn’t just want three months of my life in Belize He wants every moment. Why would I spend my time doing anything else anywhere but serving The One who sacrificed His life that I might live. Praise be to God for His immeasurable blessings!!
Please pray
Upcoming clinic in Los Tambos with Dr. Sanchez possibly on April 3rd
Debie’s safe homecoming
Last week at Octavia Waight we were privileged to host a team of two nursing professors and two nursing students from Nazarene College in Rochester, New York. It was a full week of learning full head to toe assessments and helping irrigate ears. They also invited us on Thursday to go with them to visit Clarissa Falls, which is one of the local attractions near San Ignacio.
We had a great time with them and I learned a lot from the professors, as they were both nurse practitioners. They even invited me to come out to New York when I feel like becoming a nursing instructor.
We were also able to go on a tour of one of the local hospitals. The hospital is brand new and the only fully operational wards are the labor and delivery ward and the emergency room. It was interesting walking the yellow halls of San Ignacio Community Hospital.
Tuesday nights I’ve had the Joy of helping one of the couples at church with youth group. They alternate weeks of teaching in English, where Danny Barkman teaches, and Spanish, Where Pastor Eric from Los Tambos (which I just figured out that I have been spelling wrong in my previous posts) teaches. Danny taught on Luke chapter 13. In verse six Jesus teaches on the parable of the barren fig tree. Jesus speaks of the importance of fertilizing the fig tree to give it another chance to bear fruit after three years of barrenness. God had given me the task of fertilizing Belizean hearts with the word of God. Please pray that God would give His eyes as I go about this task.
On Friday Becka, Jim, and I set out on a little weekend trip to the town of Punta Gorda in the south of Belize. This is where Melodie Tucker (now Viafranco) spent so many great years as a full-time missionary down here. It is also where I spent the majority of my time the first time I came to Belize in November of 2009. Just seeing the ocean and smelling the salty breeze was very refreshing. We then went to Placencia on Sunday where we met Maria and Emily who are good friends of the Tuckers. We were happy to host Maria and Emily on the hilltop for Monday and Tuesday. We waved goodbye to our visitors on Tuesday as they headed back to Placencia on the bus.
The days pass by one by one and I am over half way done with my time here already. God is teaching me so much living in a place where life is very different from what I am used to. Every challenge that arises I am reminded of God’s constancy and faithfulness. God has shown me this in little things such as passing notes with the young girls from church, getting letters from my grandma, the not so amiable residents at Octavia Waight remembering my name or asking for me, a cool breeze on a hot day, and wishing a brother happy birthday. God doesn’t just want three months of my life in Belize He wants every moment. Why would I spend my time doing anything else anywhere but serving The One who sacrificed His life that I might live. Praise be to God for His immeasurable blessings!!
Please pray
Upcoming clinic in Los Tambos with Dr. Sanchez possibly on April 3rd
Debie’s safe homecoming
Saturday, March 12, 2011
His Mercies Are New Every Morning
Another week has past and I find that I have been here in Belize for over a month now. I am getting to know the people and they are getting to know me as well. I almost can recognize certain streets and how to get to certain locations. Jim was in the States for the first three weeks I was here, taking care of some business for their family. The week that he arrived back home Debie’s mother’s heath declined rapidly and two days after he arrived we were taking her to the airport to be with her mother. Her mother passed away a few days ago so prayers would be appreciated for their family. In Debie’s absence Becka has come back to stay with us which has been a blast. It is an adjustment to function at Jim Tucker pace, but we are having much fun.
Friday brought much excitement as we went to watch the start of the Ruta de Maya. It is an annual canoe race that lasts four days. It starts in San Ignacio and goes all the way to Belize City. It looked like almost the whole country came out for it.
Last Saturday Becka and I were able to go with Magdalena, Diana and about twenty of the kids from Los Tombos on a field trip. First we went to ice cream, then to the river for swimming, lunch, and singing songs. I attempted to learn the kids’ names and was only about half successful. It was such a blessing to be invited by Magdalena to come. We had so much fun. I was able to talk more with both of the ladies as we watched the children swim and learn more about their lives. Here is a picture of us all stuffed in the back of the pick-up.
We had so much fun that the little guys fell asleep on the way home. This is the pastor’s son Samuel and his best buddy Nemia.
This past Sunday morning Magdalena asked me to teach Sunday school so Becka and I were able to take the kids while she was able to sit in service. The lesson was on Joshua and the battle of Jericho. After studying for that lesson many of the tasks that God has given me don’t seem as difficult. Afterwards we were able to play games with the kids, which was of course great fun. While some of the adults don’t speak English many of the children do, except for the little ones, so I was able to teach in English. The main church service is always taught in Spanish as Pastor Eric doesn’t speak English.
Monday was a holiday, as it was the last day of the big canoe race so it was a bit of a quiet day at Octavia Waight. Tuesday we had to go in Belmopan, the capital, so that I could get my passport stamped as I have been here for a month. Wednesday was another day at Octavia Waight, which I am getting more and more comfortable with the staff and the residents. Some of them call me by name now.
There is so much that I have learned from Belize
1. Guano on your bare hands feels the same as mud
2. A little itch never hurt anybody
3. I like the echo of geckos at night
4. Not only am I a bad volley ball, I’m a really really bad volley ball player
5. There is nothing like the feeling of liquid plastic (aka bug spray) first thing in the morning
6. 80 degrees is the new 60 degrees
7. Sitting in a hammock does require a certain level of skill
8. Butter and cheese may look the same but it tastes a little different when you bite into a chunk of butter
9. Water pumps are definitely a gift from God
10. Don’t leave the full jug of laundry soap on an uneven surface but if you do make sure you angle it so it dumps in the washer
11. Frogs aren’t so bad if they are being flushed down the toilette
These are lessons that I’m sure will come in handy in the future.
Something I read in my devotions the other day struck me.
Then the King said the Araunah, “No, but I will surely buy it from you for a price; nor will I offer burnt offerings to the LORD my God with that which costs me nothing.” So David bought the threshing floor and the oxen for fifty shekels of silver.
2 Samuel 24:24
Eternal life is free to us but it cost God His only son. Why do we expect our service to God to cost us nothing of ourselves yet our salvation cost Jesus His life? God wants my everything but He takes my everything, shows me that its really nothing and then gives me His everything which is more than anything I could have ever imagined. Am I willing to serve God by following His will for me life even if it costs me everything? Am I willing to take that step so that I can discover how infinitely more valuable a life lived for His truly is?
Pray for
Debie and family as they grieve and rejoice at her mother’s homecoming to Christ
A possible clinic in Los Tombos
A group of nurses that are coming to Octavia Waight next week from New York
Jim as he teaches in Los Tombos Saturday night and Sunday morning for Pastor Eric
Friday brought much excitement as we went to watch the start of the Ruta de Maya. It is an annual canoe race that lasts four days. It starts in San Ignacio and goes all the way to Belize City. It looked like almost the whole country came out for it.
Last Saturday Becka and I were able to go with Magdalena, Diana and about twenty of the kids from Los Tombos on a field trip. First we went to ice cream, then to the river for swimming, lunch, and singing songs. I attempted to learn the kids’ names and was only about half successful. It was such a blessing to be invited by Magdalena to come. We had so much fun. I was able to talk more with both of the ladies as we watched the children swim and learn more about their lives. Here is a picture of us all stuffed in the back of the pick-up.
We had so much fun that the little guys fell asleep on the way home. This is the pastor’s son Samuel and his best buddy Nemia.
This past Sunday morning Magdalena asked me to teach Sunday school so Becka and I were able to take the kids while she was able to sit in service. The lesson was on Joshua and the battle of Jericho. After studying for that lesson many of the tasks that God has given me don’t seem as difficult. Afterwards we were able to play games with the kids, which was of course great fun. While some of the adults don’t speak English many of the children do, except for the little ones, so I was able to teach in English. The main church service is always taught in Spanish as Pastor Eric doesn’t speak English.
Monday was a holiday, as it was the last day of the big canoe race so it was a bit of a quiet day at Octavia Waight. Tuesday we had to go in Belmopan, the capital, so that I could get my passport stamped as I have been here for a month. Wednesday was another day at Octavia Waight, which I am getting more and more comfortable with the staff and the residents. Some of them call me by name now.
There is so much that I have learned from Belize
1. Guano on your bare hands feels the same as mud
2. A little itch never hurt anybody
3. I like the echo of geckos at night
4. Not only am I a bad volley ball, I’m a really really bad volley ball player
5. There is nothing like the feeling of liquid plastic (aka bug spray) first thing in the morning
6. 80 degrees is the new 60 degrees
7. Sitting in a hammock does require a certain level of skill
8. Butter and cheese may look the same but it tastes a little different when you bite into a chunk of butter
9. Water pumps are definitely a gift from God
10. Don’t leave the full jug of laundry soap on an uneven surface but if you do make sure you angle it so it dumps in the washer
11. Frogs aren’t so bad if they are being flushed down the toilette
These are lessons that I’m sure will come in handy in the future.
Something I read in my devotions the other day struck me.
Then the King said the Araunah, “No, but I will surely buy it from you for a price; nor will I offer burnt offerings to the LORD my God with that which costs me nothing.” So David bought the threshing floor and the oxen for fifty shekels of silver.
2 Samuel 24:24
Eternal life is free to us but it cost God His only son. Why do we expect our service to God to cost us nothing of ourselves yet our salvation cost Jesus His life? God wants my everything but He takes my everything, shows me that its really nothing and then gives me His everything which is more than anything I could have ever imagined. Am I willing to serve God by following His will for me life even if it costs me everything? Am I willing to take that step so that I can discover how infinitely more valuable a life lived for His truly is?
Pray for
Debie and family as they grieve and rejoice at her mother’s homecoming to Christ
A possible clinic in Los Tombos
A group of nurses that are coming to Octavia Waight next week from New York
Jim as he teaches in Los Tombos Saturday night and Sunday morning for Pastor Eric
Friday, March 4, 2011
Blessed are the flexible for they shall not be bent out of shape (Just so you know I'm aware these are not God's words)
So the Second Saturday I was here I had the blessing of helping Debie host seven young girls here up on the hilltop for a sleepover. We played crazy eights followed by a lively game of spoons (during which somehow a rip was made in the tablecloth, of which I shall only say that it was a group effort). We partook in a lovely meal prepared by Debie and then enjoyed a lovely campfire of which, I might add, we a group girl effort and turned out quite splendidly. We then toasted marshmallows. I taught them the fruit of the Spirit song, and we talked about Psalm 139 and what it said about our lives. I had an immensely pleasing time and was so overwhelmingly blessed by the girls! Here we all are by the fire.
The next day being Sunday we all piled in the car and returned them to their respective families. I hope fun was had by all!!
The next Sunday I was able to attend a church in a village called Los Tombos, which is a village just passed where Amazing Grace Fellowship meets (which is the church Jim and Debie currently attend). Eric and his wife Magdalena are serving there. They are Calvary Missionaries sent out from El Salvador. The entire service was in Spanish so I've been really working to improve my skills. I feel like I understood a good portion of the message. During the service we had a visitor. This is Paco.
One of these days I'll actually get a picture of his face. Paco, I'm told, lives with a local family and comes often to visit at church. Pastor Eric says he likes that children and comes whenever they are gathered. Please be praying for me ministry in Los Tombos. I spoke with a local Doctor in San Ignacio today and he is interested in doing a clinic with me out there. These people have very limited access to medical care. The closest hospital is about thirty minutes away but many of them may not have any transportation. I am looking at the possibility of teaching simple hygiene classes to the kids. Magdalena and I get along swell and I'm hoping that she will help me with my Spanish and I know she is hoping that I will do the same for her English.
On Tuesday Jim arrived back home from his trip to the states to take care of a flood in Debie's mother's home. We soon found out that her mother is not doing well and Debie traveled back to the states on Thursday to be with her as her health is fading fast. Please keep this in prayer as well.
God is quickly showing me that His will is to be done with this trip and not my own. Of this I am very thankful for because I would come back the same self-absorbed person if it were not so. I am reading through 2 Samuel in my devotions which is greatly reminding me of my Calvary Hanford family. I have also enjoyed some wonderful devotion time with Debie as well. Nothing like going through Psalm 119 to remind you of how dependent we should be on the word of God.
I have also had the pleasure of having another intern visit this past week. This is my new friend Becka!
Becka is interning with Pastor Patrick and his family in Cayo. We had the pleasure of borrowing her for a week and we had a blast. She is actually back with us now while Debie is in the States.
Blessings to you all and thank you so much for your continued prayers!
Prayer requests
For the ministry in Los Tombos and the possibility of a clinic with Dr. Sanchez.
For Debie, and the Tucker family, as she is with her mom while she is preparing to be with Jesus.
That I would be pliable clay in the Potter's hands while I am here.
The next day being Sunday we all piled in the car and returned them to their respective families. I hope fun was had by all!!
The next Sunday I was able to attend a church in a village called Los Tombos, which is a village just passed where Amazing Grace Fellowship meets (which is the church Jim and Debie currently attend). Eric and his wife Magdalena are serving there. They are Calvary Missionaries sent out from El Salvador. The entire service was in Spanish so I've been really working to improve my skills. I feel like I understood a good portion of the message. During the service we had a visitor. This is Paco.
One of these days I'll actually get a picture of his face. Paco, I'm told, lives with a local family and comes often to visit at church. Pastor Eric says he likes that children and comes whenever they are gathered. Please be praying for me ministry in Los Tombos. I spoke with a local Doctor in San Ignacio today and he is interested in doing a clinic with me out there. These people have very limited access to medical care. The closest hospital is about thirty minutes away but many of them may not have any transportation. I am looking at the possibility of teaching simple hygiene classes to the kids. Magdalena and I get along swell and I'm hoping that she will help me with my Spanish and I know she is hoping that I will do the same for her English.
On Tuesday Jim arrived back home from his trip to the states to take care of a flood in Debie's mother's home. We soon found out that her mother is not doing well and Debie traveled back to the states on Thursday to be with her as her health is fading fast. Please keep this in prayer as well.
God is quickly showing me that His will is to be done with this trip and not my own. Of this I am very thankful for because I would come back the same self-absorbed person if it were not so. I am reading through 2 Samuel in my devotions which is greatly reminding me of my Calvary Hanford family. I have also enjoyed some wonderful devotion time with Debie as well. Nothing like going through Psalm 119 to remind you of how dependent we should be on the word of God.
I have also had the pleasure of having another intern visit this past week. This is my new friend Becka!
Becka is interning with Pastor Patrick and his family in Cayo. We had the pleasure of borrowing her for a week and we had a blast. She is actually back with us now while Debie is in the States.
Blessings to you all and thank you so much for your continued prayers!
Prayer requests
For the ministry in Los Tombos and the possibility of a clinic with Dr. Sanchez.
For Debie, and the Tucker family, as she is with her mom while she is preparing to be with Jesus.
That I would be pliable clay in the Potter's hands while I am here.
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