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

Faith Home Update March 2013

The last few months have been filled with activity as the kids started back to school. We implemented our new homework / tutoring lab for the colegio kids. Mr. Eder, who used to teach in our Little Angels school, is helping the children to better understand their courses and have a structured time to complete their homework. After they finish with Mr. Eder, they go to computer lab, where Brayan helps them complete any computer homework or research.

We have also had numerous teams visit over the past few months, who have worked along side our older children to build churches, distribute food, visit other orphanages, and do construction projects at Faith Home. It has truly been a blessing to see how our kids come to life as the team members have invested their time and hearts in mentoring and teaching our kids.

It is amazing to watch the ministry of Faith Home come full circle as our children are growing up and actually becoming a part of God's plan for their country. Their heart to help those less fortunate is truly amazing. These hearts to help were put there by God as He set them apart to come to Faith Home and fulfill a special part of His plan.

I think a lot about the future of our Faith Home children. Will they ALL come to realize the fullness of God's love? Will they become part of God's amazing plan for their people? Will they be okay outside the safe, comfortable walls of Faith Home? The truth is, I don't know the answer to these and many more questions in my mind. But, I know that God is in control and He has his hand of protection upon this place and each and every child who has grown up here.

I ask that you pray with me for each and every child that has (and will) pass through the gates of Faith Home. Pray that they discover the fullness of a life that comes from allowing God to live in their hearts. Pray that they allow God to fulfill His good and perfect plan for them. Pray without ceasing....


Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.
Proverbs 22:6

 Click here for Pictures

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