I WANT TO LIVE LIKE THAT

 

The prayer of Tio Marcos will forever be burned in my mind as he willingly submitted his life to God to do with as He pleases. "Para Su Gloria, nada mas." He had no idea what the doctor would say, but it didn't matter to him. The great healer had already spoken. Tio Marcos made the decision that if it was God's will to take him home soon or to let him live to be old, he would live out each day for God's glory. As we sat waiting for what seemed like an eternity in the doctors office Monday, I felt God's peace in what should have been a very stressful wait. Mina, Marcos' wife, tried to hide the concern in her eyes with her beautiful smile. She has incredible Faith, but I can't imagine what must have been going through her mind as she wondered about the future of her family. Tio Marcos just sat calmly reading through his notebook of devotional and sermon notes that he always has with him. He had a smile on his face that permeated through his eyes. What amazing confidence and Faith in God he has! He had told me Sunday, we were going "just to hear the doctor explain the test results, nothing more". Finally, we were called back to the doctors office. It was the same doctor who had told us from the initial tests that it was Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma and all of the worst possible scenarios of treatment and possible death. I watched as the doctor read the test results over and over again and literally scratched his head. He then proceeded to call another specialist on the phone to ask a few questions to confirm what he was seeing. He looked up once again at Marcos and said "you're a lucky man". It seems that Marcos has a rare from of Non-Hodgkins lymphoma that is localized in only the skin of his leg. It has not spread to his blood or any of his organs. Again he shook his head and said, "you're a lucky man". Of course Marcos didn't miss the chance to explain his Faith in God and it had nothing to do with 'luck'. Yes, I believe God's glory was shown in that room! As Marcos tells his story to his many 'kids' who still live at Faith Home and those that have moved away, I see it transforming their view. They are seeing the power of God in the life of someone they love dearly and I know that someday they will remember and draw upon that power to tell stories of their own...for God's glory. Not only am I amazed at our awesome God, but I am challenged by the Faith of Tio Marcos. Before I came to be a missionary, one of my favorite songs was 'I want to live like that' by Sidewalk Prophets. I thought giving up everything to come to a foreign country and follow God's will was giving all I had. I have learned through being here and the increasing love for the kids, houseparents and people of this country, as well as those back home...I have more to give. No doubts, no fears, no questioning. When God speaks, I want to always listen and give my all so that His glory will be shown....I want to live like that! God Bless, Christina Massey, Director Faith Home Ministries -Honduras    ---------------------------------------------------------- Sometimes I think What will people say of me When I'm only just a memory When I'm home where my soul belongs Was I love When no one else would show up Was I Jesus to the least of those Was my worship more than just a song Am I proof That You are who you say You are That grace can really change a heart Do I live like Your love is true People pass And even if they don't know my name Is there evidence that I've been changed When they see me, do they see You I want to show the world the love You gave for me I'm longing for the world to know the glory of the King I want to live like that And give it all I have So that everything I say and do Points to You If love is who I am Then this is where I'll stand Recklessly abandoned Never holding back I want to live like that ! -Sidewalk Prophets

In God's Hands

As I continue to recover from my appendix and intestinal operation, I wonder where have the past 2 weeks gone? A lot of time in the hospital, a lot of sleeping, but most of all a LOT of praying.

The night A.J. rushed me to the E.R., neither of us could effectively communicate my pain. We had been speaking only in Spanish for the past several weeks (as part of a friendly competition) and we both thought we were doing quite well communicating. That night we were very aware that we didn't know much medical Spanish. So suddenly, I am doubled over in pain, vomiting and sincerely praying 'God help me'...and He did. I received medicine to ease the pain until Hector could get me to a larger hospital where they did the surgery. Hector communicated everything to the Doctor and quickly got me to the specialists I needed. As they wheeled me back into surgery, I had an incredible sense of peace and recited the 23 Psalm in my mind as I drifted off to sleep. The days that followed in the hospital were filled with many uncomfortable moments, but also with sweet moments talking to God and surrounded by my crew of caretakers, Hector, Brayan, Tia Mina, A.J. & Allan. I am getting stronger every day and very thankful for everyone who continues to lift me up in prayer. I can feel God's presence and peace & know that I couldn't be in better hands...God's hands.

 

I celebrated my birthday by being visited by all of the Faith Home kids, who enjoyed cake and Pepsi, served by A.J., Brayan and my good friend and personal nurse Lisa Uhlemeyer. Lisa came to help me recover. As hard as it is to be away from my family at times like this, I am blessed to be surrounded by amazing people who love me and 'put up with me' like family.

 

 

 

 

We had a special prayer with Tio Marcos Tuesday afternoon in which I heard the prayers of those around me clearly as I prayed. I could feel God's Spirit as I placed my hand on the arm of Marcos and asked God how do I pray? At that moment I heard Marcos plainly and boldly praying "Padre, para Su Gloria. Nada mas" (Father for Your glory. Nothing more.). I felt God say at that moment, 'This man is healed already. It doesn't matter what happens in his body, he is seeking MY Glory.'. What an intense revelation of such an unselfish prayer. A prayer that seeks God's Glory in the face of the unknown. Marcos will visit the Doctor next week, for the official reading of the test results. However, he already has his answer. Marcos has placed his life in the very capable hands of God.

 

Lisa and Brayan went to visit our little Miracle girl, Maria Isabel, this week and found that she is doing well. I am so thankful for all the lives God touched through the life of this precious little girl. I can't wait to see what amazing plan He has for her life & those around her. She is an amazing, living reminder of God's power when we place a life in His hands.

 

 

 

Thank you for your continued prayers and being an integral part of this ministry. May God Bless you and may you experience peace...in God's hands.

 

God Bless,

Christina Massey, Director

Faith Home Ministries