FAITH HOME CHRISTMAS

What an amazing Christmas week! ¡Estoy lleno! I am full! Not of food, as I would be in the states, but of love and pride for these amazing children of Faith Home. God is not only transforming their hearts and lives, but using them to reach beyond our fences to the hearts of their people. Words can never fully explain the moments of this week in which God has given us a glimpse of Him in our children, but I will try to share a few.

 

We were blessed to have the first Faith Home Directors, David and Martha Kelle and their granddaughter Marissa with us this week as well as Missionary A.J. Ford, who took a break from language training in Guatemala. Some of the first children of Faith Home, who now live outside the gates, enjoyed a special Christmas Eve supper with David & Martha. The supper was followed by a concert in the Chapel, in which our children came to life in drama and song as they celebrated the birth of our Savior.

Christmas morning, everyone gathered in the Chapel for a drama and reading of the Birth of Christ, followed by opening their gifts. Everyone enjoyed Christmas lunch in the dining hall, including most of our children who have moved away from Faith Home. It was quite a homecoming!

We had the afternoon full of activity, as the children of each Casa came to A.J.'s house to hear Martha read a story and enjoy some delicious donuts. David and I spent most of the afternoon adjusting and repairing many of the 25 bikes the kids received for Christmas. That in itself, turned into quite a blessing as we visited and watched the boys take pride in learning how to work on the bikes themselves. Precious memories!

We spent the rest of the week visiting other orphanages and poor communities. The Faith Home kids shared their drama and reading of the Birth of Christ and distributed gifts to the other children. In some locations, they played soccer and other games with the children. 

At one of the orphanages, we took a few mowers and machetes. At first our boys weren't too excited to work, then I watched them come to life as they noticed an overgrown soccer field at the back of the property (past where I had asked them to mow). GianCarlo and Dixon told me. "we have to mow the soccer field too." I watched with pride as they notonly mowed the field, they taught the young boys of the orphanage how to do it also. They asked if we can return and do it again, and teach them how to play soccer....wow!

 

At each location we visited, I saw God moving through the hearts of many of our children as they went from standing with arms crossed, hesitant to help, to holding and playing with the children with smiles on their faces.

As we pulled away from one very poor orphanage, all of the children there were asking to go with us. Brayan said "we should all stay here and let them go".....the heart of Christ.

 

Yes, they truly were God's hands, feet and heart this week. We witnessed the true meaning of Christmas- sharing the greatest gift of all with others...the Love of Christ.

God Bless,
 

Christina Massey, Director

Faith Home Ministries

 

Let His Light Shine

For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,”  made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ. 
2 Corinthians 4:6 

Yesterday we had no power at Faith Home, so as it got close to dark the kids assumed that we would not have our normal Tuesday night church service.  Pastor Miguel came to my house to ask what I wanted to do.  Also at my house, were a few of our curious boys.  As we talked about it and searched for candles, I noticed that one particular young man seemed very excited to know that we might  go ahead and have church.  I mentioned to Pastor Miguel that it must be a miracle for this young man to WANT to go to church.  They all chuckled a little and then Pastor Miguel  began to talk to him about the decision we had all watched him struggling with.  He told him that he didn't have to be in church to accept Christ and God hears his prayers wherever he is.  I could almost see his thoughts, through the expression on his face as he said he was not ready.  I have to remind myself frequently 'In God's Timing'.    Earlier in the afternoon, I had sat at the picnic tables with several of the kids and they told me that at devotions that morning, they were thinking about wanting to accept Christ...but not ready yet.   One young man told me that he read the new Bible he received from a sponsor this week (that was a miracle too).  

It is a lot of work to keep up with the kids in the dark and set up enough candles to light the church, but I KNEW in my heart we needed to do it...so we did.  As we left to prepare the candles for church, I had a few tagalongs on my gator.  They yelled out across the campus as we drove, 'there is church' and all of the others came to join us.   Henry began to play the guitar and we sang "Spirit of God, Move in me", while the candles flickered from a gentle breeze.   There was just enough light to see the kids bodies and actions, but dark enough that they almost felt invisible.  I watched as some who normally are 'too cool' to clap and sing, joined in with enthusiasm.  The Chapel echoed their voices better than any sound system I have ever heard.  As we prayed, I thanked God for this moment in which I KNEW He was again speaking to hearts.   Pastor Miguel talked about 'being ready' and the events of the day.  He told them we didn't need lights, or sound or even a building to worship God or accept Him in our hearts.  The kids were surprisingly quiet and I could tell they were listening.  Just as he started to wrap up and invite them to make a decision, the lights came on.  The kids went into a flurry of excitement and chatter and I felt disappointed that their focus...the moment was lost.  No decisions, at least publicly for now, but I know God is stirring their hearts and minds and I can't wait to see and be able to tell...the rest of the story.

Keep praying.....

God Bless,

Christina Massey, Director

Faith Home Ministries -Honduras

Apartado 3946 San Pedro Sula Honduras faithhome.honduras@gmail.com www.faithhome.net

MOUNTAINS & VALLEYS

It seems at times that we may never make it to the top of the mountain, but once we do and look at the valley below we realize just how far we have come.  Each morning as I pray over the children in the valley below, I marvel at God's majesty in the sun rising over the beautiful mountain view.  

Just a few short weeks ago, we saw God move through the campus of Faith Home and change the hearts and lives of several of our children.  But just as strong as God's spirit is in some, the opposite has been true for others.  I could see and feel the struggles in their hearts and behavior as God was calling them to Him and they resisted His call.  Tonight some of them surrendered to that call.  As youth service started and we began to pray, I could feel the Spirit of God sweep through the chapel like a breeze of fresh air.  Mauricio led the praise band as everyone joined in to sing God's praises.  While Henry preached, the kids were searching through God's Word, as His truth was revealed to their hearts.  As we began to close in prayer, Miriam came forward to make a commitment to Christ, then Estefany Melgar, Nelson Bonilla and Isabel Bonilla.  Several others knelt in prayer, seeking God as we continued to pray and sing for almost an hour while God's Spirit comforted and penetrated hearts.  

When the service ended and I looked at those in front, I felt like I was on top of a mountain looking back at the countless hours people have spent in prayer for these children as they climbed out of their valleys.  Yes, I know there will be more valleys ahead, as we continue to pray with heavy hearts for some of our children, but there will also be mountain views. The faces of these children with their faces glowing, was just as beautiful as my morning sunrise view.  A powerful reminder to continue praying, continue loving....continue climbing.

 

Christina Massey, Director

Faith Home Ministries 

Apartado 3946

San Pedro Sula Honduras

www.faithhome.net 

faithhome.honduras@gmail.com

 

THE CONTAINER HAS ARRIVED!

 

We received the container late yesterday afternoon and had to unload quickly as it was getting dark. All of the boys jumped in to help and formed an assembly line to move the boxes into the storage container, to be sorted through later. Everyone was full of smiles and laughter as they worked. A priceless moment was when a box of socks and boys boxers came open and all the boys let out a shout of joy....it's the little things that excite us here. :-)

THANK YOU TO ALL WHO SUPPORT FAITH HOME MINISTRY!

You are an essential part of a ministry that encourages children to be God's Hands, Feet & Heart to the country of Honduras. The container is very important to the ministry here at Faith Home. Not only the items that you send, but the testimony of giving out of your love for the children. They see things coming off of the container and know that they came from people in the United States who love them. Thank you for making a difference in the life of these children, this ministry and this country...for Christ.

God Bless,
Christina Massey, Director
Faith Home Ministries -Honduras

Apartado 3946 San Pedro Sula Honduras faithhome.honduras@gmail.com www.faithhome.net

A Different kind of Thanksgiving Delivery

For the past twelve years I have been blessed to spend my Thanksgivings preparing and delivering meals to those who couldn't get out or have anyone to share Thanksgiving with.  I was always accompanied by amazing friends and church family.  After the deliveries, my family had Thanksgiving Dinner and spent the rest of the day visiting and making memories.  

Early this week I began to think about Thanksgiving and how much I would miss the deliveries, my family, church and friends.  Then I began to think about all of the people here in Honduras who needed food and a touch from someone who cares.  They may not celebrate Thanksgiving here, but we could still deliver food.

Some of the Faith Home kids came together to pack bags of beans and rice and other ingredients to distribute to families in a needy community La Bomba.  

 

As we hiked up the 'million' stairs to the top, multiple times, with our bags, I heard everyone struggling to breathe but still climbing to reach the top.  They helped and encouraged each other until finally we had all the bags up there.  

 

Maria gathered everyone in a circle, and our Faith Home kids held hands with the children from La Bomba as they shared what they were Thankful for.  My heart was full as I watched our kids take the hands of kids less fortunate than them.  They showed God's love to the children of La Bomba and I'm pretty sure God showed His love to them as well.

When I was asked to say a few words, I shared my heart.  I explained about our North American tradition of Thanksgiving and that even though I miss my family and friends, I am thankful for those that stood in that circle.  I am thankful for this day in which God showed me how to have....a different kind of Thanksgiving delivery.  

Lake Yajoa

 

We had 28 of our older Faith Home children complete the first section of a series of Bible Studies over the past few months. They were dedicated to attend every Sunday Morning and passed the test showing that they understood the study.  As a reward we took them to a Lake Yajoa, about two hours from Faith Home.  We had a great bus ride, as Pastor Marcos from La Sabana drove while we enjoyed the scenery.





We visited a resort area first and the kids saw the boats and wanted to ride, but it was very expensive, so we just walked around and enjoyed the sights.  It was a great time exploring and crossing the swinging bridge.

When we went back into town to eat later, we found out that the restaurant had a small boat that they would take us out in for a small price...so we went.  Eight at a time, we rode out in the small hand made boat and viewed the lake and the fishing nets.  The water was choppy and the wind was cold, but everyone had a great time!  We enjoyed the meal of fish and tajadas on the top balcony of a beautiful 4 story building.  It was a great day and everyone enjoyed getting to see another part of Honduras away from Faith Home.  

We started the 2nd section of the Bible Study last week. Odalin operates the computer as we project the scripture and questions on the wall while Pastor Miguel teaches.  So proud of these kids who are eager to learn more and study their Bibles diligently.   




Link to more photos on Facebook

Maria Isabel Update

Maria Isabel is scheduled at the top of the list for the heart surgery team returning to Honduras on January 8th. We had hoped to find a way to get her to the states and have the surgery sooner, but the visa process will take longer than our January appointment. Maria Isabel is still weak, but she is holding on with hope as she awaits her operation. We are leaving these next few months in God's very capable hands.

Brayan and I went to take more food and visit Maria Isabel and her family Friday and received a very warm welcome. Well, my truck & Brayan did anyway. As soon as she saw Brayan she almost leaped from her mom into his arms. She started pointing to my truck and telling Brayan that she wanted to go with us. They said she got excited the minute she saw the red truck coming. She recognized the truck that had taken her to the doctors who spoke of healing. It brought people who loved and cared for her. It brought food and supplies to her. But most of all...to her, it brought hope.

As we sat under the metal roof in the middle of their tropical jungle-like home, I absorbed the surroundings while watching the love flow from Brayan's heart to Maria Isabel's. If his love could fix her heart, she would be perfect.

Something happened in those moments as Brayan held Maria Isabel in his arms that is almost unexplainable. As I watched Brayan interacting with the family, I saw not our young boy who we watched grow up at Faith Home, but a grown man doing what he was made to do...letting God flow through him. I saw God's arms surrounding Maria Isabel and giving her peace and love. I heard God's voice speaking words of hope and comfort to the parents as he explained the plan for surgery in January and that many people in the United States were praying for her. I saw God revealing Himself to Brayan as he became God's hands, feet & heart to Maria Isabel and her family.

As we drove the long road back to the highway, we sat in silence for a while, each absorbed in our own thoughts for what we had seen and felt. When the silence broke, we talked about God's purpose for Maria Isabel, even if her life is short. The lives she has touched and changed will continue to help her and others like her. Only by the grace of God were each of us born where we were and and blessed so that we can bless others. Even those at Faith Home were chosen by God for a purpose. They were rescued out of circumstances similar to those living in the jungle of El Banano...for a purpose. I thank God for Brayan and the other children & young adults of Faith Home and pray that they continue to find their purpose as they reach out to the world around them with God's love.

Maria's brothers & sisters                                                                      Their kitchen