GOD IS MOVING

God is stirring hearts at Faith Home and drawing the children to Him!  We had 5 children accept or rededicate their hearts to God this week and tonight 14 more came forward!  Please pray with us as we continue to disciple these young souls and help them to stand firm in their calling.  Glory to God!!!!

24 Hours - A View from Above

For the past month I kept feeling like God was calling me up to the Bible Institute to pray.    But every time I tried to go, it seemed something came up and it just wasn't possible to leave at that time.   Friday morning, the pull was stronger than ever.  I was up early praying and I gave God every excuse of what all I needed to do that day and why there wasn't time.  But then my prayers changed and I wanted to know what God was trying to tell me (that I was too busy to hear).  So I packed my backpack with my Bibles and journals, flashlights, roll up mat and jug of water.   I sent messages to our capable staff, covered things for 24 hours, turned off my phone and took the hike to the top of the mountain.  

I prayed and tried to clear my mind of the million things that I find myself worrying about.  Then I sat still....for a long time.  Nothing.  So I asked God, why am I here?   I want to hear from You.   Still nothing.   So I decided to just "Be still and know that He is God".  I just sat there on the balcony looking out at the Faith Home campus for hours, seeing EVERYTHING.

I saw the older kids board the bus with Javier to go to school.  I saw them stop before the gate to read the morning devotion as they do every day.  I heard the younger children singing as they had their morning devotion and breakfast.  Then I watched them laughing and playing as they walked to school.  I saw Mauricio gathering up the older boys and working all over campus, the Tios hanging laundry and cleaning the yards.  I saw Brayan leading the little kids in P.E. and then walk up the hill to take care of the office.  I saw Hector leaving to take care of our errands in San Pedro and return to help Mauricio work on the team house.  I saw A.J. Coming and going as he took the Henry and Josue to a band concert and the technical boys to their afternoon school.  I watched everyone return to have lunch together and then dart off to homework and computer lab.  I saw everyone gather again for supper as the clouds start to darken and blot out the sun.  

I saw it all.  In fact the daily activities of Faith Home was the only way I knew what time it was, as everything continued like clockwork....without me.  God was in control.   I  could sense this was part of God's message as I continued to watch the sky change and the clouds move and everyone heading to church.    I prayed as they prayed and listened to the heartwarming music drift up the mountain side.  I could even hear Tio Marcos preaching and knew God was moving in the Chapel as He was in my heart.  Finally I watched as everyone returned to their houses, lights went off and I whispered 'good night everybody' and decided to lay down for a bit.  I prayed God's safety over the sleeping souls below and asked that He continue to speak to my heart.

The night was long, the floor was hard and the unknown sounds around me at times were disturbing.  I missed the sounds of Faith Home as the storm tormented outside.  I was definitely not comfortable, but yet I felt safe.  I could feel God's presence all around me as He spoke to my heart and reminded me that HE is in control.    The sights of the day ran through my mind as I saw where God was in the every day happenings of Faith Home.  He doesn't need me to accomplish His plan, but I am so thankful that He allows me to be a part of His plan.  As I continue to pray for wisdom, I know that He goes before me...every step of the way.

I stood on the balcony as the sun tried to break through the clouds and began to light the sky.  I saw once again, the peaceful Faith Home campus below about to come to life.  My mind went back to years past, standing on this same mountain with teams in awe of God's beauty around us.  I am still in awe of that beauty today, but with an even greater appreciation of all it entails.  

With a full heart and a refreshed spirit, I packed up my things to head home.  Just as I started to put on my shoes, I jumped as I saw a huge spider AND scorpion.    It's like they were waiting to jump on me.  Then I noticed the spider was missing a leg and I thought back to stepping barefoot  on something like a string in the dark.  His leg?  Maybe.  And I was laying in the floor most of the night!  ugh!  As I killed them with my bug spray, I thought 'God  protected me from what I didn't even know was there'....as He always does.

Thankful for my 24 hour break and thankful for God's refreshing voice of encouragement and His protection.  I feel that He took me up to see Faith Home for a day the way He sees it - the big picture, not the tiny problems.  I am encouraged and renewed as I get back to work as part of God's amazing plan at Faith Home knowing HE is in control...Feeling Blessed!

O HAPPY DAY!

Faith Home received two new boys today!  Maynor, age 11, and Wilder, who is 10.  As with all of our children, these boys have quite a story, but the greatest part  is how they came to Faith Home.  It was our Faith Home children along with Hector and Maria, who found the boys and asked if we could take them in. 

 

In this country, we are faced daily with the sight of children in need of a home and their faces haunt me at times, because I know that we can’t help them all.   We know that each and every child who has come to Faith Home, is here because of God’s calling on their lives.  Since I arrived last year, we have been busy getting several older kids transitioned out of Faith Home and waiting to be stabilized to take more children.  I often prayed that God would tell me when and how to know which children to bring here and anxiously awaited His timing for the next children to come.  How would I know it was God’s plan?  His voice? 

His voice came in the form of a group of Faith Home boys, asking to bring these new precious souls to Faith Home.   As God always does, He lined everything into place for the process of getting the boys and within just a few days…they are here.  The first thing they did was start running across the green grass with the other children, their faces aglow with excitement.  The other children surrounded them and started telling them all about Faith Home.  I choked back tears as I saw their faces absorbing their surroundings and no doubt feeling the love flowing from the other children.  It is exciting to see our children having the heart to help other children experience the blessings of God in this place. 

I am so very excited for Maynor and Wilder and anxious to see what God has in store for their future.  Now we just need sponsors for them.  A sponsorship is $20 per month and it takes around 17 sponsors per child.  As a child sponsor, you are an essential part of a ministry that encourages children to be God's Hands, Feet & Heart to the country of Honduras. Your child sponsorship goes to pay for the overall care and education of your sponsored child.  It covers food, electric, payroll of the house parents and teachers, medical expenses and daily clothing and household needs, etc.  

If you would be interested in sponsoring Maynor or Wilder, please let me know and we will help you start the process of becoming a part of making a difference in the life of these children, this ministry and this country...for Christ.  

 

God Bless,

Christina Massey, Director
Faith Home Ministries 
faithhome.honduras@gmail.com

God's Heart

We have received glimpses of the vision of the children of Faith Home reaching out beyond our walls and sharing the love of Christ with their people.  But nothing I have witnessed so far could compare with the culmination of events that lead up to last night’s worship service.

Back in January, I had an idea for a Faith Home video in which we used the Spanish version of the song ‘The Least of These’.   The problem was that we couldn’t find a Spanish version of that song.  So the back to school team, along with Henry and Odalin translated the lyrics and I recorded them playing the song.   I used pictures of the children from the past when they were ‘The Least of These’ whom God placed in Faith Home for a purpose, then transitioned into pictures from the present.  Pictures taken in moments, when I was in awe of God’s heart shining through our Faith Home children in some pretty amazing ways.   I barely finished the video in time to share at the Missions Summit a few weeks ago.

Odalin came to visit me yesterday and as we were eating supper, she shared some of the things God has been revealing to her heart as she works in San Pedro and is discovering how to have a life outside Faith Home.  I shared the finished product of the video and Odalin wanted to show it in church last night.  It was her night to lead worship.  The plan was for her to explain the scripture behind ‘The Least of These’ and how God took them from being ‘The Least of These’, to helping ‘The Least of These’.  But God had more than an explanation and a video in mind for last night.

Before Odalin started to share the video, it was time for specials.  Our 3 year old Reyna (Allison) stepped up to sing a special and with Microphone in hand, she sang with all of her heart…God’s heart.  I watched Odalin looking at Reyna with love and knew that God was speaking more to her heart than either of us could have imagined.  There was one of our youngest just starting to learn about God and one of our oldest discovering her part of God’s plan.  What a picture of full circle!  I prayed that as Odalin began to introduce the video, that God would fill her with His words to share with the children…His children. 

What started as a video introduction, turned into an all-out sermon as Odalin poured her heart out to the children about the things she has seen, heard and learned over the years at Faith Home about God’s purpose for her life.  She shared how those things now are a reality as she lives out in the world and sees the needy people and God is touching her heart with a longing to do something to help them.  She shared that they all have a calling on their life and it didn’t matter their past or their own mistakes, God would take their imperfection and use it to fulfill His plan.  Her words placed a challenge on the hearts of us all to fulfill God’s plan.

Every child and adult in the chapel was intent on listening to Odalin’s heartfelt testimony, which exhibited strength and love beyond anything I have ever witnessed before.  They were very attentive as they looked at pictures of themselves as small children, as well as those moments where they were God’s heart to others.  As I dried my eyes, I could feel God’s Spirit saying ‘Look and listen.  THAT’s God’s heart shining through. ‘  Odalin is becoming what she was created to be and she will be one of many who will have a domino effect on the others as they discover their places in this country and take God’s heart with them, wherever they go.  Yeah, it was a proud momma moment!

                                                                                        click below to watch the video:

Christina Massey                                                   Faith Home Video - The Least of These

                                                                                

Making Disciples....

We had 6 children baptized tonight!  Glory to God!  That’s what it’s all about!  Seeing the children come to Christ and follow through with baptism, as they tell the world that they belong to Christ.  As Pastor Miguel and I talked to the kids before the baptism service, he asked them several questions to make sure they understood the significance of baptism.  I loved all of their answers, but my favorite was ‘to be an example to others, so they will want to come to know Christ also’. 

This past year we have placed our kids with short-term teams, as they went out and built churches, distributed food and invited people to church.  They also attend services out in the communities with our Tios and Pastor Miguel.  Through these trips outside, I have watched several of the kids transform as they reach out to their people with Christ’s love.   

As I see their hearts touching the hearts of the poor, lost and broken people of Honduras, I see God’s purpose flowing through them.   God knew when He picked out each one of these children, that HE had placed a special heart inside of them.  That heart grew along with each child and when the time is right for each of them, God will reveal Himself through them.  They will come to know, love and follow Him and take HIS love out into the world.

I have also, experienced the pain of letting go as some of our older children have moved out into the world and are making lives of their own away from Faith Home.  While we want to hold onto and protect them forever, we know that God has a greater purpose for them outside these walls.  I am so excited to see how each of them will carry God’s love out with them in their jobs and communities.  When I find myself worrying about their choices and paths, I am quickly reminded that God has His hand of protection and guidance on their lives. 

On July 20^th, an organization has strategically placed and equipped thousands of people to reach out and change the country of Honduras.  I can’t imagine what kind of planning went into this event.  I pray that there will be a radical change and thousands will come to know our Lord and Savior.    I think that our Faith Home children could be part of a greater movement some day.  God will strategically place them in the heart of cities and communities across Honduras and use them to reach this country for Christ.

Please continue to pray for the future of our children.  Pray that they will come to understand God’s purpose for their lives and accept His amazing love and salvation.

Thank you for your continued prayers and support and for being a part of God’s amazing ministry in Honduras.

 

God Bless,

Christina Massey, Director

Faith Home Ministries-Honduras

 

 

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”                                                                

                                                                                                                                     Matthew 28:19-20

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